The D-10 job-seeker visa
Stay in Korea legally while you job-hunt — the bridge from study to your career.
In short
- The D-10 is the job-seeker visa — it lets you stay in Korea legally while looking for work or doing internships, as a bridge to the E-7.
- Korean-university graduates get a big break: your first D-10 application is exempt from the points system (renewals aren't).
- Oct 2025 reform: max stay extended to 3 years (was 2), renewed in 1-year increments, and the cumulative internship cap was abolished.
- Points at renewal: you need 60+ (with 80+ giving longer stays). TOPIK is the game-changer.
Graduating or between jobs and need time to land a role? The D-10 keeps you in Korea legally while you search. It's one of the most misunderstood visas — here's how the points, internships, financial proof and extensions actually work in 2026.
Who it's for
- D-2 graduates: associate degree or higher from a Korean university, within 3 years of graduating. Apply before graduation or within 15 days after.
- D-4 graduates: completed a 6+ month language course (shorter max stay).
- Former E-1–E-7 holders: between jobs, contract completed or left for valid cause.
- Global talent: graduates of THE/QS top-ranked universities, or ex-employees of Fortune Global 500 firms.
Sub-codes include D-10-1 (job-seeking/internship — the common one), D-10-2 (startup prep), and elite tracks.
The points system (and the graduate exemption)
The standard D-10-1 runs on a points table (out of ~190). You need a total of 60+ AND at least 20 of the ~50 "basic" points (age + education) — optional points can't compensate for failing the basics.
What moves your score: age (max at 20–29), education (master's/PhD > bachelor's; THE top-200 bonus), and above all TOPIK / KIIP — Level 4+ can add 20+ points. Korean-earned work experience counts more than overseas. Immigration violations deduct points (a fine of ₩1M+ in 2 years can cost 5–10 points).
How long you can stay
| Situation | Max total stay |
|---|---|
| New Korean-university graduate / 80+ points | Up to 3 years (1-year increments) |
| 60–79 points | 1 year total (6 months per extension) |
| Former E-visa holder | 1 year total |
| From D-4 (language) | Up to ~1 year |
The Oct 2025 reform raised the graduate maximum to 3 years and switched to 1-year renewals — a big improvement over the old 6-month cycle.
Financial proof
You must show you can support yourself without working illegally — roughly ₩600,000–1,000,000 per month of stay in your own account. Immigration looks at your average balance over ~3 months, so don't borrow a lump sum to print a statement and return it the next day. (First-time D-2→D-10 converters are often exempt from this proof.)
Working & interning on D-10
- Part-time work is allowed only if you meet all of: TOPIK 4+ (or KIIP 4), within 3 years of graduation, and never held any E-1–E-7 visa. If you ever held an E-visa (even E-2 teaching), you can't work part-time on D-10. Allowed hours mirror D-2 students (~20 weekday hours; unlimited weekends). Same restricted industries (manufacturing, construction, kids' cafés).
- Internships at E-1–E-7-eligible companies are allowed — report within 15 days of starting. Since Oct 30, 2025 the cumulative cap is gone; you can intern throughout your D-10, just not exceed limits at a single company. Pay must meet minimum wage.
- Always report before/on time. Working or interning without reporting risks deportation.
The goal: convert to E-7 (or F-2)
D-10 is a bridge, not a destination. Once you have a qualifying job offer, your employer sponsors your switch to E-7 — the standard in-country path (they file while you're still on valid D-10). STEM master's/PhD grads may target the K-STAR fast-track to F-2 residence. See finding work and the Korean resume guide.
Common questions
Do I really need 60 points as a fresh Korean-university grad?
Not for your first application — you're exempt, assessed on graduation. But you'll need 60+ at renewal, so build TOPIK and other points early.
I had an E-2 teaching visa — can I work part-time on D-10?
No. Any prior E-1–E-7 visa removes the part-time allowance. You can still job-hunt and (report to) intern.
What if I didn't study in Korea?
You'll generally go through the points system, or qualify via the top-university (THE/QS) or Fortune 500 routes.
When should I apply?
Before your D-2 expires — apply before graduation or within 15 days after. Don't wait until the last week.
Sources: Korea Immigration Service / Ministry of Justice (사증민원 자격별 안내 매뉴얼, March 2026), HiKorea, and current D-10 guidance. Oct 2025 reform (3-year max, internship-cap abolition) and points/part-time rules per the 2026 manual.
Last verified: July 2026. Point tables, stay limits and part-time conditions change and are case-by-case — confirm at hikorea.go.kr / 1345 before acting, and consult a licensed 행정사 for complex cases. General information, not immigration advice.
On the D-10 job hunt?
Ask others how they built their points and converted to E-7 — post in the community and tag it Immigration.