How to Stay in Korea After Graduation on a D-2 Visa
Graduation does not automatically end your Korea stay, but it does start a timing problem. Your D-2 visa was issued for study, not post-graduation job searching. If you want to remain in Korea, the key is to move to the right next status before your D-2 expires and before there is any gap between graduation, job search, and immigration filing.
作者 James Chae — Expert Sapiens联合创始人
平台专业领域： 移民咨询与签证服务 · 已审阅 七月 2026
审核与来源依据
审核依据
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). 执照编号 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회（韩国行政士协会）。已根据 HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 审核，并与法务部发布内容交叉核对。
最近审核日期
2026年7月14日
来源依据
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.
申请前注意事项
要求可能因国籍、管辖出入境事务所及申请渠道而变化。提交前，请向 HiKorea、负责的韩国领事馆或持牌移民专业人士确认准确要求。
The two main post-graduation paths
Most graduates use one of two routes:
- D-2 to D-10 job seeker: the normal path if you need time to find work
- D-2 to E-7 directly: possible if you already have a qualifying job offer and the employer is ready to sponsor you
The best route depends on timing, employer readiness, and whether your degree matches the occupation you want to enter.
When D-10 is the safer choice
D-10 is usually safer if you are still interviewing, negotiating, or waiting for graduation documents. It gives you a legal bridge between student life and employment. First-time D-2 graduates often have a more favorable D-10 entry path than general outside applicants, but you still need to apply while your current stay remains valid.
When direct E-7 can work
Direct D-2 to E-7 is viable when:
- You already have the job offer
- The role matches an approved E-7 occupation code
- Your degree or background fits that occupation
- The employer can prepare the sponsorship documents quickly
- Your D-2 remains valid during filing
If any of those pieces are missing, D-10 is often the more realistic bridge.
The biggest mistakes after graduation
The most common avoidable errors are:
- Waiting until the last week before D-2 expiry
- Assuming graduation itself grants extra time to stay
- Traveling abroad while a status-change application is pending
- Accepting work before the new status is approved
- Using a job offer that does not actually fit an E-7 occupation code
Graduation season creates a filing rush. Build your immigration timeline before your final semester ends.
행정사的建议
Start the post-graduation visa plan in your final semester, not after commencement.
If the employer is not ready, use D-10 rather than gambling on a late E-7 filing.
Match your degree and job description carefully before assuming E-7 is available.
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签证流程
外国人登录证 (ARC / 외국인등록증)
外国人登录证（ARC）是韩国向在韩停留91天及以上的外国人发放的官方身份证件。办理银行开户、手机签约和使用大多数公共服务时均需出示此证。
签证流程
HiKorea（하이코리아）
HiKorea（www.hikorea.go.kr）使用指南 — 在线申请签证延期、体留资格变更、外国人登录证续签的方法。处理时间：3-10个工作日。
签证流程
签证延期（체류기간 연장）
签证延期——韩国出入境法中正式称为"停留期间延长"（체류기간 연장）——允许外国人在当前签证或外国人登录证到期后继续合法留在韩国，无需出境。
签证流程
体留资格变更（체류자격 변경）
体留资格变更允许已在韩国的外国人在不出境的情况下从一种签证类别转换为另一种——例如，毕业并就业后从D-2留学签证变更为E-7特定活动签证。
常见问题
Can I stay in Korea just because I graduated from a Korean university?
Not by itself. Graduation helps open routes like D-10 and E-7, but you still need to apply for a valid next status.
Do I need my final diploma to apply for D-10?
Usually a graduation certificate or expected graduation proof is enough, depending on timing. Do not wait unnecessarily if your D-2 is close to expiry.
Can I start working while my D-10 or E-7 is still under review?
No. You should wait until you have the correct authorized status or explicit work authorization for the new activity.