If you’ve recently graduated from a Korean university or finished a stint on an E-series work visa and want to stay in Korea while job hunting, the D-10 (Job Seeker) visa is the bridge you’re probably looking for. After a major policy revision that took effect on October 30, 2025, the D-10 has become significantly more useful — longer maximum stays, expanded internship rules, and easier extensions. For foreign students and professionals trying to stay in Korea, it’s now genuinely one of the more flexible visa categories available.
This guide explains how the D-10 works in 2026, who qualifies, the key changes from the 2025 revision, what documents you need, and the realistic path from D-10 to a full work visa (typically E-7). It’s written for foreign graduates and professionals navigating this in English.
⚠️ IMPORTANT — READ THIS FIRST
This article is general information based on publicly available sources, including the Korea Immigration Service manual and Ministry of Justice announcements. Visa rules change frequently, and individual situations vary based on nationality, education, work history, and current visa status. Always confirm requirements with HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr), a Korean consulate, or a licensed Korean immigration attorney (행정사) before applying. Mistakes on visa applications can lead to denials that affect future applications. This guide is not legal advice.
What Is the D-10 Visa?
The D-10 is Korea’s Job Seeker visa — a “bridge visa” designed to let foreigners legally stay in Korea while preparing for or transitioning between professional work visas (E-1 through E-7). Activities allowed under D-10 include:
Job searching: Applying to companies, attending interviews, networking, all D-10 holders.
Internships: Paid internships at Korean companies (D-10-1 and D-10-3, with rules below).
Startup preparation: Patent filings, business plan development, technology commercialization (D-10-2 only).
Limited part-time work: Some D-10 holders qualify for part-time jobs (rules detailed later).
The biggest practical benefit is that once you find professional employment, you can convert directly to E-7 (or another E-series visa) from inside Korea — no need to leave the country and re-apply abroad.
Visiting Korea for job-seeking purposes rather than tourism? See our D-10 visa guide for job seekers — updated for the October 2025 revision with the 3-year stay extension.
Three D-10 Subcategories: Which One Applies to You?
The D-10 has three main subtypes, each with different eligibility and rules:
D-10-1: General Job Seeker
By far the most common type. Used by the majority of foreign university graduates and former E-series visa holders. Allows job search activity, internships, and limited part-time work. Eligibility is based primarily on the points system, with significant exemptions for Korean university graduates.
D-10-2: Tech Startup Preparation
For foreigners preparing to launch a technology startup in Korea. Common applicants include patent holders, K-Startup Grand Challenge participants, and those working on intellectual property commercialization. Internships are not allowed under this subtype.
D-10-3: Advanced Technology Internship
For graduates of top global universities (THE/QS Top 200) who want to intern at advanced-technology Korean companies (Samsung, LG, Hyundai R&D, etc.). Generally requires a master’s degree or higher and being under 31 years old.
D-10-T: Top Talent (New, Added April 2025)
A newer category for high-priority talent in fields Korea is actively recruiting (AI, semiconductors, biotech). Conditions and benefits differ from standard D-10 categories. If you have advanced credentials in priority sectors, ask an immigration specialist whether you qualify — it can mean faster processing and better stay duration.
Key Changes from the October 2025 Revision
The October 30, 2025 revision was the biggest D-10 policy update in years. The headline changes:
1. Maximum stay extended to 3 years. Previously 2 years. This applies to applicants scoring 80+ points or who qualify under special exempt categories (Korean university graduates on first application, Top 200 university graduates, etc.). Applicants scoring 60–79 points are still capped at 1 year total stay.
2. Extension intervals changed from 6 months to 1 year. Previously, D-10 holders had to extend every 6 months — now most extensions grant 1 year at a time, dramatically reducing paperwork. (Lower-point applicants still extend in 6-month increments.)
3. Single-company internship extended to 12 months. Previously capped at 6 months per company. Now interns can stay at one company for a full year and still apply for additional internships at other companies afterward.
4. Total cumulative internship limit abolished. Previously, all internships across all companies were capped together. That cap is now gone — you can do multiple internships back-to-back.
5. Part-time work rules relaxed. More D-10 holders qualify for limited part-time work, with the same rules that apply to D-2 (student visa) holders.
Eligibility: Points System vs. Exemptions
The D-10-1 has two paths to qualify: points exemption (much easier) or points system (calculated total).
Path A: Points Exemption (Recommended Where Possible)
If you qualify for an exemption, you skip the points calculation entirely. The most common exemptions:
Korean university graduates (most common): If you graduated from a Korean university (associate degree or higher) and this is your first D-10 application, you’re exempt. This applies to the majority of D-2 (student visa) holders transitioning to D-10.
Top 200 global university graduates: Bachelor’s or higher from a university ranked in the THE or QS Top 200, age 29 or under at time of application.
Korean studies majors with TOPIK Level 6: Foreign graduates with majors in Korean language or studies and high TOPIK scores.
Former E-series visa holders: Some former E-1 through E-7 holders qualify under specific conditions.
Caregiver training program completers and a few other niche categories.
Path B: Points System (Total 60+ Required)
If you don’t qualify for an exemption, you need to score at least 60 points total, with at least 20 points from the basic category (age + education):
Basic category (age + education, minimum 20 points required):
Education: Bachelor’s (15 points) / Master’s (20 points) / Doctorate (30 points)
Optional categories (Korean language ability, work experience, prior study in Korea, etc.) make up the rest of the available 190 points. Common ways to add points:
TOPIK Level 3 (10 pts), Level 4 (15 pts), Level 5 (20 pts), Level 6 (25 pts) · Studied in Korea for 2+ years (30 pts) · Relevant work experience: 1 year (10 pts), 3 years (20 pts) · KIIP (Korean Immigration and Integration Program) completion (variable points)
Important: Hitting 60 points qualifies you, but only 80 points or more grants the full 3-year maximum stay. Below 80, you’re capped at 1 year total. The HiKorea website has a self-calculator — run it before applying.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Book an appointment on HiKorea. Visit hikorea.go.kr (English available), select Civil Affairs → Visa Status Change/Extension → Schedule Visit. Seoul appointments fill up fast — book 2 to 4 weeks in advance, especially around graduation seasons (February and August).
Step 2: Visit your assigned immigration office. Either the office that covers your address or your university’s affiliated office. You must already hold an Alien Registration Card (ARC) — D-10 cannot be applied for without one if changing status from inside Korea.
Step 3: Submit documents and pay fees.
Step 4: Wait for processing. 2 to 4 weeks for status changes from inside Korea, when documents are complete.
Tips for international applicants: If your Korean isn’t strong, bring a Korean-speaking friend or use Papago app for translation. The 1345 Foreign Resident Hotline (call 1345 from any Korean phone) offers English-language support and can answer general visa questions before you visit the office.
Required Documents (2026)
Common Documents (Everyone Submits)
Integrated Application Form (download from HiKorea) · Passport (original + copy of photo page) · Alien Registration Card (original + copy) · One color photo, 3.5×4.5 cm, taken within the last 6 months · Job Search Activity Plan (the most important document — see below) · Proof of residence in Korea (lease, dormitory confirmation, etc.)
Fees
Status change to D-10: ₩100,000 ($75 USD)
ARC reissuance: ₩30,000 ($22 USD)
Extension fee: ₩60,000 ($45 USD)
Additional Documents (Situation-Specific)
Korean university graduates: Diploma or expected graduation certificate. Often verifiable through the Foreign Student Information System without paper submission.
Foreign university graduates: Diploma plus apostille certification.
Work experience claims: Employment certificates (English versions accepted; notarization may be required).
Korean language ability: Valid TOPIK score certificate, or KIIP completion certificate.
Financial capacity: Bank balance certificate showing approximately 6 months of living expenses (typically ₩7,000,000–10,000,000 / $5,200–7,500 USD).
Writing the Job Search Activity Plan (Critical)
This is the document where most applications fail. Vague plans get rejected. Strong plans show concrete, realistic, monthly activities.
What works: “Apply to 5–10 marketing positions per week through Saramin, JobKorea, and LinkedIn, focusing on IT/SaaS companies in Seoul. Target intern positions at companies including [specific names]. Attend monthly networking events at the Seoul Global Center. Improve TOPIK from Level 3 to Level 4 within 6 months.”
What fails: “I will look for a good job in Korea.” (Too vague — denied.)
What You Can Do on a D-10
Internships: Paid internships are allowed for D-10-1 and D-10-3 holders. As of October 2025, you can intern at the same company for up to 12 months, and there’s no longer a cumulative cap across multiple internships.
Part-time work: Some D-10 holders qualify for limited part-time work (typically 20 hours per week) under the same rules as D-2 students. Restricted industries include manufacturing, construction, and certain service sectors. Note: If you previously held any E-series visa (E-1 through E-7), the part-time allowance may not apply to you — confirm with immigration before working.
Job searching: Unrestricted. You can apply to any number of jobs, attend interviews, and network freely.
What you can NOT do: Take a full-time professional job before transitioning to E-1 through E-7 status. Working full-time without the proper visa is illegal and damages your future visa eligibility.
Extension: How to Stay Longer
When to apply: You can apply for extension up to 4 months before your current visa expires. Don’t wait until the last week — late filings risk falling out of legal status, which is treated as overstaying.
Documents required for extension:
Updated Job Search Activity Plan (showing past 6 months’ activity + future plans) · Concrete proof of job search: screenshots of applications, interview emails, recruiter messages — keep a folder of these from day one · Bank balance certificate · Standard passport, ARC, photos, and form
Common reasons extensions are denied: Insufficient job search evidence (vague or no documentation), inadequate funds, illegal work history, criminal records, or recent immigration fines.
Converting D-10 to E-7 (The End Goal)
Once a Korean company offers you a professional job, you can convert from D-10 to E-7 (the most common professional work visa) directly inside Korea — no need to leave and re-apply.
What you’ll need from your employer: Signed employment contract, business registration documents, recommendation letter, and salary documentation showing the position meets E-7 requirements (the salary threshold varies by year — check current minimums on HiKorea).
Processing time: Typically 2 to 3 weeks for D-10 → E-7 conversion when documents are complete.
Other conversion options: If you score very high on the relevant points system, you may also be able to convert directly to F-2-7 (Long-term Resident, points-based) which offers more flexibility than E-7.
Practical Tips for International Applicants
1. Improve your TOPIK to Level 4 minimum. Helps with both points and actual employability — most Korean employers expect at least conversational Korean.
2. Use multiple job platforms. Saramin and JobKorea are the largest Korean job sites; Wanted is preferred for tech/startup roles; LinkedIn works for global companies and English-speaking roles.
3. Use free government resources. The Seoul Global Center offers free job search support, mentoring, and visa advice in English. The Foreign Worker Support Center (1644-0644) handles labor-related questions.
4. Budget realistically. Living costs in Seoul typically run ₩1,500,000–2,000,000 ($1,100–1,500 USD) per month for a modest single lifestyle. Have at least 6 months of savings before transitioning to D-10.
5. Maintain National Health Insurance and pension enrollment. Required for D-10 holders. Lapses can complicate future visa applications.
6. Document everything. Keep screenshots of every job application, every interview email, every recruiter conversation. You’ll need them for extensions.
7. Consider hiring a 행정사 (administrative attorney). If your situation is complicated (foreign degree without apostille, gaps in documentation, prior visa issues), a licensed administrative attorney can save weeks of headache. Costs typically range from ₩300,000–800,000 ($225–600 USD).
8. Don’t work illegally, even briefly. A single instance of unauthorized employment can disqualify you from future D-10 extensions or E-7 conversion. The financial gain is never worth the risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I really stay on a D-10?
Up to 3 years total if you score 80+ points on the points system or qualify under special categories (Korean university graduate first application, etc.). 1 year total if you score 60–79 points. The headline “3 years” only applies to higher-tier applicants.
Can I apply for a D-10 from my home country?
Yes, through a Korean consulate or embassy abroad — but most D-10 applications are filed inside Korea by current D-2 (student) or E-series holders changing status, which is faster and more straightforward. If applying from abroad, expect more documentation and longer processing.
What happens if I can’t find a job before my D-10 expires?
You must leave Korea before your visa expires. Overstaying creates fines and bans future entry. If you’re close to finding employment, apply for an extension early; if not, leave and consider re-applying from abroad later. Some applicants return to home countries, gain more experience, and re-apply for an E-series visa directly when they have a job offer.
Can I bring my family on a D-10?
D-10 itself does not include family accompaniment rights. Spouses and dependents typically apply for F-3 (Dependent Family) visas separately, which has its own requirements and is not always granted for D-10 principals.
What’s the difference between an internship and part-time work on D-10?
Internships are formal arrangements typically tied to your job search and may include training stipends — they require an internship contract reported to immigration. Part-time work is general hourly employment in non-restricted industries (typically food service, tutoring, etc.) and requires separate authorization. Internships have looser hour limits; part-time work is capped at 20 hours per week.
If my application is denied, can I appeal?
You can re-apply with corrected documentation, but immigration decisions are not appealed in the same way as court rulings. If you receive a denial, talk to an immigration attorney before re-applying — repeated denials can affect future applications.
Are the rules the same in Seoul as in other cities?
Officially, yes — Korea Immigration Service rules are national. In practice, individual immigration offices have some discretion in document requirements and processing speed. Seoul offices are the busiest and often the strictest. If you have flexibility, applying through an office in a smaller city near your address can sometimes be faster.
Final Thoughts
The October 2025 D-10 revision was a meaningful improvement for foreign workers and graduates trying to build a future in Korea. The longer maximum stay, simplified extension cycle, and expanded internship rules all reduce the friction that previously pushed many qualified foreigners out of the country before they had time to find the right opportunity.
That said, this remains a complex visa with strict documentation requirements and high stakes. The points system, internship rules, and conversion paths all have details that vary based on your specific background. Treat this guide as a starting framework — and verify your specific situation with HiKorea, a Korean consulate, or a licensed administrative attorney before filing.
Good luck with your application and your job search in Korea.
Information current as of April 2026, based on the Korea Immigration Service manual revised October 30, 2025. Visa rules and points calculations change periodically. Always verify with HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or a licensed Korean immigration attorney before applying. This article is general information, not legal advice.