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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! 💼🇰🇷
