Guide to Full-Time Jobs in Korea for International Students: Work Visa (E-7), D-10 Job Seeker Visa, and Employment Process

Full-Time Jobs in Korea for International Students

International students who have completed their studies in Korea may change their visa status to an employment visa (E-series) and work full-time if they meet the required qualifications. To be eligible, the intended job must satisfy the requirements of the relevant visa category, and the applicant must have a formal employment contract with the hiring organization.

Eligibility for Changing to a Work Visa

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

-Hold a valid D-2 (Student) or D-10 (Job Seeker) visa while legally residing in Korea.

-Be employed in a position that meets the requirements of an applicable employment visa, such as E-1 (Professor), E-2 (Foreign Language Instructor), E-3 (Research), E-4 (Technological Guidance), E-5 (Professional Employment), E-6 (Arts and Entertainment), or E-7 (Specially Designated Activities).

-Have a signed employment contract with the prospective employer.

In principle, D-2 visa holders must be graduates or expected graduates. However, even if they are currently enrolled in a Korean university, they may change to a work visa if they have already earned a bachelor's degree or higher from an overseas university and meet the required work experience qualifications. In addition, performances at entertainment establishments under the E-6-2 visa category are excluded.

Recognition of Academic Background and Major

Graduates (or expected graduates) of junior colleges may receive broad recognition of the relationship between their field of study and employment.

Those who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher from a Korean university are not required to have a job that exactly matches their major.

Requirements by Employment Visa Type

E-1 to E-5

Applicants may change to these visa categories if they meet the educational, professional experience, certification, and other requirements specified for the relevant status of stay, including Professor, Foreign Language Instructor, Research, Technological Guidance, and Professional Employment.

E-6 (Arts and Entertainment)

Applicants with an associate degree or higher may change to this visa if they are employed in an arts or sports field related to their major.

However, performances at hotels or entertainment establishments regulated under the Tourism Promotion Act (E-6-2) are not permitted.

E-7 (Specially Designated Activities)

Graduates of Korean junior colleges may change to this visa without prior work experience if they are employed in a field related to their major.

Those who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher from a Korean university may also change to this visa without work experience if the job is related to their field of study.

However, to protect domestic employment, restrictions apply to the employment of foreign professionals (E-7) at businesses below a certain size. These restrictions may be relaxed for advanced industries with recommendations from the relevant authorities.

In addition, a change of visa status may be restricted if the offered salary is below a certain standard or significantly lower than the average wage of Korean employees performing the same work.

Required Documents for Changing Visa Status

The following documents are generally required:

-Application form for change of status of stay

-Passport

-Alien Registration Card

-Application fee

-Employment contract

-Employer-related documents, such as the Business Registration Certificate

Depending on the visa category, additional documents such as a certificate of employment history, copies of professional certificates, a criminal record certificate, a medical examination report, a recommendation for employment, or documents demonstrating the need for hiring may also be required.

D-10 (Job Seeker) Visa

International students who have graduated or are expected to graduate from a Korean junior college or university may change to a D-10 visa to seek employment.

Applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher in Korea or overseas and are preparing to start a business based on intellectual property or technology may also apply.

However, applicants are not eligible if they voluntarily resigned from a previous company without employer responsibility within the past year and have already been granted D-10 status.

Required Documents for a D-10 Visa

For job seeking:

-Application form

-Passport

-Alien Registration Card

-Application fee

-Graduation certificate or academic transcript

-Job-seeking activity plan

-Copy of a national technical qualification certificate (if applicable)

For business start-up preparation, additional documents such as a business start-up activity plan, supporting documents related to patents, and an OASIS Program completion certificate may be required.

F-2-7 (Points-Based Resident Visa)

International students who have obtained or are expected to obtain a master's degree or higher from a Korean university and are employed by a Korean company may apply for the F-2-7 Points-Based Resident Visa if they meet the required qualifications.

Evaluation criteria include age, educational background, and income. Additional points may be awarded for completing the Social Integration Program (KIIP), earning a degree in Korea, volunteer activities, or overseas professional experience. On the other hand, fines, penalties, or records of illegal stay may result in point deductions.