Graduating from a Korean university is an important milestone. But what happens if you have not found a job by the time you graduate?
If you are currently staying in Korea on a D-2 student visa, you may be eligible to change to the D-10-1 Job-Seeking status.
The D-10-1 status allows eligible foreign graduates to remain in Korea while looking for professional employment or participating in permitted job-related internships.
Here is what you need to know before your D-2 period of stay expires.
What Is the D-10-1 Job-Seeking Visa?
The D-10-1 status is designed for foreign nationals seeking employment in professional fields corresponding to E-1 through E-7 employment statuses.
It allows eligible applicants to stay in Korea while preparing for employment, attending interviews and participating in permitted internships.
The D-10 category also includes other activities, such as technology-based start-up preparation, but this article focuses on the D-10-1 status for graduates seeking employment.
Who Can Change from D-2 to D-10?
International students who have obtained or are expected to obtain an associate degree from a Korean college or a bachelor’s degree or higher from a Korean university may be eligible to apply.
However, graduation alone does not automatically guarantee approval.
Your academic background, intended employment field, immigration history and applicable D-10-1 eligibility requirements must also be considered.
If you have completed your coursework but have not yet received your degree, your eligibility should be reviewed based on your academic status and the documents issued by your university.
Do You Need to Meet the D-10 Point Requirements?
The general D-10-1 point system requires applicants to obtain at least 60 points in total, including at least 20 points from the basic evaluation criteria.
Points are assessed based on factors such as age, education, employment experience, Korean language proficiency and other applicable qualifications.
However, certain graduates of Korean universities may qualify for an exemption from the point system.
For example, an applicant who obtained an associate degree or higher from a regular Korean university within the past three years and meets the applicable Korean language requirement may qualify for an exemption.
The Korean language requirement may be satisfied through a valid TOPIK Level 4 or higher result or certain Social Integration Program (KIIP) qualifications.
In addition, special rules may apply to graduates changing from D-2 to D-10-1 for the first time.
Before preparing a points-based application, check whether an exemption applies to your situation.
How Long Can You Stay in Korea on D-10?
For eligible international graduates of Korean universities, the job-seeking period has been extended to a maximum of three years.
Under the revised rules effective October 29, 2025, the period of stay may be granted or extended for up to one year at a time, subject to continued eligibility and immigration approval.
You should not assume that the maximum period will be granted automatically. Each application or extension is subject to review.
Can You Work While Holding a D-10 Visa?
D-10-1 is intended for job-seeking activities and permitted job-related internships.
It does not automatically authorize you to begin regular full-time employment simply because a company has offered you a job.
Once you secure employment, you must obtain the appropriate employment status, such as E-7, before beginning work that requires that status.
Internship activities are also subject to immigration requirements and permitted activity restrictions.
For eligible graduates of Korean universities, the revised D-10 rules removed the previous overall internship duration cap and increased the maximum internship period at a single company to one year.
What Documents Do You Need?
The required documents depend on your academic background, immigration history and whether you qualify for a point-system exemption.
Commonly required documents include:
• Application form, passport and Residence Card
• Graduation certificate or certificate of expected graduation
• Academic transcript, if required
• Job-seeking activity plan
• Proof of residence in Korea
• Documents supporting your eligibility, such as TOPIK results, KIIP records, employment certificates or qualification certificates, where applicable
• Proof of financial resources, if required
Applicants changing from D-2 to D-10 for the first time may qualify for an exemption from submitting proof of financial resources.
Additional documents may be requested depending on your individual circumstances.
When Should You Apply?
If you plan to remain in Korea after graduation to look for employment, review your D-10 eligibility before your current D-2 period of stay expires.
You should also confirm your graduation date, current residence status and the documents your university can issue.
If you already have a job offer, a direct change from D-2 to an appropriate employment status may be possible instead of applying for D-10 first.
What Happens After You Find a Job?
Once you find an employer, you may be able to apply for a change from D-10 to an employment status such as E-7.
The employer, job duties, salary, academic background and other applicable employment visa requirements must be reviewed before the application.
Having a D-10 status does not guarantee that a subsequent E-7 application will be approved.
If you already have a job offer, you can also read our guide to changing from D-2 to E-7 after graduation.
Contact Hyunsol
If you are graduating from a Korean university and wish to remain in Korea to find employment, Hyunsol Visa & Immigration can assist you with your D-10-1 application.
We help review your eligibility, prepare the required documents and job-seeking activity plan, submit your immigration application, and respond to requests for additional documents.
Tel. +82-10-8898-2411
KakaoTalk ID. hyunsol-office
Email. hyun_solutions@naver.com
Office. #507, Hyoryeong Building, 32 Mugyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
