While working under an E-7 (Specially Designated Activities) visa, there may be cases where you leave your company because your employment contract expires or because you want to change jobs.
"My contract has ended, but I still haven't found a new company. Can I continue staying in Korea?"
If you change to a Job Seeker (D-10) visa before your period of stay expires, you can continue job-seeking activities without leaving Korea. Here are the essential details you need to know, including eligibility requirements, required documents, and the maximum period of stay.
Among those who have worked under a professional-status visa from Professor (E-1) through Specially Designated Activities (E-7), you may change to D-10 if you meet the conditions below.
ㆍYour employment contract has expired, or your employment activities have ended for another legitimate reason ㆍYou wish to continue seeking employment in Korea ㆍYou have not renewed your employment contract or found a new workplace before the expiration date of your period of stay |
The biggest advantage is that the points system is waived. A standard D-10 application evaluates factors such as education · work experience · Korean-language proficiency using a points system, but those with professional work experience may change to a job-seeking visa without undergoing this points-based assessment.
📋 What Documents Are Required for the Application?
Item | Details |
|---|---|
Common documents | Application form, photo, copy of passport, copy of ID (Residence Card), fee |
Job-seeking activity plan | Prepare a plan describing the field · position in which you intend to seek employment in Korea |
Consent to transfer workplace | Required when at least 1 month remains on the employment contract with the previous workplace |
Proof of residence | Lease agreement, accommodation provision confirmation, etc. |
Proof of living expenses | A bank balance certificate, etc. showing funds of at least the amount calculated as “annual housing benefit standard for a one-person household × number of months of stay.” ※ However, this submission is waived when changing from a professional-status visa (E-1~E-7) to D-10 for the first time. |
All periods of stay under D-10 are added together, and the maximum total period is 3 years.
If you have already reached a cumulative total of 3 years, you can no longer receive a job-seeking visa, and when changing jobs you must meet the requirements to obtain E-7 immediately (such as having an employment contract with a new workplace).
However, if an E-1~E-7 visa holder changes to D-10-1 due to reasons such as the company's suspension or closure, that period is excluded from the cumulative 3-year total.
⚠️ Important Notes
ㆍAn application to change to D-10 must be submitted before the expiration date of your current period of stay. ㆍIf at least 1 month remains on your contract with your previous workplace, obtain the consent to transfer workplace in advance. It may become difficult to obtain after leaving the company. ㆍIf you have previously held D-10 status, first calculate the cumulative period, check how much time remains, and then make your job-seeking plan. ㆍDetailed requirements and documents may vary according to notices from immigration offices and HI KOREA, so please confirm them once more with the competent office before applying. |
🌟 Conclusion
Even if your contract ends while you are working under an E-7 visa, the D-10 job-seeking visa is a valuable opportunity to prepare for the next step in your career in Korea. Make good use of benefits such as the points-system waiver and exemption from proof of living expenses, while keeping the cumulative 3-year limit in mind and continuing your job search in a planned manner.
