A follow-up to No. 6: Study (D-2) and language training (D-4) in the Visa Basics series. See the full contents here.
On October 7, 2026, the Ministry of Justice announced the results of discussions by the "Council for Improving the Visa System for International Students." The key point is to expand benefits for international students who have Korean language ability and study diligently, and to strictly manage cases where visas are misused.
This is not yet a finalized law but a plan being pursued. Tasks the Ministry of Justice can change on its own will be implemented in turn from the second half of 2026, and the rest will be pursued after consultation with the relevant ministries.
Entry: no proof of finances if your Korean is good
- With TOPIK level 4 or Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP) level 4 or higher, exemption from proving financial ability regardless of nationality or whether the university is accredited (currently, students at non-accredited universities must prove KRW 20 million, or KRW 16 million in non-capital areas)
- Lighter burden of proving finances when extending your stay while studying (e.g., KIIP level 4, or level 3 + a recommendation from the university president)
- On the other hand, the study expense deposit system to be expanded step by step for students from countries that require management and who lack Korean language ability
While studying: part-time work centered on Korean language requirements
- Part-time employment permit requirements simplified to Korean language and grades, while the Korean language standard is raised to KIIP level 3
- A grace period of about 1 year is planned, and the Ministry of Justice explained that from 2028 onward, you will not be able to do part-time work without a Korean language score
- Simplified permission if you have a "part-time employment confirmation" issued by your university (first half of 2027)
- Within the lodging industry, part-time work allowed as an exception at tourist accommodation businesses
- For weekend, night and online programs run more for part-time work than for study, visa preferences for that department suspended, even at accredited universities (first half of 2027)
After graduation: the job-seeking visa and employment routes
| Category | Current | Reform plan (first half of 2027) |
|---|---|---|
| Job seeking (D-10), Korean language requirement met | Up to 3 years | Up to 3 years |
| Job seeking (D-10), Korean language requirement not met | Up to 3 years | Up to 2 years (1 year + 6 months + 6 months) |
- A route for science and engineering graduates to switch directly to skilled worker (E-7) status being pursued (example requirements: bachelor's degree or higher, grade B or higher, KIIP level 4 or higher / fields with labor shortages such as manufacturing). Timing and scale to be decided after consultation with the relevant ministries
- A new visa leading from student (D-2) to residence (F-2) being pursued for the K-TECH Master (professional technical master's) program
- Expanded preference for international students who settle in the regions: preference when switching to a wide-area visa or region-specific outstanding talent (F-2-R), allowing dependent spouses (F-3) to work within the region, etc. (from the second half of 2026)
- An "Employment visa checklist for international students" setting out the requirements for each occupation to be provided online (second half of 2026)
- 3-, 5- and 10-year multiple-entry visit visas for graduates who have returned home (second half of 2026)
What to prepare now
If you are currently studying, raising your TOPIK or KIIP level in advance will work in your favor for proof of finances, part-time work permits and the post-graduation job-seeking visa alike.
Consultation
Talk to Jecheon Bareun Visa Administrative Agent Office about the best option for your situation.
- Phone 010-8230-8880 (daily 10:00–20:00)
- Chat on KakaoTalk
- Book a consultation · Ask a question — you can write in English
- What to bring to a visit
Sources
- 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. (including the attachments "Strategy for improving the visa system for international students (draft)" and "Press release Q&A")
- Ministry of Justice launches a public-private council to set the direction of visa policy for international students — Ministry of Justice press release, 20 Apr 2026.
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.