KOR
ENG
VNM
KOR
ENG
VNM
Updated : 2025-10-03

D-2 Visa

D-2 Part-Time (Arbeit) Employment

  • 1

    Eligibility Requirements

    • 1)

      Possession of a certain level of Korean language proficiency.

    • 2)

      Confirmation from the university’s international student coordinator.

    • 3)

      For visiting students (D-2-8), at least 6 months must have passed since visa issuance (based on the entry date for newly arrived students).

    • 4)

      Exceptions: Individuals who fail to graduate due to insufficient credits after the standard study period (2 years for associate degree, 4 years for bachelor's degree) and are granted an extension of stay cannot engage in part-time work.

      ※ Exception for Master's/Ph.D. students: Part-time work is allowed during the thesis preparation period after completing their regular program.

    • 5)

      Students with an average grade below a "C" in the previous semester at the time of application are restricted from working.

    • 6)

      Restrictions for those who

      • ①

        Do not have part-time work approval.

      • ②

        Violate work permit conditions.

      • ③

        Submit incomplete application details (e.g., location, working hours).

  • 2

    Permissible Work Fields

    • 1)

      General interpretation/translation, food service assistance, office assistance, etc.

    • 2)

      Tourist guide assistance and duty-free shop sales assistance.

    • 3)

      Part-time or full-time seasonal employment activities (E-8).

    • 4)

      Specialized field internships during vacation periods (E-1 ~ E-7).

      ※ Even for permissible fields, if certain qualifications are required under domestic laws, the applicant must meet those qualifications.

    • 5)

      Restricted Fields of Work:

      • ①

        Specialized fields (E-1 ~ E-7), non-professional fields (E-9, E-10).

      • ②

        Manufacturing and construction industries are generally restricted based on business registration. However, manufacturing is permitted if the applicant holds TOPIK Level 4 (or has completed KIIP Level 4).

        ※ Construction: Immediate deportation upon first violation, regardless of circumstances.

      • ③

        Facilities related to teaching minors foreign languages:

        Activities such as safety assistance or play assistance in English kids’ cafes or English camps are allowed if the applicant provides a criminal background check and a medical certificate, including drug test results.

      • ④

        Activities in specific types of work such as delivery riders, substitute drivers, insurance planners, private tutors, and door-to-door sales agents are prohibited.

  • 3

    Work Allowance Scope

    • 1)

      Working Hours

      Up to 30 hours per week on weekdays. Unlimited working hours on weekends, public holidays, and during vacation periods.

      Degree Year Korean Language Proficiency Standard Start Period Allowed Time Certified Universities / High Achievers (Weekdays)
      Weekdays Weekend‧Vacation
      Associate - ① TOPIK Level 3 ② Completion of KIIP Level 3 or higher, or pre-evaluation score of 61 or highe ③ Completion of Sejong Institute Intermediate Level 1 or higher X Immediate availability 10 Hours 10 Hours
      ○ 25 Hours Unlimited 30 Hours
      Bachelor 1st-2nd X Immediate availability 10 Hours 10 Hours
      ○ 25 Hours Unlimited 30 Hours
      3rd-4th ① TOPIK Level 4 ② Completion of KIIP Level 4 or higher, or pre-evaluation score of 81 or higher ③ Completion of Sejong Institute Intermediate Level 2 or higher X Immediate availability 10 Hours 10 Hours
      ○ 25 Hours Unlimited 30 Hours
      Master / Doctoral - X Immediate availability 15 Hours 15 Hours
      ○ 30 Hours Unlimited 35 Hours
    • 2)

      Permissible Locations

      Work must be within 90 minutes of travel for metropolitan areas and within 60 minutes for regional areas, based on the location of residence or university (applicable only during the semester).

    • 3)

      A maximum of two places of employment is allowed simultaneously.

  • 4

    Application Process

    • 1)

      Approval Procedure

      Employment Contract Preparation
      Employment contract between the employer and employee (Standard labor contract, including hourly wage)
      Part-Time Employment Confirmation Form Preparation
      The university's international student coordinator prepares the form
      Application
      Online application or visit the local immigration office
      Approval
      Permission sticker attached to the foreign registration card or online approval certificate printing
    • 2)

      Required Documents

      • ①

        Passport, Alien Registration Card, application form.

      • ②

        Confirmation form for part-time employment of international students (Form Link)

      • ③

        Certificate of enrollment, academic transcript, or attendance record (unnecessary if confirmed via FIMS).

      • ④

        Copy of the business registration certificate and standard employment contract.

      • ⑤

        Korean language proficiency proof: TOPIK or KIIP certification.

      • ⑤

        Compliance confirmation for part-time work requirements (Form Link, if applicable).

  • 5

    Additional Notes

    • 1)

      Temporary honorariums, prize money, or activities compensated as part of daily life are excluded from work permit requirements.

    • 2)

      Part-time work permits are not required for research activities within the university that provide training allowances related to academics.

    • 3)

      Permits are not required for mandatory internship programs; however, voluntary internships require a part-time work permit.

  • 6

    Penalties for Violations

    Category 1st Violation 2nd Violation 3rd Violation
    Without Permission Restricted from part-time employment permission for 1 year Deportation order (Re-entry not allowed)
    Permission Granted but Conditions Violated Restricted from part-time employment permission during the study period Deportation order