D-10-3 (Specialized Job Seeker) Korea Visa Guide | 2026

1. What D-10-3 Is

D-10-3 is a preparatory transition status under D-10 with pathway-specific evidentiary expectations, distinct from D-10-1 and D-10-2.

2. Eligibility Checklist

• Applicant fits current D-10-3 pathway definition.
• Specialized transition rationale is documented and coherent.
• Stay funding and period request are supportable.
• No unresolved compliance issues block review.
• Application package aligns with latest sub-path guidance.

3. Criteria Summary

• D-10-3 is not a points-visa category.
• Review emphasizes pathway fit and documentary coherence.
• Specialized transition logic must be explicit and evidence-backed.
• Ambiguous pathway selection can lead to refusal or supplementation.

4. Salary and Contract Rules

• D-10-3 does not require an active employment contract at filing.
• No fixed E-series salary threshold applies at preparatory stage.
• Any attached offer or plan documents should stay internally consistent.
• Destination status change later requires full destination criteria.

5. Employer and Workplace Change Rules

• D-10-3 is not a standard employer-sponsored status.
• Permitted activity scope remains limited to authorized preparation context.
• Unauthorized work can negatively affect later transitions.
• Keep reporting and activity history clean and consistent.

6. Required Documents

• Application form, passport, ARC (if applicable), photo, and fee proof.
• Pathway-specific background and transition-supporting evidence.
• Financial support records for requested period.
• Status-history records and any required declarations.
• Additional office-requested case documents.

7. Fees and Processing

• Fees follow current manual schedules for D-10 handling.
• Processing timeline varies by office and case complexity.
• Supplement rounds are common if pathway fit is unclear.
• Submit early and avoid last-minute expiry risk.

8. Common Rejection Reasons

• Pathway does not satisfy D-10-3 conditions.
• Transition rationale is unclear or weakly evidenced.
• Financial/stay evidence is insufficient.
• Prior compliance issues remain unresolved.
• Core filing records conflict or are incomplete.

9. FAQ