Frequently Asked Questions

Not strictly required, but Korean ability gives strong points-system bonuses for D-10-1 — TOPIK Level 5 / KIIP Stage 5 = 20 points, Level 4 / Stage 4 = 15, Level 3 / Stage 3 = 10, Level 2 / Stage 2 = 5. Exemption tracks — 'top Korean speaker' requires TOPIK Level 4+ or KIIP Stage 4 mid-test pass; 'promising talent' (Korean studies majors) requires TOPIK Level 6. D-10-1 part-time work also requires KIIP Stage 4 or TOPIK Level 4+ (manufacturing requires KIIP Stage 4 — TOPIK alone doesn't qualify).

The standard is 'annual single-person housing-benefit standard × stay months' or more in a bank balance certificate. Korea's Ministry of Health & Welfare publishes the housing-benefit standard annually — multiply by your planned months of stay. If your internship pays at least that level, intern-pay records can substitute. The points-exemption tracks (first change after Korean university graduation, top Korean speakers, promising talent, foreign youth raised in Korea, caregiver trainees, embassy interns, professional first-changers) are entirely exempt from this requirement.

Generally a bachelor's degree (Korean associate counts) or higher is required. D-10-1 points-system uses education as a basic item (associate 15, bachelor 15, master 20, PhD 30); D-10-2 needs bachelor's+; D-10-3 needs bachelor's+ in advanced tech from a top global university; D-10-T needs master's from a global top-100. The 'foreign youth raised in Korea' track (age 18-24, Korean K-12 graduate) and 'embassy intern' track have different requirements. Korean university graduates may be exempt from submitting the diploma if it's verifiable via FIMS.

D-10 is a temporary job-seeking status, so dependent visa (F-3) issuance is generally restricted. F-3 is usually not granted on D-10 alone — once you secure employment and change to E-1 to E-7, dependent options open up. Humanitarian exceptions are allowed in specific cases. If family accompaniment matters, the practical plan is to move from D-10 to a working visa (E series) as quickly as possible.

Yes. The simplest path is the 'first D-10-1 status change after Korean university graduation' track. Within 1 year of graduation (associate or above), you can change to D-10-1 with no points-system applied, and you get a 1-year stay. Extensions DO require the points system (60+). Documents — application form, photo, passport copy, fee, ID copy, job-search activity plan, Korean university degree certificate, address proof. Living-cost proof is exempt. If you apply abroad within 1 year of graduation, you still get the points-exempt visa (does NOT apply if you previously held D-10). Strong Korean speakers (TOPIK 4 or KIIP Stage 4 mid-test pass) get the 'top Korean speaker' exemption for up to 3 years post-graduation — that track has a 3-year stay cap, which is a real advantage.

Only D-10-1 (general job-seeking) holders can do part-time work — D-10-2 (tech startup) and D-10-3 (advanced-tech intern) are NOT eligible. Three requirements: ① a Korean associate-or-higher degree obtained within the last 3 years, ② KIIP Stage 4 or TOPIK Level 4+, ③ no prior E-1 to E-7 stay history. Allowed fields: ① manufacturing (KIIP Stage 4 only — TOPIK alone does not count), or ② agriculture (no language requirement). Hours: 25 hrs/week weekdays, unlimited weekends/holidays; KIIP Stage 5+ holders get 30 hrs/week. Application fee KRW 120,000. Processed as 'status-exception activity' permit.

D-10-1 (general job-seeking) and D-10-T (top-tier talent) explicitly cover 'short-term internships with a training stipend before formal hire.' So pre-employment short internships ARE allowed under D-10 itself. However, when you start an internship or change your affiliated organization, you must report it within 15 days as an alien-registration item change. D-10-3 (advanced-tech internship) is itself an internship-based status, so contracted internship activities require no extra step. Be careful with D-10-2 (tech startup prep) — internship activities are restricted.

Once you secure employment in one of E-1 (Professor) through E-7 (Specific Occupation), apply for status change to that visa. Typically you'll need an employment contract, employment recommendation, education/career proof for that visa, and financial proof — varies by visa. Since this happens during D-10 stay, you don't need to leave Korea. You must have no disqualifications. If your previous workplace contract still has remaining time, an employer release letter may be required.

Apply at the local Immigration Office before your stay expires. D-10-1 points-system applicants — application form, photo, passport copy, fee, ID copy, job-search plan, address proof, living-cost proof, plus other points-related documents. Exemption tracks (top Korean speaker, foreign youth, promising talent) are exempt from living-cost proof; caregiver trainee and professional career-changer tracks still need it. D-10-2: tech-startup activity plan + living-cost + address. D-10-3: intern employment certificate + company qualification + internship plan. D-10-T: job-search plan + address. Stay caps — 80+ points: 3-year cap, 1 year per issuance / 60-80 points: 1-year cap, 6 months per issuance.

If you've completed alien registration, you can re-enter without a permit if it's within 1 year from your departure date. For 1-2 year re-entry, you need a multi-entry permit before you leave (with fee). Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Libya have multi-entry restrictions, with exceptions only for F-6, D-2, and D-4 — D-10 is NOT in that exception list, so D-10 holders from these countries should check with Immigration in advance.

Overstaying is a serious violation and may result in fines, deportation, or re-entry bans. Always extend or change status before expiry. Note that D-10 has an absolute total stay cap of 3 years (1 year for some tracks) — it cannot be renewed indefinitely. When the cap is reached, you must either change to an employment visa (E-1 to E-7) or leave Korea. Changes to name, sex, birth date, nationality, passport, or affiliated organization, plus internship start or organization changes, must be reported within 15 days.