Work visa in Korea after graduation:What visa can international students apply for after graduating in Korea?
Q: What visa can international students apply for after graduating in Korea?
A: After graduating from a Korean university, international students can apply for the D-10 job-seeking visa, which allows them to stay for up to six months to look for employment. If they find a job related to their major, they can switch to an E-7 work visa. The D-10 visa can be extended up to two years under certain conditions. Alternatively, graduates with a bachelor's degree or higher may qualify for the F-2-7 points-based residence visa if they meet score requirements. It's important to apply before the D-2 student visa expires to maintain legal status.
Q: What are the requirements for the D-10 job-seeking visa in Korea?
A: To apply for the D-10 visa, you must have graduated or be expected to graduate from a Korean university with at least a bachelor's degree. You need to provide a graduation certificate, academic transcript, proof of financial stability (around 4.5 million KRW), a valid passport, and an application form. The visa is granted for six months and can be extended up to two years if you show active job-seeking efforts. You cannot work part-time on D-10, but you can attend job interviews and internships. Applications are submitted at the local immigration office before your D-2 visa expires.
Q: How can I switch from a D-10 visa to an E-7 work visa in Korea?
A: To switch from D-10 to E-7, you must secure a job offer from a Korean company that meets the E-7 requirements, such as a minimum salary of 80% of GNI and a position related to your major. The employer must sponsor your visa by providing documents like the employment contract, company registration, and tax records. You also need your degree certificate, transcripts, and passport. The application is processed at the immigration office, and once approved, the E-7 visa allows you to work legally for up to three years, renewable. Processing takes about two to four weeks.
Q: What is the F-2-7 points-based visa for graduates in Korea?
A: The F-2-7 visa is a points-based residence visa for foreign professionals, including international graduates. Points are awarded for age, education, Korean language proficiency (TOPIK), work experience, and income. A bachelor's degree gives 20 points, and TOPIK level 5 or above adds more. You need at least 80 points out of 120 to qualify. This visa allows you to work freely, start a business, and stay for three years, renewable. It's a pathway to permanent residency (F-5). Graduates can apply directly without needing a job offer first, making it a flexible option.
Q: What should international students do if their visa expires before finding a job in Korea?
A: If your D-2 or D-10 visa expires before you find a job, you must either leave Korea or change to another eligible visa. You can apply for a D-10 extension if you show job-seeking efforts, such as interview records or applications. If not eligible, you might consider a short-term C-3 visa or return to your home country and reapply later. Overstaying is illegal and can lead to fines, deportation, and future entry bans. It's crucial to consult the immigration office at least one month before expiry to explore options and avoid penalties.
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Common scenarios of "Work visa in Korea after graduation"
【International Student】 Hi, I'm graduating soon from a university in Seoul. I want to stay and work in Korea. What visa options do I have?
【Immigration Consultant】 Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! The most common visa for foreign graduates who want to work in Korea is the D-10 job-seeking visa, which allows you to stay for up to 6 months to look for a job. Once you find a job, you can change to an E-7 work visa.
【International Student】 What are the requirements for the D-10 visa?
【Immigration Consultant】 You need to have a bachelor's degree or higher, a valid passport, and proof of financial stability (around 3 million KRW). You also need to apply before your current student visa expires. The D-10 visa can be extended up to 6 months if you show you're actively job hunting.
【International Student】 What about the E-7 visa? What jobs qualify?
【Immigration Consultant】 The E-7 visa is for professional workers in designated fields like IT, engineering, business management, education, and arts. Your job must be related to your major, and your employer must sponsor you. The company also needs to prove they couldn't find a suitable Korean candidate.
【International Student】 Is there a minimum salary requirement for E-7?
【Immigration Consultant】 Yes, the salary must meet the minimum wage set by the Korean government, which is around 2.5 million KRW per month in 2024. Some exceptions apply for certain occupations.
【International Student】 I heard about the F-2-7 visa. Can I apply for that after graduation?
【Immigration Consultant】 The F-2-7 visa is a points-based residence visa. You can apply if you score at least 80 points based on factors like age, education, Korean language proficiency, and income. It's a good option if you want more flexibility and a path to permanent residency.
【International Student】 How many points would I get with a master's degree and TOPIK level 4?
【Immigration Consultant】 A master's degree gives you 20 points, and TOPIK level 4 gives you 10 points. You'd need to calculate other factors like age (under 30 gives 20 points) and additional points for things like volunteering or published papers.
【International Student】 What if I want to start my own business instead of getting a job?
【Immigration Consultant】 You could apply for a D-8 corporate investment visa. You need to invest at least 100 million KRW in a Korean company. Alternatively, if you have a tech startup, you might qualify for the O-1 visa for outstanding talent.
【International Student】 Are there any special programs for graduates of Korean universities?
【Immigration Consultant】 Yes, there's the 'Golden Card' system for highly skilled professionals, which offers fast-track processing for F-2 visas. Also, some local governments have programs to attract foreign talent, so check with your local immigration office.
【International Student】 How long does the visa application process take?
【Immigration Consultant】 It varies. D-10 usually takes 2-3 weeks, E-7 can take 4-6 weeks, and F-2-7 might take 2-3 months. Apply well before your current visa expires to avoid overstaying.
【International Student】 What happens if my visa application is denied?
【Immigration Consultant】 You may need to leave Korea or appeal the decision. It's best to consult with an immigration lawyer if you face denial. Also, make sure your documents are complete and accurate to avoid rejection.
