Graduating from a Korean university can open the door to a career in Korea, but your student status does not automatically allow you to begin working full time. If you need time to look for a job after graduation, you may be able to change to the D-10-1 Job-Seeking status. Once you receive a job offer, you must qualify for and change to the work-related status that matches your position.
Here is a practical guide to preparing before graduation, applying for D-10 status, and moving from job seeking to employment.
1. Start preparing before graduation
Do not wait until your student status is about to expire. Begin preparing your documents and job-search plan while you are still enrolled.
Graduation and visa documents
Ask your university’s international office how and when it can issue the documents you may need. Depending on your circumstances, these may include:
- Passport and Alien Registration Card
- Application form and fee
- Certificate of graduation, expected graduation, or academic transcript
- Job-Seeking Activity Plan
- Proof of where you live
- Korean-language proficiency or career documents, if applicable
- National technical qualification certificate, if applicable
Study in Korea lists an application form, passport, Alien Registration Card, proof of education, and a Job-Seeking Activity Plan among the documents for D-2 holders applying for D-10 status. The immigration office may request additional documents depending on the applicant’s case. Run by Korean Government
Build a realistic job-search plan
A Job-Seeking Activity Plan should explain what kind of work you intend to pursue and how you will look for it. Make it specific and credible. You might include:
- The occupations and industries you are targeting
- How your degree, coursework, projects, or experience relate to those jobs
- Companies or organizations you plan to apply to
- Recruitment platforms, career fairs, or university career services you will use
- Your schedule for applications, interviews, and skills development
- Korean-language study or professional training relevant to your goals
Keep records of your activity, such as application confirmations, interview notices, and participation certificates. These can help you explain your progress when you apply to extend your stay.
2. Apply to change from D-2 to D-10
The D-10-1 status is for people seeking professional work in fields corresponding to the E-1 to E-7 employment categories. It can also allow certain internships before formal employment. It is not a general work permit: manual or unskilled work is not permitted under the D-10 job-seeking route described by Study in Korea. Run by Korean Government
Apply for the change of status before your current period of stay expires. Study in Korea’s employment guidance says D-2 holders seeking D-10 status should apply through the immigration office responsible for their place of residence. Run by Korean Government
Documents to prepare
Use this as a preparation checklist, then confirm the exact list for your case with Hi Korea or the immigration office:
| Document | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Application form, passport, and Alien Registration Card | Identity and status-change application |
| Proof of graduation or academic record | Evidence of your education in Korea |
| Job-Seeking Activity Plan | Your target roles and planned search activities |
| Proof of residence | Evidence of your address in Korea |
| Korean-language or career documents | Supporting evidence, if applicable |
| National technical qualification certificate | Include if you hold a relevant certificate |
Study in Korea’s residence information page also lists proof of financial resources and proof of residence among D-10 application materials. It says applicants changing from D-2 to D-10 for the first time are exempt from submitting proof of financial resources. Because official online pages may not always show the same details, check the latest requirements with the immigration office before applying. Run by Korean Government
3. Know what you can do on D-10
D-10 is intended to give eligible applicants time to seek professional employment and prepare for certain internships. It does not authorize every kind of paid work. Before starting an internship or other work activity, confirm that it is allowed under your specific D-10 conditions and that any required procedures have been completed.
The Ministry of Justice announced an expansion of the D-10 scheme for graduates of Korean universities: the maximum job-seeking period was increased from two to three years, with extensions of up to one year at a time; the total internship-duration cap was removed, and the limit at a single company was raised from six months to one year. immigration.go.kr
However, Study in Korea’s residence page still displays the earlier two-year maximum and internship limits. Since the official pages are not fully consistent, confirm the rules that apply to you directly with Hi Korea or the immigration office before relying on a particular stay period or internship limit. Run by Korean Government
4. After receiving a job offer, change to the right work status
A job offer does not by itself authorize you to start working. Your job duties, qualifications, employer, and contract must meet the requirements for the relevant work status. Study in Korea says applicants generally need to be legally staying in Korea under D-10 or an eligible D-2 status, meet the requirements for the intended employment category, and have a signed employment contract. Run by Korean Government
Common professional employment categories include:
| Status | General field |
|---|---|
| E-1 | Professor |
| E-2 | Foreign-language instructor |
| E-3 | Research |
| E-4 | Technical instruction |
| E-5 | Professional services |
| E-6 | Arts and performance |
| E-7 | Specific professional or skilled activities |
These categories have different eligibility rules and document requirements. For example, an E-7 application may require an employment contract, employer documents, proof of qualifications or experience, and documents explaining the need for the position. Requirements can also depend on the occupation and the employer. Run by Korean Government
Before accepting a start date, ask the employer which status they expect you to hold and confirm that you can meet its requirements. Submit the change-of-status application before beginning activities that require the new status. Run by Korean Government
5. A simple timeline
Before graduation: Choose target occupations, prepare your résumé and portfolio, request university documents, and draft your Job-Seeking Activity Plan.
Before your current stay expires: Apply to change to D-10 if you meet the requirements. Keep copies of your application and supporting documents.
While on D-10: Follow the conditions of your status, document your job-search activity, and check the rules before beginning an internship.
After receiving an offer: Confirm the correct work status with your employer, gather the required documents, and apply for the status change before starting the job.
Final checklist
- Check the expiration date on your current stay status.
- Ask your university when it can issue graduation or academic documents.
- Prepare a detailed, realistic Job-Seeking Activity Plan.
- Confirm the required documents and current D-10 rules with Hi Korea or the immigration office.
- Make sure your offer and job duties qualify for the intended work status.
- Do not begin work that requires a different status until the change has been approved.
Immigration requirements can vary by applicant and may change. For a case-specific answer, contact the Korea Immigration Contact Center at 1345 or consult the immigration office responsible for your residence.
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