If you are an international student who completed a degree in Korea and wants to move straight into employment, there is a visa transition process you absolutely need to know. Switching from D-2 (Study) or D-4 (Language Training) status to an E-7 (Specific Activities) work visa is not just one route — there are three distinct pathways. And as of October 2025, the D-10 job-seeker visa system was significantly overhauled, extending the maximum stay to 3 years. This post covers every requirement and practical step for each pathway according to the latest 2026 standards.
Whether you are approaching graduation, already holding D-10 status, or an international student weighing your options for working in Korea, this guide is written to be as concrete and actionable as possible. Read on for E-7 salary requirements by category and the latest K-STAR track expansion news.
Key Summary
- 3 E-7 transition pathways: Direct (while enrolled) · Via D-10 · Re-entry from home country
- D-10 job-seeker visa: October 2025 revision → maximum stay of 3 years, single grant up to 1 year
- 2026 E-7 salary requirements: Skilled professionals KRW 31,120,000/year, semi-skilled/general workers KRW 25,890,000/year
- K-STAR track (F-2-7S): expanded to 32 universities in 2026 — STEM master's/doctoral graduates can transition to F-2 without a job offer
- Status change application fee: KRW 130,000; filing window opens 4 months before expiry
3 Pathways from D-2/D-4 Graduation to E-7
International students who have graduated from a Korean university or language institute can transition to an E-7 work visa through three main routes depending on their circumstances. Understanding the conditions, timeline, and trade-offs of each route is the first step to building the right strategy.
| Pathway | When It Applies | Timeline | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| ① Direct Transition (While Enrolled) | Employment confirmed before graduation | Review: 2–6 weeks | Seamless E-7 transition with no gap |
| ② Via D-10 | Job search needed after graduation | D-10: up to 3 years | Stay in Korea and job search |
| ③ Re-entry After Returning Home | Stay expired or have returned home | Local review: 2–8 weeks | Possible even after visa expiry |
If you already have a job offer before graduation, direct transition is the fastest and most straightforward option. If you are still looking, the D-10 route lets you remain in Korea and search at a relaxed pace — and the October 2025 revision has extended that window to a maximum of 3 years. If you have already returned home, choose the re-entry pathway.
Pathway ① Direct D-2/D-4 to E-7 Transition While Enrolled
This is the ideal scenario. If you finalize an employment contract before graduation, you can apply to change your status directly from D-2 or D-4 to E-7. Prepare your integrated application form, employment contract, expected graduation certificate, business registration certificate, and reason for employment letter, then apply at the Immigration Office (출입국관리사무소) or online at HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr). The status change fee is KRW 130,000, and review typically takes 2–6 weeks. During graduation peak seasons (February–March and August–September) delays are common, so start coordinating with your employer at least 4 months in advance.
Pathway ③ Applying at Your Home Country Korean Embassy
If your Korean stay has already expired or you have had to return home, you can apply for an E-7 visa at the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. The required documents are nearly identical to domestic applications, but local review periods (2–8 weeks) and any additional embassy-specific requirements may vary — check the relevant embassy website in advance.
D-10 Job-Seeker Visa — October 2025 Revision Detailed Guide
The D-10 job-seeker visa allows international students who have completed a degree to remain in Korea and continue their job search. The Ministry of Justice revision effective October 29, 2025 brought major improvements to the program, significantly extending the time available for job preparation.
D-10 Key Changes — October 2025
- Single-stay period: extended from 6 months to a maximum of 1 year (halving required Immigration Office visits)
- Total maximum stay: extended from 2 years to 3 years
- Permitted internship period (same employer): extended from 6 months to 12 months
- Part-time work: permitted up to 25 hours per week (if conditions are met)
* Some exceptions apply, e.g. transitions from E-1 through E-7 professional visas to D-10. Always verify the latest notice at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr).
To apply for D-10 status, you must satisfy the point system: a total score of at least 60 points out of 190, including a minimum of 20 points from the basic criteria. Academic background, age, and Korean language ability make up the basic score. Additional points are granted for master's/doctoral degrees, high TOPIK scores, and graduation from designated excellent universities.
Important: D-10 Internship Notification Requirements
Once you start an internship, you must notify Immigration within 14 days. Unreported internship income is treated as illegal employment and can lead to D-10 cancellation, fines, and forced deportation. Notification can be done online through HiKorea or in person at the Immigration Office.
2026 E-7 Transition Requirements — Academic Relevance and Salary Thresholds
Whether you found a job during D-10 status or secured employment while still enrolled, transitioning to E-7 requires meeting two core requirements: academic/major relevance and salary requirements.
Academic Background and Job Relevance
The E-7 visa assumes that a foreign professional will be employed in a specific role. The employer's industry and job duties must be relevant to the foreign national's educational background, major, and work experience, and a reason for employment letter articulating that relevance is central to the review. For example, an electrical engineering graduate working in semiconductor design has obvious relevance; transitioning to a completely unrelated field requires additional explanation and proof of experience.
2026 E-7 Minimum Salary Requirements (February 1 – December 31, 2026 — Ministry of Justice Notice No. 2025-406)
| Category | Representative Occupations | Minimum Annual Salary | Change vs. Prior Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-7-1 Skilled Professionals | IT, marketing, trade, research | KRW 31,120,000 | +KRW 2,450,000 |
| E-7-2 Semi-Skilled Professionals | Medical coordinators, hotel staff | KRW 25,890,000 | +KRW 740,000 |
| E-7-3 General Skilled Workers | Welding, painting, skilled trades | KRW 25,890,000 | +KRW 740,000 |
| E-7-4 Experienced Skilled Workers | Specialized manufacturing and technical fields | KRW 26,000,000 | Separate notice |
If the salary in the employment contract falls below these thresholds, the E-7 visa will not be issued. Salary requirements change annually, so always check the latest notice when negotiating your offer. Also clarify with HR whether tax-exempt allowances (meals, transportation, etc.) are included in the stated salary.
Note on Status Change Fees
The fee for a status change (e.g., D-10 to E-7) is KRW 130,000. Do not confuse this with the E-7 stay extension fee (KRW 60,000). These are entirely different procedures with different fees.
K-STAR Track — A Fast Residence Visa Route for STEM Master's and Doctoral Graduates
If you have earned a master's or doctoral degree in a STEM field, there is a faster route available: the F-2-7S (K-STAR visa track). This is a special government program supporting the settlement of outstanding STEM talent in Korea, and in 2026 the number of participating universities expanded from 5 to 32.
K-STAR Track Key Benefits (F-2-7S)
- Transition directly from D-2 to F-2 Residence Visa without a confirmed job offer
- F-5 Permanent Residency timeline: reduced from the typical 6 years to 3 years
- Spouses and minor children also gain free employment rights
- Exempt from the general F-2-7 point system — university president's recommendation applies instead
- Initial F-2 stay of 2 years, extendable up to 5 years
- 2026 participating universities (32 total): includes Seoul National University, KAIST, POSTECH, Yonsei University, Korea University, Sungkyunkwan University, and Hanyang University
K-STAR track eligibility requires that you are a foreign international student who has completed (or will complete) a STEM master's or doctoral degree at a designated university, with a university president's recommendation. Final-year students should contact their International Office well before graduation to inquire about the K-STAR recommendation process. Students in humanities, social sciences, or arts, or at non-designated universities, should follow the standard D-10 to E-7 pathway.
Step-by-Step Status Change Procedure
The following steps describe the most common route: D-10 transition followed by E-7 status change.
Before Graduation — Choose a Pathway and Begin Employment Activities
Decide whether you can secure employment before graduation. If not, set a D-10 application timeline. Since status change applications can be filed 4 months before expiry, you should have a direction decided 2–3 months before graduation.
Apply for D-10 Status Change
Apply at HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) or the Immigration Office (출입국관리사무소). Prepare a job-search activity plan, degree certificate, financial proof, and point-system documents. You must meet a minimum of 60 points total (at least 20 basic-criteria points).
Job Search and Internship Activities During D-10 Status
Notify Immigration within 14 days of starting an internship. The October 2025 revision permits a maximum of 12 months of internship with the same employer. Part-time work up to 25 hours per week is also allowed (if conditions are met). Unauthorized employment risks visa cancellation.
Confirm Employment Contract → Prepare E-7 Documents
The contract must state salary (verify it meets 2026 minimums), job title, and start date. Also prepare company documents: business registration certificate, corporate registry extract, and reason for employment letter (including major/career relevance).
File E-7 Status Change Application
Apply at the Immigration Office in person or via HiKorea online. Fee: KRW 130,000. Review period: 2–6 weeks. After approval, your Alien Registration Card (ARC) will be reissued.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Does my stay need to be active to transition to D-10?
Yes — you must apply for D-10 before your existing D-2 or D-4 stay expires. Overstay creates disadvantages for any future visa applications. Complete your application at least 1 month before expiry.
Q2. How long can I stay after getting an E-7 visa?
E-7 visas are granted for 1 to 3 years, depending on your employment contract and review outcome. The extension fee is KRW 60,000. Long-term employment opens pathways to F-2 (Residence) and F-5 (Permanent Residency) visas.
Q3. Can I work part-time during D-10 status?
After the October 2025 revision, part-time work up to 25 hours per week is allowed if conditions are met. Formal employment is still prohibited, and internships require notification within 14 days of starting.
Q4. How do I apply for the K-STAR track?
First contact your university's International Office to confirm the K-STAR recommendation process. After obtaining a university president's recommendation, submit an F-2-7S application at the Immigration Office. The list of participating universities is available on the Ministry of Justice Immigration and Foreigner Policy Bureau's official website.
Q5. When must I complete alien registration?
Whether entering Korea for the first time or changing visa status, you must complete alien registration at the Immigration Office within 90 days of entry or status change. The alien registration fee is KRW 30,000.
Closing — Why You Should Start Preparing Now
The goal of transitioning from D-2/D-4 graduation to an E-7 work visa is more concrete and achievable than it looks. Pick the pathway that matches your situation, organize the required documents and timeline in advance, and it is absolutely within reach. The October 2025 D-10 overhaul has extended the job-search window to a maximum of 3 years — making now an especially good time to start.
Visa regulations can change at any time, so always verify the latest rules through HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) or the Ministry of Justice Immigration and Foreigner Policy Bureau. If you encounter complex circumstances or difficulties during the transition process, consulting a registered immigration attorney or visa consultant for a pre-check is strongly recommended.
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