D-10 Job Seeker Visa Korea 2026: Complete Guide for International Graduates
You spent years studying in Korea, and now graduation day has arrived. But the job you were hoping for isn't lined up yet — and your D-2 student visa won't last much longer. What do you do?
The answer is the D-10 Job Seeker Visa (구직비자). This guide walks you through everything you need to know in 2026: what it is, who qualifies, how to apply, and what you can (and cannot) do while you hold it.
What Is the D-10 Visa?
The D-10 is a Korean residence status that allows foreigners to remain in the country while searching for employment in a professional field — specifically jobs that would qualify for E-1 through E-7 work visa categories. It comes in four tracks:
- D-10-1: General job seeking (point-based system)
- D-10-2: Tech startup preparation
- D-10-3: Advanced technology internship
- D-10-T: Recruitment of outstanding talent
Most international graduates from Korean universities will apply under D-10-1.
The Points Exemption: A Major Advantage for Korean Graduates
Normally, D-10-1 applicants must score at least 60 points out of 190 on an evaluation table that factors in age, education, work experience, and Korean language ability. However, if you meet all three of the following conditions, the points requirement is waived entirely:
- You graduated from an accredited Korean university with an associate degree or higher
- This is your first time applying for D-10 status
- You apply within one year of graduation
Under the 2026 framework, this points-exempt track also removes the financial proof requirement — meaning you do not need to show a frozen bank balance or living expense documentation for your initial application.
Step-by-Step: Changing from D-2 to D-10
Step 1: Timing
You can apply starting four months before your D-2 visa expires and up to the expiration date. Even if your D-2 still has time remaining after graduation, it is best to file the D-10 change before the visa runs out.
Step 2: Documents Required
You will need: Integrated Application Form, Passport (original), Alien Registration Card (ARC), graduation certificate or diploma, job search activity plan, proof of residence, and application fees (KRW 100,000 for status change + KRW 30,000 for ARC reissuance). Applicants from tuberculosis high-risk countries must also provide a TB diagnosis certificate.
Step 3: How to Apply in 2026
Since April 2026, documents can be submitted online through the HiKorea platform or its mobile app, reducing the need to visit an immigration office in person during the busy graduation season. Note that some supplementary documents may still require an in-person visit — confirm the requirements beforehand.
Duration of Stay and Extensions
- Initial grant: 1 year
- Maximum total: 3 years
- Extension requirements: 60+ points on the scoring table, evidence of job-seeking activities, and a monthly bank balance of at least KRW 900,000
For renewals, TOPIK Level 4 or higher (or Social Integration Program intermediate level pass) is strongly recommended.
Part-Time Work and Internships on D-10
Part-time work
- Default allowance: 20 hours per week (unlimited on weekends and public holidays)
- With TOPIK Level 5+ or Social Integration Program completion: 30 hours per week (unlimited on weekends)
Internships
- Up to 1 year per company, with no cumulative cap across multiple employers
- Minimum wage payment is mandatory
- Must register the internship at the immigration office within 14 days of starting
- Unregistered internship = illegal employment, leading to fines and potential visa cancellation
Prohibited sectors: Manufacturing, construction, and English kindergartens
Important Warnings
- If you were fined KRW 400,000 or more for unauthorized employment in the past, you are ineligible for D-10.
- Immigration law violations can reduce your score by up to 60 points in the evaluation table; four or more violations disqualify you entirely.
- Once you receive a job offer and your employment begins, you must immediately change to the appropriate work visa (such as E-7). Working full-time on a D-10 visa is illegal.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Time on D-10
The D-10 Job Seeker Visa is not a fallback plan — it is a bridge that gives you the time and legal standing to pursue the right opportunity in Korea. With the 2026 procedural updates making the application more accessible than ever, there has never been a better time to make the transition from student to professional.
If you need guidance on documents, points scoring, or which visa track fits your situation, DODREAM is here to help.
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