Graduating in South Korea is exciting—until reality hits. Thousands of international students finish their studies every year, but most ask the same question: “How do I stay back and find a job legally?” That’s where the bold keyword appears once: the D-10 visa South Korea comes in. This visa acts like a bridge between your student life and professional career, giving you time, legal status, and opportunities to prepare for employment.
In 2025–2026, South Korea has tightened work visa rules, increased skill-based hiring, and updated the points system—making it essential for students to understand the D-10 pathway clearly.
Why the D-10 Visa Matters in 2026?
As of 2024–2025, South Korea has been pushing for global talent through the K-Talent system, E-7-4 skilled visa reforms, and expanded hiring in AI, semiconductor engineering, biotechnology, K-content, and robotics.
Key Trends That Make D-10 Important:
Over 80% of foreign graduates want to stay in Korea for work (MOJ data).
Industries like IT, AI, software engineering, hospitality, and F&B are facing booming demand for global workers.
The number of students switching from D-2 student visa to D-10 job seeker visa increased significantly in the last 3 years.
New regulations allow easier D-10 to E-7 work visa conversion if the candidate meets points and salary criteria.
What Is the D-10 Job Seeker Visa in South Korea?
The D-10 job seeker visa South Korea allows international graduates, skilled professionals, researchers, and trainees to stay in the country while looking for employment or preparing for a startup.
Two Types of D-10 Visa
D-10-1 (Job Seeker Pathway)
For job seekers preparing for:
Employment
Internships
Interviews
Job training
E-7 skilled visa
D-10-2 (Startup/Entrepreneur Pathway)
For individuals preparing a business plan or registering a startup.
D-10 Visa Eligibility for Indian Students & Internationals
Eligibility varies depending on academic background and experience.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
You can apply if:
You recently graduated from a Korean university (Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD).
You completed a professional training program in Korea.
You have prior work experience in Korea.
You have skills that qualify under the D-10 visa points system explained below.
Additional Eligibility Factors (Points System)
The current points system evaluates:
Academic background (Korean university degrees gain higher points)
Age
TOPIK score
Korean language program completion
Work experience
Salary history
Achievements (patents, publications)
Minimum requirement: usually 60 points (varies by year and updates).
D-10 Visa Documents Checklist (2026 Updated)
Below is the standard list based on official immigration guidelines:
Mandatory Documents
Passport + copy
Alien Registration Card (ARC)
Completed D-10 application form
1 passport-sized photo
Proof of graduation (degree certificate)
Transcript
Proof of residence (rental contract / dorm letter)
Financial proof (usually ₩3–5 million bank balance)
Resume (Korean + English recommended)
Job search plan / statement of purpose
Optional but Highly Beneficial
Recommendation letters
Certificates (TOPIK, skills, training)
Previous employment documents
Portfolio for IT, design, research
Fees
Visa fee: ₩60,000 – ₩70,000 (approx.)
ARC fee if extension is required
D-10 Visa Application Process Step by Step
This is where students get confused. Here is the simplest breakdown:
Step 1 – Prepare All Documents
Ensure your:
Degree is issued
Bank balance meets requirements
Address is updated in Immigration
Step 2 – Book an Immigration Appointment
Use HiKorea website to book a slot.
Step 3 – Submit Application
Submit all documents at the local immigration office.
Step 4 – Wait for Approval
Processing time: 2–4 weeks.
Step 5 – Receive D-10 Visa
Validity: 6 months (can be divided into 3+3 months or 6 months depending on case).
D-10 Visa Extension and Renewal Rules
You can extend if:
You attended interviews
You actively applied for jobs
You joined job training
You have proof of efforts (emails, interview calls, job fair participation)
Maximum stay: Up to 2 years, depending on profile.
D-10 Visa Part-Time Work Permission
Under strict rules:
Part-time work is NOT allowed by default
You must apply separately via immigration for permission
Allowed only if the job is related to your degree or skill set
Typical allowed fields:
Research assistant
IT/engineering internships
Corporate training programs
Prohibited:
Convenience stores
Restaurants
Delivery
Cash-oriented part-time jobs
Converting D-10 Visa to E-7 Work Visa
This is the ultimate goal for most students.
Requirements for D-10 to E-7 Conversion
Valid job contract
Salary above Korean compliance levels (varies by industry)
Employer eligibility
Sufficient points under E-7 system
Relevant degree/experience
Industries hiring aggressively under E-7 in 2025–2026:
Semiconductor & electronics
AI/IT/software
Hospitality & tourism
K-content design, editing, production
Biohealth & pharmaceuticals
Real-World Example
Case Study: Indian Student Who Got E-7 via D-10
Ravi, a Computer Science graduate from a Korean university, used his D-10 visa time to improve his TOPIK score, attend 2 job fairs, and complete a short internship. He secured an IT role at a Korean tech company and successfully converted to E-7 within six months.
Checklist for D-10 Applicants (Quick Summary)
✔ Keep a minimum ₩3M balance
✔ Update your address
✔ Prepare Korean-style resume
✔ Attend job fairs (highly beneficial for extensions)
✔ Maintain records of all job applications
✔ Avoid illegal part-time work
✔ Improve Korean language skills (TOPIK 3+ recommended)
FAQs
Q1. Is the D-10 visa easy to get?
Yes, if you have a Korean degree and proper documents.
Q2. Can I get multiple extensions?
Yes, depending on proof of job search.
Q3. Can I switch from D-2 to D-10 without leaving Korea?
Yes. This is one of the most common pathways.
Q4. What if I don't find a job within 6 months?
You may still get extensions if you demonstrate genuine efforts.
The D-10 visa in South Korea remains the most powerful tool for international graduates who want to build a successful career in Korea. With the right documents, proper planning, and consistent job-search efforts, you can smoothly transition from student life to a long-term professional path.
If you want personalised guidance, documentation support, or help with Korean university admissions and visa processing, contact Overseas Education Lane today.
We guide students step-by-step—from choosing courses to securing visas and finding career pathways in South Korea.
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