International College

The D-10-1 visa is a job-seeking visa for foreigners preparing for professional employment in Korea under the E-1 to E-7 visa categories. It permits visa holders to remain in Korea while actively searching for employment opportunities.

1. Eligibility for D-10-1 Visa
◆ Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
  - Graduated with an associate degree or higher from a domestic or foreign university.
  - Completed a training program conducted by the Korean government or an international organization.
  - Possess specialized knowledge or skills and plan to engage in entrepreneurship, training, or job-seeking activities.

2. Point-Based System and Exemptions
The D-10-1 visa is generally subject to a point-based system (190 points total, with a minimum of 60 points required). However, certain applicants may be exempt from the point-based evaluation under specific conditions. Please refer to the attached document for the complete point-based assessment table.

◆ Exemption Criteria for the Point-Based System
 1) First-Time Job-Seeking Change After Graduation
  The point system is not used when a foreign student (D-2 visa holder) graduates from a Korean-accredited university with an associate degree or higher and applies for a D-10-1 visa for the first time.
  - Initial D-10-1 stay: 6 months granted. Extensions require point-based evaluation.
  - The point system will be applied if the applicant previously held a D-10 visa.
 2) Korean Proficiency Exemption for Domestic University Graduates

  Applicants who graduated from a Korean-accredited university (associate degree or higher) within the past three years and meet one of the following criteria are exempt from the point-based evaluation:
  - Hold a valid TOPIK Level 4 or higher certificate.
  - Passed the Korea Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP) Level 4 Intermediate Evaluation.
  - Assigned to KIIP Level 5 through the Pre-Evaluation test.
    ※ If more than three years have passed since graduation, the general point-based system applies.
3) Professional Work Experience Holders
  - Applicants who previously held an E-1 to E-7 visa but whose employment contract has ended or who terminated their employment for a valid reason are exempt from the point-based system.

3. Duration and Extension
  - Initial visa period: 6 months (default period).
  - Maximum extension period: Up to 2 years (extended in 6-month increments).

4. Required Documents
◆ Mandatory Documents for Application
  - D-10-1 Visa Application Form
  - Copy of your passport and Alien Registration Card (ARC)
  - Passport-sized photo (3.5cm × 4.5cm, white background)
  - Degree certificate (Submit one of the following: Graduation certificate, diploma, or proof of degree acquisition)
  - Proof of financial stability (Bank statement, financial sponsor letter, etc.)
  - Proof of residence (Lease contract, dormitory confirmation, etc.)
  - Additional documents required for point-based system evaluation
◆ Additional Documents (If Applicable)
  - Korean Proficiency Certificate (TOPIK score report, KIIP completion certificate, etc.)
  - Employment history verification (Work experience certificate or employment verification letter including period, workplace, and job description)

5. Permissible Activities Under D-10-1 Visa
  ▣ Eligible for job-seeking activities and employment training programs.
  ▣ Can participate in pre-employment internships with a stipend.
  ▣ Allows internship opportunities in professional fields (E-1 to E-7) (Excludes unskilled labor).
  ※ Restricted Internship Activities:
    ☞ Manufacturing, construction, and unskilled service sectors.
    ☞ Jobs such as English-language kids’ cafés and other unskilled positions.

6. Important Notes
  - Applicants must prepare in advance to meet the point-based system requirements for visa extension.
  - If job-seeking activities are not verified, visa extensions may be denied.
  - Once employment is secured, applicants must switch to an appropriate work visa, such as an E-7 (Specialized Job Visa).
  - Internship activities must be reported to the Immigration Office within two weeks of starting work.

The D-10-1 visa is essential for foreigners preparing for employment in Korea. Applicants must fully understand the eligibility criteria and extension conditions to ensure compliance. For more detailed information, please refer to the Hi Korea website: Hi Korea Visa Guide