A “Regional Customized (Metropolitan-Type) Visa” is a policy framework that partially relaxes or adjusts visa requirements—which were previously applied uniformly nationwide—according to each region’s labor demand and local circumstances.
The purpose is to enable local governments to more proactively attract needed talent, and to support foreign international students and workers in continuing their studies and staying in Korea more smoothly.
An important point is that this is not a separate process of issuing a new visa. Instead, it operates by granting additional benefits to existing visas such as the Student Visa (D-2) and the Employment Visa (E-7).
Today, among these programs, we will introduce the Seoul Customized Student Visa.
To receive benefits under the Seoul Customized Student Visa program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
• D-2 (Student Visa) holder
• Enrolled in a STEM-related major associated with Seoul’s core industries - Applicable degree levels: associate, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• rrently enrolled in an eligible major at a designated school (Check) |
(1) Extended Working Hours for Part-Time Employment
Part-time work is allowed up to 30 hours per week during the semester.
(No time limit on weekends and during school vacations.)
In addition, if you meet one of the conditions below, you may work up to 35 hours per week during the semester:
• Enrolled in a certified university
• High academic performance: A-average (GPA) in the previous semester
• Completed Social Integration Program (KIIP) Level 5 or passed the Comprehensive Evaluation
(2) Leave of Absence Permitted for Paid Internships
Internship work in professional fields (E-1 to E-7 categories) is permitted at external institutions and companies outside the university. This refers to cases where an internship contract is signed to work as an intern (training/probation, etc.) with compensation.
In addition, international students who take a leave of absence for internship activities may engage in part-time work without time restrictions.
[Internship Eligibility Requirements]
• Completion status: Associate degree: at least 3 semesters completed, Bachelor’s degree: at least third-year completion, No restriction for Master’s/PhD programs
• Language requirement: TOPIK Level 4 or KIIP Level 4 or higher
• Academic performance: As of the application date, the previous semester GPA must be B-average or higher |
[Permitted Internship Period]
Per instance: up to 1 year (For associate degree programs: up to 6 months)
1. International student → University: Apply or be selected through the university’s internal screening
2. University → Seoul Metropolitan Government: University selects eligible candidates and recommends them to Seoul
3. Seoul Metropolitan Government: Issues the Mayor of Seoul’s Letter of Recommendation
4. Ministry of Justice (Immigration): Reviews and confirms the Seoul-type visa benefits
🌟 Conclusion
The Regional Customized Visa program is currently in a pilot phase, and participating universities are still limited.
However, if the program is successfully established, it is expected that the number of participating universities will gradually expand.
If you are enrolled in a participating university and want to gain practical work experience, we strongly recommend that you take advantage of this opportunity.
✅ Related Information
