D-10 Job Seeker Visa - How to Apply (2026 Guide)
Quick Answer - 30-Second Summary
The D-10 (Job Seeker) visa is for foreign graduates and skilled professionals searching for employment in Korea. It bridges student/temporary status and a long-term work visa (E-7).
- Validity: 6 months per issuance, 2 years maximum total
- Apply at: HiKorea online portal or your local Immigration Office
- Fee: KRW 60,000 (single entry) / KRW 90,000 (multiple entry)
- Conversion: To E-7 once you have a job offer
Eligibility - Points-Based System
You need at least 60 points in the Korean immigration points system. Points are awarded across these categories:
| Category | Maximum Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age (under 35) | 25 | Younger applicants score higher |
| Education | 35 | PhD: 35, Master’s: 30, Bachelor’s: 20 |
| Korean Language (TOPIK) | 20 | Level 6: 20, Level 4: 10, Level 2: 5 |
| Korean Residency History | 10 | Each year of D-2 study counts |
| Specialization Field | 10 | STEM, healthcare, IT preferred |
Tip: Most D-2 graduates from Korean universities easily exceed 60 points without extra effort.
Required Documents
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Application form (download from HiKorea)
- Color photo (3.5cm × 4.5cm)
- Degree certificate (apostilled if from outside Korea)
- Academic transcript
- Statement of Activity Plan (job search plan)
- Proof of finances (KRW 20+ million in bank balance)
- Application fee receipt
Application Steps
1. Prepare Documents
Gather all required documents. Foreign-issued documents need apostille or Korean consulate authentication.
2. Submit at HiKorea or Immigration Office
- Online (HiKorea): Most convenient, but identity verification (joint certificate or i-PIN) required
- In-person: Bring documents to your local Immigration Office (book appointment in advance)
3. Wait for Processing
Standard processing takes 2–4 weeks. Status is updated on HiKorea.
4. Issue Sticker / Card
Once approved, your visa sticker is placed in your passport, and you receive an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 30 days.
Conversion to E-7 (Work Visa)
When you secure a job offer:
- Employer applies for E-7 (Special Activity) visa change
- Required from employer: employment contract, business registration, financial statements
- Required from you: D-10 sticker, ARC, degree certificate
- Processing: 2–4 weeks at the Immigration Office
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Applying without 60 points → automatic rejection
- ❌ Foreign degree without apostille → resubmit with proper authentication
- ❌ Insufficient bank balance → KRW 20M minimum required
- ❌ Working full-time without permit → visa cancellation risk
This guide is based on 2026 May Korean immigration policy. Visa rules and fees change occasionally - verify with HiKorea before applying.
📝 Key Points at a Glance
- Validity: 6 months per period, max 2 years total
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (or D-2 graduate in Korea) + points threshold
- Apply via: HiKorea online or local Immigration Office
- Fee: KRW 60,000 (single entry) / KRW 90,000 (multiple entry)
✅ Checklist before you start
- Confirm you score at least 60 points on the immigration points system
- Prepare passport valid for 6+ months and a 3.5cm × 4.5cm color photo
- Get foreign degree apostilled or authenticated by a Korean consulate
- Secure bank balance of KRW 20+ million as proof of finances
- Draft your Statement of Activity Plan (job search plan)
- Decide between HiKorea online (needs joint certificate or i-PIN) or in-person Immigration Office appointment
📊 At a glance
| Item | Single Entry | Multiple Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | KRW 60,000 | KRW 90,000 |
| Validity per issuance | 6 months | 6 months |
| Maximum total | 2 years | 2 years |
| Standard processing | 2–4 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
📚 References
This guide is based on the following official sources, organized by this guide:
this guide has reviewed the above materials. Policies and amounts may change over time, so we recommend confirming with the official agencies before making any decisions.
자주 묻는 질문
QWho is eligible for the D-10 visa?
Foreign graduates of Korean universities (any degree) and overseas Bachelor's degree holders who meet the points-based threshold. Points are awarded for age, education, Korean proficiency (TOPIK), and prior Korean residency.
QCan I work part-time on a D-10 visa?
Yes, but only after obtaining 'Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than the Status of Stay' from the immigration office. Part-time work is limited to 20 hours per week during job search.
QHow do I convert D-10 to a work visa (E-7)?
Once you receive a job offer, your employer applies for an E-7 (Special Activity) visa change at the immigration office. Required: employment contract, employer's business registration, your degree certificate, and the standard E-7 documents.
QWhat if I cannot find a job within 6 months?
You can extend the D-10 in 6-month increments up to a maximum total stay of 2 years. Each extension requires updated job-search activity logs and proof of ongoing applications or interviews.
QHow long does the D-10 visa application take to process?
Standard processing at HiKorea or a local Immigration Office takes 2-4 weeks for in-country conversion and 4-8 weeks if applied from overseas via a Korean Embassy. Bring a complete document set on your first visit to avoid follow-up requests that can add 1-2 weeks. The Korea Immigration Service publishes current processing times by office on its website.
출처 및 인용
- [1]
D-10 visa eligibility and points-based system
- [2]
Application fees and procedures
- [3]
Maximum stay and extension rules