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This’s KOWORK, your career platform for foreigners in Korea.

If you’re planning to find a job or do an internship in Korea, the D-10-1 visa might be for you. But the rules can be confusing—especially with recent updates. Here’s your ultimate 2025 guide to help you apply or extend your D-10-1 visa with confidence.

What is the D-10-1 Visa?

The D-10-1 visa is also known as the Job-Seeking or Internship Visa in Korea. It allows qualified individuals to stay in Korea while searching for a job or participating in internships.

Validity Period

The duration of your D-10-1 visa depends on which visa you held before:

Up to 2 years: If you switched from a D-2 student visa (Korean university)
Up to 1 year: If you switched from a D-4 language training visa

The visa is issued in 6-month terms and must be renewed regularly

Internship Rules Under D-10-1

You’re allowed to intern for up to 1 year total during your D-10-1 visa period, but there are limits:

✅ 6 months max per company
✅ You can combine internships across different companies

Examples:

✔️ 6 months at Company A + 6 months at B = OK
✔️ 3 months at A + 3 months at B + 6 months at C = OK
❌ 12 months at the same company = NOT allowed

Important: You must report any internship to immigration within 15 days of starting.

How to apply for D-10-1 (First-Time)

You can apply for the D-10-1 visa if you’ve graduated from a Korean university (associate degree or higher) within the last 3 years.

📄 Required Documents

Passport + ARC
Graduation certificate
1 passport photo
Job-seeking plan
Application form
Housing contract
₩60,000 fee

✅ Good News:

No point system required for the first-time application
No bank statement
No TOPIK score required

⚠️ Note:

These benefits only apply if you’re switching from a D-2 visa for full-degree programs (i.e. you completed a degree in Korea).

If you’re a D-2- 6 exchange student (studied short-term or part of your degree in Korea), you’re not eligible for the point exemption. You’ll need to apply under the point system and meet at least 60 points.

📞 Call immigration (☎ 1345) to confirm your specific case, especially if your D-2 status was as an exchange student or you studied at multiple schools.

🌍 Overseas Degree Holders (D-4 → D-10-1)

If you are currently holding a D-4 visa and have earned a bachelor’s or higher degree from a country outside Korea, you are eligible to apply for the D-10-1 visa.

⚠️ Must pass the points-based system (minimum 60 points)
⚠️ Must submit a bank statement
✅ Resume, diploma, job plan, and possibly transcript or other documents required

💡 Use the free D-10 points calculator in the Kowork app to check your eligibility in just 1 minute!

D-10-1 Extension

You can extend your D-10-1 visa every 6 months—up to 2 years (D-2) or 1 year (D-4).

📑 Documents You’ll Need:

ARC + passport
Application form + ₩60,000 fee
Updated job-seeking plan
Proof of job-seeking activities (emails, interviews, etc.)
Housing contract
Bank statement showing at least ₩6.9 million (₩1,148,166 x 6 months)

💡 Tip:

If you have TOPIK Level 4 or higher, you may be exempt from submitting the bank statement—

but this is case-by-case. Some applicants with TOPIK 4 still get asked for proof of funds, so it’s best to prepare it just in case.

Internship Reporting

If you’re doing an internship under the D-10-1 visa, you must report it to immigration within 15 days.

What to Submit:

Internship contract
Copy of company’s business registration
Insurance subscriber list
Your ARC and passport

📍Submit either through HiKorea or by visiting the immigration office in person.

Can You Work Part-Time on D-10-1?

Yes — but you must receive prior approval from immigration.

Working conditions:

TOPIK Level 4: Up to 20 hours/week on weekdays; unlimited on weekends/holidays
TOPIK Level 5+: Up to 30 hours/week on weekdays; unlimited on weekends/holidays

Required documents:

Part-time job proposal and work permit application
Employment contract and company info
Submit via HiKorea or visit immigration

Final Tips

D-2 holders don’t need TOPIK to apply, but it can help with extension or part-time work approval.
D-4 holders or overseas graduates must go through the point system.
Immigration decisions vary case by case — always prepare extra documents and consult with immigration officers (☎ 1345).

📩 Have questions? Don’t hesitate to contact KOWORK.
We’re here to support your career journey in Korea! 💼🇰🇷