D-10 Job Seeker Visa Korea 2026: Complete Guide for New Graduates (Points Exemption)

"I just graduated. Do I really need 60 points for a D-10 visa?"

This is the most common worry for international students in South Korea as graduation approaches. The standard D-10-1 Job Seeker Visa usually operates on a strictly calculated Points System, requiring age, education, and Korean language scores to total at least 60 points.

At Lawyeon Visa Center, we specialize in helping fresh graduates transition smoothly to a Job Seeker status without the stress of complex calculations.

According to the latest Immigration Office manual, you qualify for the Points System Exemption if you meet these specific conditions:

If you fit this description, you do not need to calculate points. You just need to prove you graduated.

The biggest benefit is not just skipping the math. It is about the money.

Standard D-10 applicants must provide a bank statement showing proof of living expenses (approx. 4~5 million KRW). However, as a new graduate under this exemption rule:

Since you are skipping the points evaluation, the document list is much simpler. We handle the preparation for you, but here is what is needed:

Common Documents

• Application form (Form 34)
• Passport
• Recent photo
• Alien Registration Card (ARC)
• Application fee (100,000 KRW)

Graduate-Specific Documents

• Job Seeking Plan: A simple statement of how you will look for a job (We can help guide you on this)
• Diploma/Degree Certificate: Usually NOT required — the immigration office can verify through their system
• Proof of Residence: Housing contract (lease agreement) or residence certificate

You can do internships on a D-10 visa, but there are specific rules:

Time Limits (2026 Regulations)

One key limit:

• Maximum 1 year cumulative at each individual company

There is NO limit on total internship time across different companies during your entire D-10 period.

There is NO minimum period requirement. You can work at a company for any duration as long as you do not exceed 1 year at that specific company.

Examples

Reporting Requirement

What to submit when reporting:

• Change of registration form
• Your internship contract
• Company registration documents
• Company's employment insurance certificate

Many students assume they can work part-time freely on a D-10 visa. This is NOT true.

Requirements to Work Part-Time

You can work part-time ONLY IF you meet ALL of these conditions:

For 25 Hours Per Week:

• Less than 3 years since you graduated
• Korean language proficiency: TOPIK Level 4 or higher, OR Social Integration Program (KIIP) Level 4 or higher (passed intermediate evaluation)
• No previous E-1 to E-7 visa history (including teaching visas E-2, professional visas E-5, E-7, etc.)

For 30 Hours Per Week:

If you have TOPIK Level 5 or higher OR KIIP Level 5, you can work up to 30 hours per week. BUT you must still meet all the requirements above.

What Jobs Are Allowed?

Part-time work for D-10 visa holders follows the same rules as international students on D-2 visas.

For New Graduates (Points Exempt for First Application):

When you apply for extension, you will need to meet the points system requirements:

• 60+ points required for extension
• If you have 60-79 points: Each extension is for 6 months — maximum 1 year total stay
• If you have 80+ points: Each extension is for 1 year — maximum 3 years total stay

What you need for extension:

• Korean language certificate (TOPIK or KIIP)
• Bank statements (proof of financial ability)
• Proof of active job hunting (internship records, interview records, job applications)
• Any certificates or training you completed

While the "New Graduate" case is the most common, the points system is also exempted if you fall into these categories:

High Korean Proficiency

• TOPIK Level 4 or higher
• Social Integration Program (KIIP) Level 4 or higher (passed intermediate evaluation)
• Within 3 years of graduation
• Stay: 1 year per issuance, up to 3 years total

Promising Talent (D-10-T)

• Graduated from Times Higher Education or QS World University Rankings Top 200 university
• Master's degree or higher
• Within 3 years of graduation
• Stay: 1 year per issuance, up to 3 years total

Experienced Professionals (Former E-1 to E-7 Holders)

• Previous experience working in E-1 through E-7 professional visa categories
• Stay: 6 months per issuance, maximum 1 year total

Graduation season means the immigration office is fully booked. Why wait for weeks just to reserve a visit?

Lawyeon Visa & Immigration Center provides a direct online application service:

How It Works

Before You Graduate

• Find out when you can get your graduation certificate
• Make sure you have a rental contract
• Write up a simple job search plan
• Check when your D-2 visa expires
• Get TOPIK 4+ if you plan to work part-time

While You Have D-10

• Report any internships within 15 days of starting
• Track your internship time at each company (do not exceed 1 year per company)
• Keep records of all your job search activities
• Start preparing for extension early if you need one
• Aim for 80+ points if you want to stay for 3 years

For Extension

• Start preparing 1 month before your visa expires
• Collect documents to meet the 60+ points requirement
• Keep proof of all job hunting activities
• Get TOPIK or KIIP certificate to boost your points
• Critical: Aim for 80+ points to get 1-year extensions instead of 6-month extensions