📢 The Ministry of Justice of Korea announced that to help foreigners have more job opportunities and conduct job-seeking activities more stably in Korea, the allowed periods for part-time and internship work and the stay duration under the D-10 visa will be extended.
However, most of the relaxed measures apply only to first-time applicants. Those who previously worked under professional visas (E-1 to E-7) and switched to a job-seeking visa should note that the benefits are limited.
Let’s take a closer look at the specific changes one by one.
Previously it was limited to 6 months, but now it has been increased to 1 year.
However, the following groups are still limited to 6 months.
※ Exception: Those eligible for a maximum of 6 months ※
D-10-1 | ① Completed a professional caregiver training course ② Scored between 60 and 80 points in the job-seeking visa evaluation system ③ Has work experience under E-1 to E-7 professional visas ④ Works as an intern at a foreign diplomatic mission in Korea |
D-10-2 | ① Completed at least one course in the OASIS startup immigration support system (including participants) ② Meets at least one “mandatory item” in the startup visa point system |
The total stay duration for D-10 visa holders is extended from 2 years to 3 years.
However, depending on the applicant’s category, the stay limit may differ. For those with E-1~E-7 professional experience, the 1-year limit remains unchanged.
※ D-10-1: Point-based applicants ※
Category | Maximum Stay Period |
• Scored 80+ points in evaluation • Graduated within 3 years from a Korean college or higher • Graduated in STEM from Asian universities ranked within QS 1000 (Vietnam, China, Thailand, Japan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines) | 3 years |
| • Scored 60–79 points in the evaluation | 1 year |
※ D-10-1: Special exemption from point system ※
Category | Maximum Stay Period |
• Korean university graduates with excellent Korean skills ① Under 29, foreign university graduates, ② THE/QS top 200 or Korean studies major with TOPIK level 6 | 3 years |
| • Completed professional caregiver course | 3 years |
| • With prior professional E-1~E-7 experience | 1 year |
※ D-10-2: Tech startup preparation ※
Category | Maximum Stay Period |
| • Scored 35+ in startup visa system • K-Startup Grand Challenge participants recommended by the head of KOSME • Holders or applicants of patents, design, or utility models • Holders of IP rights in OECD countries | 3 years |
• Completed or attending at least one OASIS course • Meets at least one “mandatory” item in startup point system | 1 year |
※ D-10-3: Advanced Tech Intern, D-10-T: Top Talent ※
Maximum stay period: 3 years
• No limit on internship period within stay duration (previously max 1 year)
• Up to 1 internship for 1 year at the same company (previously max 6 months)
• Increased from 20 to 25 hours per week
(For those with excellent Korean skills and weekend work, conditions remain the same)
