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The Complete Guide to the D-10 Job Seeker Visa: Essential Guide to Successful Post-Graduation Employment (January 2026)

Hello! This is Jobploy, your specialized foreign recruitment partner.

For international students who are planning to start their careers after graduating from a Korean university, or for professionals (E-1~E-7) preparing to move to a better environment, the D-10 (job seeking visa) is the most important stepping stone.

In particular, the significantly revised guidelines, which took effect on October 30, 2025, have expanded internship periods and relaxed part-time job regulations, providing increased benefits for foreign talent. Jobploy provides the most accurate and reliable information, compiled from government-issued data, in an easy-to-understand format!




What is a D-10 job seeker visa?

This visa is granted to foreigners who seek employment or complete internship training in professional fields (E-1 to E-7).

Main Scope of Activities (Revised on October 30, 2025)

  • Job Search: Preparing for a Professional Position (All D-10 Holders)
  • Internship: Up to one year is allowed within the same company, and the total cumulative period limit has been abolished.
  • Part-time work: Available with a permit for activities outside of your residency status, with unlimited work on weekends and public holidays (excluding manual labor).

E-6-2 Performers in entertainment establishments are excluded, and those in simple labor positions (manufacturing, construction, etc.) are not eligible for internships.



D-10 Job Seeker Visa Types

type Target Period of stay
D-10-1 General job seekers (point system) Up to 3 years
D-10-2 Technology startup preparation Up to 3 years
D-10-3 High-Tech Intern Up to 3 years
D-10-T Recruiting top talent Up to 3 years



D-10-1 Score Table

D-10-1 is a point-based visa, and only those with a minimum of 20 points in the basic items and a total score of 60 points out of a total of 190 points are permitted.

Basic items
item standard Distribution of points
years 20~24 years old 10 points
25~29 years old 15 points
30~34 years old 20 points
35~39 years old 15 points
40-49 years old 5 points
Highest level of education Associate degree from a domestic university 15 points
bachelor's degree 15 points
master 20 points
doctor 30 points
Optional
item standard Distribution of points
Employment experience 1-2 years domestically, 3-4 years abroad 5 points
3-4 years domestically, 5-6 years abroad 10 points
More than 5 years in Korea, more than 7 years abroad 15 points
Studying abroad in Korea Associate degree (within 3 years of graduation) 5(30) points
Bachelor's degree (within 3 years of graduation) 10(30) points
Master's degree (within 3 years of graduation) 15 (30) points
PhD (within 3 years of graduation) 20 (30) points
Domestic training 12-18 months for university research students, exchange students, public and private institution training 3 points
University research student, exchange student, public institution training, private institution training for 19 months or more 5 points
Language training for 12 months or more 3 points
Korean language proficiency Equivalent to TOPIK/KIIP Level 5 20 points
Equivalent to TOPIK/KIIP Level 4 15 points
Equivalent to TOPIK/KIIP Level 3 10 points
Equivalent to TOPIK/KIIP Level 2 5 points
Store
item Distribution of points
Heads of central administrative agencies and overseas diplomatic missions recommend issuing job-seeking visas. 20 points

Graduates from the world's top universities (THE Top 200, QS Top 500), and graduates from local universities ranked within the top 1,000 in QS Asia in the science and engineering fields

  • Countries ranked within the top 1,000 of the Asia 50 QS (Vietnam, China, Thailand, Japan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines)
20 points
Experience working for a global company (Pocheon 500) 20 points
Holders of a bachelor's degree in science or engineering (including domestic associate's degree) 5 points
High-income ($50,000) professional career experience 5 points
Point deduction
item standard Distribution of points
Violation of the Immigration Control Act Fine of 3 million won or more -30 points
Fine of 1 million won to less than 3 million won -10 points
Fine of 500,000 won to less than 1 million won -5 points
criminal punishment Fine of 3 million won or more -30 points
Fine of 1 million won to less than 3 million won -10 points
Fine of 500,000 won to less than 1 million won -5 points





Change from D-2 (international student) to D-10

This is the most common type of application from domestic university graduates (or those expected to graduate).

The most commonly applied D-10-1 visa is a points-based visa, requiring you to meet the criteria in the points table below, but there are some exemptions.


Application Qualifications and Special Cases

  • Basic requirements: Applicants must have obtained an associate's degree or higher from a domestic university (within 3 years of graduation, and must not have any record of violating the Immigration Control Act).
  • Points system exemption (granted for the first year):
    1. If you are changing to D-10-1 for the first time after graduating from a domestic university
    2. Those with excellent Korean language skills
      1. Applicants who have graduated within 3 years + passed TOPIK level 4 or higher or KIIP level 4 midterm evaluation
  • Point System Applicable Subjects: If you are not exempted from the above, you must score at least 60 points out of a total of 190 points (20 points for basic items required).
  • Application period: Before graduation (possible with expected certificate) or within 15 days after graduation is recommended


Submission documents

  • Common: Integrated application form, passport or alien registration card, photo, graduation (expected) certificate, transcript, fee of 100,000 won
  • Additional: Language proficiency test score report (for those eligible for TOPIK or social integration program special treatment), job search plan, proof of residence expenses (exempt when changing from D-2 to D-10 for the first time)






Change from E-7 (Professional) to D-10

This is when you change to a job-seeking visa due to circumstances such as a change of job, closure of the previous company, or financial difficulties.

However, please be careful as frequent job changes or job changes based on the applicant's own wishes may result in rejection during the screening process.

  • Benefits: E-1 to E-7 visa holders are exempt from the points system for initial changes. However, the points system applies when extending the period of stay, so please check the points requirements before extending your stay.
  • Note: There has been a recent increase in E-7 → D-10 refusals. If you fall into any of the following categories, your application may be rejected.
    • Those who have held D-10 for more than 6 months within the past year
    • There have been three or more changes to the D-10 visa in the past three years.
    • E-7 period of stay less than 3 months
    • Voluntary resignation without a resignation consent form


Submission documents

  • Common: Integrated application form, passport or alien registration card, photo, final academic transcript (degree certificate), transcript, fee of 100,000 won
  • Proof of resignation: one of the following: resignation certificate, employment contract termination certificate, transfer consent form, or business closure certificate
  • Additional documents: Job search plan (plan for the next 6 months), proof of living expenses (exempt when changing from E-7 to D-10 for the first time)




D-10 Intern and Part-time Work Regulations

Internship activities

  • Conditions: D-10-1 General job seekers only
  • Restrictions: Up to 1 year of employment at the same company
  • Must report to the competent immigration office within 15 days of commencement

Part-time job activities

  • You must obtain a permit for activities other than the residence permit.
  • Available working hours
    • Weekdays: 20 hours for general use / 30 hours for those with excellent Korean skills (level 5 or higher)
    • Weekends: Unlimited work hours without time restrictions



D-10 Visa Duration of Stay and Extension

The period of stay granted for the D-10 visa varies depending on the type of visa obtained.

  • D-2 → D-10 Initial change: 6 months to 1 year
  • E-7 → D-10 change: 6 months
  • Point system applied: 6 months / 1 year (depending on score)
  • Workers in certain occupations: 6 months (extendable)

Extension is also possible, but there is a limit to the period of stay, so please check carefully for the entire D-10 period.

  • Domestic university graduates: up to 3 years
  • Foreign university graduates: up to 3 years
    • Graduates of overseas universities under 29 years of age, with a bachelor's degree or higher ranked within the top 200 of the World University Rankings (THE, QS), or a Korean studies-related major with a TOPIK level 6
  • Professional (E-1 ~ E-7) work experience: Up to 1 year


Extension application period

  • From 4 months before the expiration date of the period of stay until the expiration date


Documents required for extension

  • Integrated application form
  • Passport and alien registration card
  • 1 standard size photo
  • Job Search Plan (Job Search History for the Past 6 Months + Future Plans)
  • Proof of residence expenses (bank statement)
    • Minimum standard: KRW 900,000 per month × length of stay (e.g. 6 months = KRW 5.4 million)
  • Documents proving scores when the point system is applied


Note: Your extension may be denied if your job search history is insufficient or if unreported income is found in your bank account.



The D-10 visa isn't just a means to stay in Korea; it's a valuable opportunity to pursue your dreams and pursue professional employment. We hope you'll take advantage of the revised regulations to secure stable employment while pursuing internships and part-time jobs. If you're experiencing difficulties with visa changes or document preparation, Jobploy is always your reliable partner!



2026 visa D10 visa revision D10 D10 Internship D10 part-time job

Jobploy Team Manager

I am a dedicated recruitment manager at Jobploy.