Job seeking (D-10) is a status for international students and others who have graduated, allowing them to stay in Korea while they look for a job. There are 35 people in Jecheon with this status (as of the end of June 2026). Because it is a short-term status, it is important to plan your move to your next visa within the period.
How long you can stay
- Following an improvement in October 2025, you can now stay for 1 year at a time, up to 3 years (previously 6 months at a time, up to 2 years). The period you actually receive depends on requirements such as your degree and points.
- When you extend, a points system applies, and you must provide a job-seeking activity plan and proof of funds to cover your stay.
In its October 2026 improvement plan, the Ministry of Justice announced a plan to reduce the maximum to 2 years for graduates who do not meet the Korean language requirement (target: first half of 2027). It is not yet in effect, but it is safer to get your Korean language score in advance.
What you must follow
- If you start or change an internship, report it within 15 days
- Part-time work only if you meet the conditions and have received permission: working without permission is illegal employment.
- Of the 734 people caught doing illegal delivery work from January to May 2026, 99 held job seeking (D-10) status. If you are caught, it also becomes difficult to change to your next visa.
- If you move, report your change of address within 15 days
Ways to stay in Jecheon while working
- Specially designated activities (E-7): once your company and occupation are decided, your major, education and wage requirements are checked and you change your status. The 2026 wage standards are KRW 31.12 million for professionals (E-7-1) and KRW 25.89 million for semi-professionals and general skilled workers (E-7-2, E-7-3).
- Region-specific outstanding talent (F-2-R): a status with the condition of living and working in Jecheon, which you apply for with a local government recommendation. You need a Korean degree or to meet certain income requirements.
- Care worker (E-7-2): holders of student (D-2) or job seeking (D-10) status who obtain a care worker certificate have a route to change to care worker (E-7-2) status.
Jecheon Bareun Visa can help
- Applications on your behalf to change from student (D-2) to job seeking (D-10) status before and after graduation
- D-10 extension applications, and help writing your job-seeking activity plan
- Once you have a job: change to E-7 (including review of employment documents) and preparing F-2-R recommendation application documents
- Internship reports and reports of change of address
We do not introduce jobs. If you have a company lined up, we first check whether you can get a visa for that company and occupation. Please contact us via Book a visit or Ask a question.
Related article: E-7 work visa: what is checked before approval
Sources
- Ministry of Justice supports companies in securing the talent they need — Ministry of Justice press release, 28 Oct 2025.
- Ministry of Justice explores shifting visa policy from "attracting" to "growing" international students, preparing for the era of 400,000 international students — Ministry of Justice press release, 7 Oct 2026.
- Ministry of Justice announces the "2030 Future Strategy for Immigration Policy" — Ministry of Justice press release, 3 Mar 2026.
- 734 foreign riders caught over 5 months making illegal deliveries with 'other people's accounts' — Ministry of Justice press release, 7 Jul 2026.
- Ministry of Justice Immigration and Foreign Policy Monthly Statistics, June 2026 (법무부 출입국·외국인정책 통계월보)
The information above is as of the date of the Ministry of Justice press release. Actual requirements must be checked against the laws and guidelines in effect when you apply. If you have any questions, please leave them via Ask a question.