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D-10 — Job Seeker Visa (D-10)
South KoreaSouth Korea•Asia
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D-10 — Job Seeker Visa (D-10)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–3 weeks

Estimated Cost

USD $60

Stay Duration

6 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Job-seeker visa for skilled professionals and Korean university graduates, extendable up to 2 years with dependent visa support.

The D-10 Job Seeker Visa allows skilled foreign professionals and recent Korean university graduates to actively seek employment in South Korea. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and score at least 60 points on the point-based evaluation system (based on age, education, experience, and language proficiency), though recent Korean university graduates are exempt from this requirement.

The visa is initially granted for up to 6 months and is renewable, with a maximum total stay of 2 years. Dependents may be included; spouses may not work. Processing takes 14–21 days and the application fee is USD 60 for single-entry visas.

This visa is ideal for international degree holders and recent Korean university graduates seeking to launch a career in Korea's competitive job market while securing long-term employment.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant6 months

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

E-1 — Professor Visa (E-1)
South Korea flagSouth Korea

E-1 — Professor Visa (E-1)

Validity5 years
Processing3–4 weeks
View Visa Details
E-2 — Foreign Language Instructor Visa (E-2)
South Korea flagSouth Korea

E-2 — Foreign Language Instructor Visa (E-2)

Validity1–2 years (matches employment contract), renewable
Processing2–4 weeks
View Visa Details
E-3 — Research Visa (E-3)
South Korea flagSouth Korea

E-3 — Research Visa (E-3)

Validity5 years
Processing2 weeks – 1 month
View Visa Details
E-7 — Special Occupation Visa (E-7)
South Korea flagSouth Korea

E-7 — Special Occupation Visa (E-7)

Validity3 years
Processing3–4 weeks
View Visa Details
F-2-7 — Long-term Residency Visa (F-2)
South Korea flagSouth Korea

F-2-7 — Long-term Residency Visa (F-2)

Validity3 years
Processing1–2 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must hold at least a bachelor's degree (or associate degree for specific cases).

Must score at least 60 points out of 190 on the point-based system (unless exempt).

Must have a minimum of 20 points in basic items.

Must not have been denied a Korean visa within 1 year prior to entry.

Must not have been denied entry to Korea within the last 3 years.

Must not have criminal records or violations of the Immigration Act (e.g., fines over 2 million KRW, illegal stay).

Must provide a detailed job search plan.

New graduates from Korean universities (within 1 year) are exempt from the points system.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Savings

5,400,000 KRW

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Visa application form

Passport

Recent passport-sized photograph

Job search plan (including past activities and future goals)

Degree certificate (apostilled/legalized)

Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statement showing sufficient funds)

Proof of work experience (if applicable)

Documents for point system evaluation (e.g., TOPIK certificate, transcripts)

Tuberculosis test result (if applicable)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Up to 2 years total stay with initial 6-month grant plus renewals in 6-month increments
  • Path to permanent residency—visa type allows conversion to long-term work visas (E-1 to E-7)
  • No employer sponsorship required—candidates apply independently without job offer
  • Recent Korean university graduates exempt from points-based evaluation system
  • Dual intent allowed—can search for employment or start a business within Korea
  • Dependent visa available—qualified family members can accompany the primary applicant
  • Affordable application fee of just USD 60 for initial single entry visa
  • Processing completed in 14–21 days—swift timeline to start job search activities

Worth Knowing

  • Requires bachelor's degree minimum or associate degree in specific cases
  • Non-working status during visa period—cannot accept employment until converting to E-series visa
  • Spouse cannot work independently while on dependent visa status
  • Point-based evaluation system (minimum 60/190 points) required unless qualifying as recent graduate
  • Previous visa denial within 1 year or entry denial within 3 years disqualifies applicants
  • Criminal records or immigration violations (fines over KRW 2M, illegal stay) result in non-qualification

Application Process

1

Prove qualification

Recent graduate or skilled professional

2

Calculate points

If using points system (minimum 20/190 points)

3

Prepare documents

Graduation certificate and financial proof

4

Apply at embassy

D-10 job seeker application

5

Visa processing

14-21 days

6

Visa issuance

Job seeker visa granted

Application Forms

D-10-1 Job Seeker Application Form—

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