A leave of absence does not automatically cancel a visa, but it does change the basis of your stay. Korean immigration expects leave periods to be reported and supported by your university's records. If the leave becomes too long or your enrollment status becomes unclear, your next extension can be refused.
검토 기준
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). License No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Korean Administrative Agents Association). Reviewed against the HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 and cross-checked with Ministry of Justice issuances.
최종 검토일
2026년 4월 22일
출처 기준
Issuance-manual sections covering D-2 student visa issuance, consular review, and TB-related entry screening.
Stay-manual sections covering D-2 extension, leave of absence, school transfer, reporting duties, and part-time work permission.
신청 전 주의사항
Requirements can change by nationality, local immigration office, and filing channel. Confirm exact requirements with HiKorea, the responsible Korean consulate, or a licensed immigration specialist before filing.
Official university-approved leave is generally compatible with status for a limited period. Common valid reasons include:
The key point is that the leave must be formal. An informal break from classes is not the same as a recognized leave of absence.
You should report the leave to immigration once it is formally approved by your university. Keep the university's leave approval certificate and updated enrollment status documents. Immigration may ask for:
If your leave changes your expected graduation timeline, that will matter at your next extension review.
In practice, a limited leave period is often tolerated, but long or repeated leave periods create risk. A leave around 1 year is typically the upper edge of what immigration will tolerate without expecting a different status or departure. Much depends on the school record, the reason for leave, and whether you can show you will genuinely resume study.
A leave of absence is not a way to free up time for work. Your part-time work permissions are tied to your student status and school compliance. During leave, immigration can conclude that your study purpose has paused, which makes side jobs especially risky. If you work without clear authorization while on leave, that can damage both your next extension and any later or application.
Get the leave approved by the university first, then report it to immigration promptly.
Keep evidence of why the leave was necessary, especially for medical or family cases.
Do not assume a long leave preserves your right to work part-time in Korea.
도움이 필요하신가요?
저희 전문가들은 what if i take a leave of absence on a d-2 visa in korea? 사례를 정기적으로 처리하며 한국 출입국관리소가 요구하는 사항을 정확히 알고 있습니다.
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용어가 생소하신가요?
Can I stay in Korea during a leave of absence on D-2?
Usually yes for a limited period if the leave is formally approved and properly reported, but long leaves create extension risk and may require a different plan.
Can I work part-time while I am on leave?
You should assume no unless immigration or your university documentation clearly supports it. Leave status weakens the academic basis for student work permission.
What if my leave lasts longer than expected?
Once the leave becomes prolonged, immigration may expect you to depart Korea or change strategy rather than continue relying on indefinitely.
자격 확인 및 리뷰
Mr. Visa Korea에 등록된 모든 전문가는 한국에 등록된 공인 출입국행정사입니다.
전문가 보기작성자 James Chae — 엑스퍼트 사피엔스 공동창업자
플랫폼 전문 분야: 출입국 컨설팅 및 비자 서비스 · 검토됨 4월 2026