D-10 · E-7 · F-2 · F-5 — steps toward settling in Korea.
1. D-10 Job-Seeking Visa
▪A "grace period" visa for finding a job after graduation
The D-10 is a "job-seeking grace period" visa that buys you time: it lets foreigners who have graduated and earned a degree, but who have not yet secured formal employment, stay in Korea legally while calmly looking for work. Normally a student visa expires the moment you graduate, which would force you to leave the country right away — and the D-10 exists precisely to bridge that gap. It is issued in initial periods of 6 months and, with extensions, lets you stay for a total maximum of 2 years. Within that window, the goal is to land a job and switch over to an E-7 or E-7-M visa. In other words, think of the D-10 not as a final destination but as a stepping stone toward a proper work visa.
This visa allows you to legally stay in Korea while searching for a job after graduation.
- Holder of an associate degree or higher from a regular Korean university (including junior colleges)
- Application must be submitted within 3 years from the date of degree conferral
- TOPIK Level 4 or above, or a qualifying score on the Social Integration Program pre-evaluation
- Initially issued for 6 months → extendable (total limit of 2 years)
D-10 does not simply look at your diploma — it uses a points system to comprehensively evaluate your "employment intent and capability." The standard is 60 points or more out of 190, plus at least 20 points in the basic items.
- Education — points vary by degree level: associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree earned in Korea
- Korean language proficiency — bonus points based on TOPIK level or Social Integration Program (KIIP) completion stage
- Age — bonus points for younger applicants (20s–early 30s)
- Domestic and overseas work experience — part-time and internship experience in Korea is partially recognized
- Study abroad experience — additional bonus for Korean degree holders
- Evidence of concrete job-seeking activities — submission of résumé, personal statement, and job-search activity plan
※ Those who have earned an associate degree or higher from a Korean institution may have certain point requirements waived or relaxed.
| Category | D-10 (job-seeking) | D-2 (student) maintain/change | E-7 direct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prerequisite | Graduation + pass points system | Transfer to bachelor's / graduate enrollment | Job offer + occupation match confirmed |
| Stay period | Initial 6 months → up to 2 years | Until completion of studies | Initial 1–2 years → extendable |
| Permitted activities | Job-seeking · internship · training · part-time | Study-focused + part-time allowed | Exclusive employment at the designated workplace |
| Family accompaniment | Restricted (F-3 assessed separately) | Possible (F-3) | Possible (F-3) |
| Advantages | Time secured to find a job | Degree and residency both stable | Immediate formal employment |
| Disadvantages | Ends if no job found within 2 years | Ongoing tuition burden | Not possible without a job offer |
- Job searching — applying to job postings, attending interviews, going through hiring procedures
- Internship — corporate internships as a pre-employment stage (separate reporting may be required)
- Training — participation in job-related education and training programs
- Part-time work — a certain number of hours per week after prior authorization
- Entrepreneurship preparation — market research and company establishment preparation for D-8 conversion
※ D-10 does not permit "formal full-time employment." Once employment is confirmed, you must change to E-7 or E-7-M to work officially.
D-10 stay extension procedure (5 steps)
Check 1 month before initial 6-month issuance expires
Compile records of job-seeking activities to date (companies applied to, interviews, résumés). The immigration office evaluates "diligent job-seeking activities."
Month 5 of D-10Prepare extension application documents
Prepare a job-search activity plan, supporting documents for activities undertaken, and financial documents such as bank balance statements proving ability to support yourself.
3 weeks before expiryApply via Hi Korea or in person
Submit online or visit the relevant immigration and foreign resident office in person. Pay the fee and receive a receipt.
2 weeks before expiryReview (2–4 weeks)
Your existing D-10 status is maintained during the review. If additional documents are requested, submit them promptly.
After submissionExtension approved → Alien Registration Card reissued
If approved, the stay period is renewed. Extensions are only possible within the total limit of 2 years.
After notification- Prepare the change application as soon as hiring is confirmed and a formal employment contract is issued
- Recommended to apply at least 3 weeks before the scheduled start date (review takes 7–14 business days)
- Starting formal work before change authorization is granted is classified as "unauthorized employment" — subject to penalties
- Confirm in advance that the company is authorized to hire foreigners (employment insurance and domestic worker ratio requirements)
- Prepare the company's business documents: foreign employment recommendation letter, business registration certificate, corporate registration certificate, etc.
- Reapply after returning home — build new study/work experience in your home country, then try to re-enter on another visa (E-7, D-2, etc.)
- Transfer into a bachelor's program — if accepted into a bachelor's program before expiry, you can switch back to D-2 (however, D-10-to-D-2 conversion is limited depending on the school, major, and timing)
- Staying after a departure order is illegal residence — it restricts your ability to obtain any Korean visa in the future
2. E-7 Work Visa — the key visa for junior college graduates
E-7-M — virtually the only formal work visa open to junior college international students
The general E-7 work visa usually sets a bachelor's degree or higher as the standard qualification, so it is hard to qualify with only an associate degree (from a 2- to 3-year junior college). The E-7-M visa (region-specific junior college graduate) was created precisely to fill this gap. The key point is that the strict education requirement is significantly relaxed as long as you meet one condition: employment at a business located outside the capital region. That said, not just any job will do — the employment contract must specify an annual salary of at least 26 million won, and the major you studied must match the actual job category you will work in. For junior college students, this is in practice the most realistic gateway to formal employment.
General E-7
- Bachelor's degree or higher required
- Available nationwide including the capital region
- Approximately 90+ specialized occupations
- TOPIK Level 3–4 recommended
E-7-M (junior college advantage)
- Associate degree or higher earned in Korea
- Non-capital-region businesses only
- Manufacturing-related majors only (automotive, precision machinery, etc.)
- TOPIK Level 5 or KIIP Stage 4 (upon employment)
Once hired at an actual workplace, you change to E-7. The general E-7 typically requires a bachelor's degree or higher, but there is a separate pathway open to junior college graduates.
- Graduated from a junior college in Korea + employed at a business in the non-capital region
- Educational requirements relaxed compared to general E-7
- A newly created pathway aimed at addressing labor shortages in regional industries
- Major-to-occupation matching requirement applies
E-7-M is virtually the only formal work visa pathway open to junior college international students. Plan your major and employment region match in advance.
General E-7 vs E-7-M — side-by-side comparison
They belong to the same E-7 category, but the educational, regional, and occupation requirements differ significantly. For junior college graduates, E-7-M is far more realistic.
| Category | General E-7 (designated activities) | E-7-M (region-specific junior college) |
|---|---|---|
| Education requirement | Bachelor's degree or higher (major and occupation must match) | Associate degree or higher earned in Korea |
| Regional requirement | No restriction (including capital region) | Non-capital-region businesses only |
| Occupation | Approximately 90+ specialized occupations (management, professional, technical) | Manufacturing-related occupations only (automotive, precision machinery, etc.) |
| Korean language requirement | Varies by occupation (TOPIK Level 3–4 recommended) | TOPIK Level 5 or KIIP Stage 4 upon graduation/employment (Level 3 upon admission) |
| Minimum salary | Based on approximately 80% of per-capita GNI from the previous year | Annual 26 million won or more |
| Stay period | Initial 1–3 years, extendable | Initial 1–2 years, renewable and extendable |
| Family accompaniment | Possible (F-3) | Possible (F-3, when salary conditions are met) |
| Points system | Points system applied to some occupations | Linked to the skilled foreign workers points system |
E-7-M targets "mid-skilled occupations that regional industries lack." The main fields are as follows.
- Manufacturing — production functions in automotive, machinery, mold-making, electronics, plastics, food processing, etc.
- Services — face-to-face services in hotels, food & beverage, beauty, tourism, care work, etc.
- Agriculture, livestock & fisheries — technical farming in facility horticulture, livestock, aquaculture, etc.
- Logistics & transport — warehouse management, logistics center operations, some driving duties
- Construction & facilities — some construction and facilities skilled trades
- IT & digital support — IT operations and digital transformation support for regional small and medium-sized enterprises
※ The exact applicable occupation codes are updated annually through Ministry of Justice notices. When receiving a job offer, always confirm that the company uses the relevant occupation code.
E-7-M application steps (6 steps)
Secure a job offer
Receive a formal employment offer and draft employment contract from a business located in the non-capital region. The offer must specify an annual salary of at least 26 million won.
Just before graduation ~ during D-10 periodObtain an employment recommendation letter
The company applies to the relevant ministry (Small Business Ministry, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Employment and Labor, etc., by occupation) for a foreign employment recommendation.
Company-ledPrepare all documents
Applicant: graduation certificate, academic transcript, TOPIK or KIIP certificate, passport. Company: business registration certificate, employment contract, financial proof, employment recommendation letter.
Applicant + companyApply at immigration and foreign resident office
Apply for a D-10 → E-7-M status change at the relevant immigration office. Making a prior appointment on Hi Korea before visiting is advisable.
Status change applicationReview and issuance (2–4 weeks)
If the review is passed, a new Alien Registration Card is issued. If additional materials are requested, submit them promptly to avoid processing delays.
ReviewStart employment and begin work
Formal work is permitted from the date the status change is authorized. The company handles enrollment in the four major social insurances and employment reporting.
Start workThis is linked to the skilled foreign workers points system. Point allocations by category change annually through Ministry of Justice notices — always check against the most recent notice.
| Evaluation item | Bracket | General scoring tendency |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Associate degree in Korea (designated major) | Base score |
| Additional bachelor's or master's degree | Bonus points | |
| Korean language | TOPIK Level 5 or above, or KIIP Stage 5 | Highest score allocation |
| TOPIK Level 4 or KIIP Stage 4 | Mid-range score allocation | |
| TOPIK Level 3 or KIIP Stage 3 | Base score allocation | |
| Annual income | 30 million won or more per year | Bonus points |
| 26 million won per year (minimum threshold) | Base recognition | |
| Age | 20s – early 30s | Bonus points |
| Length of stay in Korea | Cumulative D-2 and D-10 period | Bonus points |
| Certificates & licenses | Holding a national technical qualification certificate | Bonus points |
- Chungcheong — Daejeon · Sejong · Chungbuk · Chungnam
- Gangwon — Gangwon State
- Honam — Gwangju · Jeonbuk State · Jeonnam
- Yeongnam — Busan · Daegu · Ulsan · Gyeongbuk · Gyeongnam
- Jeju — Jeju Province
※ Based on the Seoul Metropolitan Area Readjustment Planning Act. Gyeonggi-do is excluded from E-7-M because the entire province is part of the capital area.
Recommended E-7-M occupation matching by major
The priority occupation matches under E-7-M differ by junior college major. Consider your post-graduation occupation from the time you choose your major.
| Junior college major category | Example matchable occupations | Favorable regions |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty | Beauty services, beauty salon management, hair & makeup specialist | Busan · Daegu · Jeju tourism hubs |
| Hotel · Tourism · Culinary | Hotel rooms & F&B, Korean/Chinese/Japanese cuisine, tour guide | Jeju · Busan · Gangwon |
| Healthcare · Nursing · Care | Elderly care support, medical support, elderly welfare services | Chungnam · Jeonbuk · Gyeongbuk rural and aging areas |
| Automotive · Machinery · Mold-making | Automotive parts production, precision machining, equipment operation | Ulsan · Gyeongnam · Chungnam automotive clusters |
| Electrical · Electronics · Semiconductor | Electronic parts assembly, semiconductor back-end processes, display production | Chungbuk · Gyeongbuk · Gyeongnam |
| IT·Software | IT operations, system support, and digital transformation assistance for regional SMEs | Daejeon · Gwangju · Busan |
| Food Processing·Agriculture & Fisheries | Food manufacturing & processing, facility horticulture, aquaculture & livestock technology | Jeonnam · Jeonbuk · Gangwon · Jeju |
| Logistics·Distribution | Logistics center operations, warehouse management, cold chain support | Non-capital region hubs near Chungnam · Gyeonggi |
- Job category mismatch — application is denied if the occupation code requested by the employer does not match your major/field of study
- Regional restriction violation — workplaces located in the capital region (Seoul · Incheon · Gyeonggi) are not eligible for E-7-M
- Insufficient score — application is denied if the combined score for Korean language, education, and income falls below the required threshold
- Employer requirements not met — disqualifying factors include the employer's ratio of Korean national employees, history of wage arrears, or non-enrollment in the four major insurance schemes
※ If any one of the above 4 conditions applies, you should also consider alternative options such as a standard E-7 extension or D-10 extension.
E-7-M is the most realistic pathway to settling in Korea for junior college international students. Approach your choice of major and work region strategically from the start.
3. F-2 Resident Visa Points System
80 points or above — "Resident" status with no occupation restrictions
F-2 is a resident visa that foreigners who have lived and worked in Korea for a certain period can obtain by passing a points-based review. You need at least 80 points out of a maximum of 170 to qualify, and the score is the sum of six categories: age, education, Korean language ability, income, length of residence, and volunteer service. In other words, the system is designed so that a weakness in one area can be made up for with points from another. The biggest advantage of the F-2 is that, unlike a work visa, you are not tied to a specific company or industry — once you have it, you no longer need separate permission to change jobs or move into a different field, which makes working in Korea far more flexible.
After residing and working in Korea for a certain period, you can change your status to F-2 (resident). F-2 has no occupation restrictions and allows for stable long-term stay.
- Age
- Education
- Korean language ability (TOPIK level)
- Income in Korea
- Length of residence in Korea
- Social service · Volunteer activities
F-2-7 Points System — Score breakdown by category
You are eligible to apply if you score 80 or more out of a total of 170 points. Below is a summary of the point allocation by category.
| Evaluation category | Range | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18–24 years old | 23 |
| 25–34 years old (highest bracket) | 25 | |
| 45 years old and above | 3~8 | |
| Education | Doctoral degree (STEM) | 25 |
| Bachelor's degree (STEM) | 17 | |
| Associate degree (STEM) | 15 | |
| Korean language (TOPIK) | Level 5 or above, or KIIP Stage 5 | 20 |
| Level 4 | 15 | |
| Level 3 | 10 | |
| Annual income | 100 million KRW or more | 60 |
| 40–50 million KRW | 40 | |
| Minimum wage – 30 million KRW | 10 | |
| Length of residence in Korea | 3 years or more, by tier | Up to 15 |
| Volunteer service activities | 50+ hours and 6+ sessions per year | Bonus 1–5 |
| Other bonus points | Study abroad, tax payment, volunteer work, etc. | Per bonus category |
- Secures a base score of 15 points in the Korean language category
- Meets the requirements to qualify for certain social integration bonus points
- Possible exemption from certain stages of the Social Integration Program (KIIP)
- Advancing to Level 5 or above adds 5 more points (total 20 points)
- Simultaneously meets the Korean language requirement for F-5 permanent residency
- Freedom to choose your job — no separate permission needed when changing industries or employers
- Family invitation — spouse and minor children can accompany on F-3
- Stable stay — up to 5 years of stay per grant
- Financial credibility — improved access to unsecured and Jeonse loans
- Children's schooling — children can enroll in public schools and access education fee support
- In general, 3 or more years of continuous employment after obtaining E-7 is recommended for stability
- For junior college graduates, accumulated stay periods from D-2 → D-10 → E-7-M are combined toward the score
- Annual income carries the highest point allocation — applying after a salary increase is recommended
- Strong chances from the point you hold TOPIK Level 4 or above
- If you fall short of points, you can accumulate and reapply in yearly increments
- Insufficient income — declared income below minimum wage level
- Criminal record — history of fine or more serious penalty
- Tax arrears — unpaid national tax, local tax, or health insurance premiums
- Insufficient Korean ability — TOPIK level or KIIP stage below requirement
- Immigration law violations — unauthorized employment, overstaying, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
4. F-5 Permanent Residency
Renewal every 10 years only — effectively a lifetime right to live in Korea
F-5 is the very final stage of foreigner residence status, allowing you to permanently reside, work, and stay in Korea. A major advantage is that you can obtain it without giving up your original nationality — you keep it as it is. Once granted, you don't have to go through a complicated renewal each time; you only need to renew every 10 years, which effectively gives you the right to live stably in Korea for life. For a junior college graduate, the path begins with D-2 (study) and moves through D-10 (job-seeking) → E-7-M (employment) → F-2 (residence) before reaching F-5, a whole process that takes an average of 9 to 12 years. It therefore calls for a long-term plan, steadily building up the requirements one stage at a time.
D-2 (Study)
2–3 years enrolled
D-10 (Job-seeking)
Up to 2 years immediately after graduation
E-7-M (Employment)
3–5 years of work
F-2 (Resident)
Pass points system + 3 years
F-5 (Permanent Resident)
Renewal every 10 years only
F-5 is a permanent status granting free residence, work, and stay in Korea.
- Apply after residing for a certain period on F-2 status
- Korean language ability at or above a certain level
- Proof of stable means of livelihood
- No criminal record
Full pathway overview
D-2 (Study)
The stage where you are enrolled in a regular degree program in Korea, with academics as your primary purpose — this is a study visa.
While enrolledD-10 (Job-seeking)
A legal stay status while you look for work after graduation, valid for up to 2 years.
2 years immediately after graduationE-7 · E-7-M (Employment)
An official work visa you change to once employment is confirmed. For junior college graduates, the E-7-M pathway is the key route.
When employment is confirmedF-2 (Resident)
Upon passing the points system evaluation, your status converts to a resident visa with no occupation restrictions.
Several years after employmentF-5 (Permanent Residency)
The final stage where permanent residence in Korea is recognized, with full freedom for stay and employment.
After a certain period on F-2F-5 eligibility sub-categories
F-5 is divided into 27 sub-categories depending on the applicant's background. Below is a summary of the main sub-categories commonly used by international students.
| Sub-category code | Target applicants | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|
| F-5-1 | General permanent resident | 5+ years of domestic residence, income at least 2× GNI per capita, Korean language ability |
| F-5-2 | Spouse or minor child of a Korean national | Married to a Korean national + 2+ years of domestic residence |
| F-5-5 | High-value investor | Investment of USD 500,000 or more + employment of 5 or more Korean nationals |
| F-5-6 | Overseas Korean (F-4) holder | 2+ years of residence on F-4 + ability to support oneself |
| F-5-10 | Bachelor's/Master's degree holder or certified technician | Domestic bachelor's degree or above + 3+ years of residence and work + 1+ year of full-time regular employment |
| F-5-11 | Outstanding talent in a specific field | Recognized as outstanding in specific fields such as science, business, culture, or the arts |
| F-5-16 | High-scoring points system talent | 3+ years of residence on F-2-7 points system status |
| F-5-17 | Contributor to national interest | Recognized as having contributed to the national interest of the Republic of Korea |
F-5 application process — 6 steps
Confirm eligibility
Check the F-5 sub-category code that applies to you (F-5-1, F-5-10, F-5-16, etc.) and verify the residence period, income, and Korean language requirements.
Pre-checkPrepare documents
Gather documents including degree certificates, employment certificates, tax payment records, criminal background certificates, and TOPIK or KIIP completion certificates.
1–2 monthsSubmit to Immigration Office
Visit the competent office or submit via HiKorea electronic civil service and pay the application fee.
Application dateReview
A comprehensive review is conducted covering good conduct, ability to support oneself, and basic civic knowledge. The process takes an average of 4–6 months.
4–6 monthsApproval · Issuance
Upon passing the review, a decision to grant F-5 status is issued and your alien registration card is replaced with a permanent resident card.
After the decisionReceive permanent resident card
Your permanent residency status becomes final and valid for life, requiring only a renewal every 10 years.
Renewal every 10 years- Unlimited stay — no more annual visa renewal burden
- Employment freedom — no restrictions on industry, employer, or working hours
- Free re-entry — departures of under 1 year require no separate permission
- Partial social security — some basic livelihood benefits, equal access to public healthcare
- Renewal every 10 years only — effectively a permanent right to stay
- F-5 retains foreign nationality — no need to renounce your home country's citizenship
- Naturalization means single Korean nationality — renouncing home country citizenship is the rule
- F-5 has no voting rights, naturalization grants the right to vote
- F-5 has no military service obligation; some applies upon naturalization
- F-5 offers more freedom for managing family and assets in the home country
- Permanent residency is forfeited if you do not re-enter Korea within 2 years of departing
- Can be revoked upon conviction for a serious crime such as imprisonment of 5 years or more
- Subject to deportation if found to have engaged in acts harming national interest or public safety
- Revoked retroactively if found to have been obtained through forged or falsified documents
- If found to have participated in hostile acts against Korea from abroad
Average time to reach F-5 (based on junior college graduation)
| Category | F-5 (Permanent Residency) | Naturalization (Acquiring citizenship) |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality change | Retains home country nationality | Renouncing home country nationality is the rule |
| Residence period requirement | 5 years or more (varies by sub-category) | 5 years or more + permanent residency recommended |
| Korean language · civic knowledge test | TOPIK · KIIP, etc. | Naturalization comprehensive evaluation + interview |
| Voting rights | None (some local elections possible) | Presidential and National Assembly elections possible |
| Military service | Not applicable | Partially applicable |
| Remittance to home country family | No restrictions | No restrictions |
※ If you transfer from an associate degree to a bachelor's degree program, the timeline may extend by 1–2 years. The duration can be shortened depending on sub-category code and individual income.