"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.
The "New Graduate" Privilege
According to the latest Immigration Office manual, you qualify for the Points System Exemption if you meet these specific conditions:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Target | International students who have graduated from a regular university in South Korea (Associate degree or higher) |
| Conditions | 1. Applying for D-10 visa for the first time 2. Within 1 year after graduation 3. Currently holding D-2 student visa |
If you fit this description, you do not need to calculate points. You just need to prove you graduated.
Why This is a Game Changer
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:
You do not need to freeze money in your bank account to apply.
Required Documents (Simplified for Graduates)
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
Internship Rules You Must Know
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
• Company A: 1 year + Company B: 1 year = OK
• Company A: 6 months + Company B: 6 months + Company C: 1 year = OK
• Company A: 8 months + Company B: 11 months + Company C: 6 months = OK
• Company A: 1 year + Company B: 1 year + Company C: 1 year = OK
• Company A: 11 months + Company B: 1 month + Company A again: 1 month = OK (Company A total: 1 year)
• Company A: 1 year 2 months = NOT ALLOWED (exceeds 1 year at same company)
• Company A: 7 months + later returning to Company A for 6 more months = NOT ALLOWED (Company A cumulative total: 13 months)
Reporting Requirement
Not reporting can cause serious problems later.
What to submit when reporting:
- Change of registration form
- Your internship contract
- Company registration documents
- Company's employment insurance certificate
Part-Time Work: Not as Simple as You Think
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.
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• English kids cafes
• Other restricted businesses
How Long Can You Stay?
| Your Situation | Period Per Issuance | Maximum Total Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Points Exempt (New Graduate within 1 year) | 1 year | 3 years |
| 80+ Points | 1 year | 3 years |
| 60-79 Points | 6 months | 1 year |
| Former E-1 to E-7 Visa Holders | 6 months | 1 year |
| Caregiver Training Program Completers | 6 months | 3 years |
| Foreign Embassy/Consulate Interns | 6 months | 3 years |
Extension Details
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
Other Exemption Cases
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
Skip the Immigration Office Visit
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply for D-10 right after graduation?
A: Yes! Just make sure to apply within 1 year of graduation to get the points system exemption.
Q: Do I need TOPIK to get D-10?
A: No, you do not need TOPIK to get the D-10 visa. However, you DO need TOPIK 4+ (or KIIP Level 4+) if you want to work part-time.
Q: Do I need to show bank statements?
A: No, not for your first D-10 application if you are a new graduate within 1 year of graduation.
Q: Can I work part-time immediately after getting D-10?
A: Only if you meet ALL the requirements: less than 3 years since graduation, TOPIK 4+ or KIIP 4+, and no previous E-1~E-7 visa history.
Q: I have TOPIK 3. Can I work part-time?
A: No, you need at least TOPIK Level 4 or KIIP Level 4 to be eligible for part-time work.
Q: Do I have to report my internship?
A: YES! You must report it within 15 days of starting. Not reporting can cause problems later.
Q: Can I intern at multiple companies for more than 1 year total?
A: Yes! There is NO limit on total internship time. The only limit is that you cannot work at any single company for more than 1 year cumulative. You can intern at Company A for 1 year, then Company B for 1 year, then Company C for 1 year, etc.
Q: Is there a minimum internship period at each company?
A: No, there is NO minimum period requirement. You can intern for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or any duration up to 1 year at each company.
Q: I worked at Company A for 8 months. Can I go back to Company A later?
A: Yes, you can return to Company A. But your total cumulative time at Company A cannot exceed 1 year throughout your entire D-10 period. So you can only work 4 more months maximum at Company A.
Q: How long does the application take?
A: Usually 2-4 weeks. It might take longer if your documents are not complete.
Q: What if more than 1 year has passed since I graduated?
A: You can still apply, but you will lose the points exemption. You will need to meet the 60+ points requirement.
Q: If I get 60-79 points for extension, how long can I stay?
A: With 60-79 points, you get 6 months per extension, and the maximum total stay is 1 year. This means: initial 1 year (points exempt) ends, but you can only stay up to 1 year total if your extension score is 60-79 points.
Q: I used to have an E-2 teaching visa. Can I work part-time on D-10?
A: No, if you have ever had any E-1 through E-7 visa (including E-2), you are not eligible for the part-time work allowance on D-10.
Q: What if I did not graduate from a university in South Korea?
A: If you graduated from a university abroad, you will likely need to follow the Points System or qualify under the "World Top University" exemption (Times/QS Top 200).
Q: What part-time jobs can I do with D-10?
A: The allowed jobs are the same as for international students on D-2 visas. Manufacturing, construction, and English kids cafes are among the restricted industries.
Q: I completed a caregiver training program. What are my stay limits?
A: You get 6 months per issuance. The maximum total stay is 3 years.
Q: I have previous E-7 visa experience. What are my D-10 limits?
A: You get 6 months per issuance. The maximum total stay is 1 year (not 3 years).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Solution: Apply before your D-2 visa runs out!
Solution: Report within 15 days of starting any internship.
Solution: There is NO total limit! You can intern as long as your D-10 visa is valid. Just do not exceed 1 year at any single company.
Solution: Make sure you meet ALL requirements: TOPIK 4+, less than 3 years since graduation, no previous E visa.
Solution: Start gathering documents for 60+ points at least 1 month before expiry.
Solution: Keep proof of all job applications, interviews, training courses. You will need these for extension.
Solution: 60-79 points only allows 1 year maximum total stay. To stay longer, you need 80+ points.
Important Tips
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