Korea D-10-1 Visa Guide: Requirements, Eligibility, and Application Process (2026)

Korea D-10-1 Visa, [Eligible Applicants]

1. General Job-Seeker (D-10-1)

① Subject to Points-Based System

Foreign nationals who hold at least a bachelor’s degree (including domestic associate degree) and seek employment in fields corresponding to E-1 to E-7 visa categories under the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act
Excludes entertainment activities in adult establishments under E-6-2
Must meet the following under the points-based system (out of 190 points):
- At least 20 points in basic items
- At least 60 points in total
However, for nationals of the following 21 countries*, only those with 80 points or higher are eligible if holding B-1, B-2, C-1, C-3, C-4, D-3, E-9, E-10, or G-1 visas:

Ghana, Nigeria, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Iran, Egypt, India, Indonesia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Thailand, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines

② Exempt from Points System

(First-time job-seeking after graduation)
International students (D-2) who obtained at least an associate degree at a Korean university and apply for D-10-1 for the first time
→ Points system applies only for extensions
(Graduates with excellent Korean proficiency)
Those who:
- Graduated within the past 3 years from a Korean university (associate degree or higher), and
- Passed Level 4 of KIIP or obtained TOPIK Level 4 or higher
(Former professional workers)
Individuals who held E-1 to E-7 visas whose employment ended and who are seeking new jobs
(Promising talent)
- Under 29 years old and graduated from a top 200 global university (THE/QS) within the last 3 years
  OR
- Korean studies major with TOPIK Level 6
(Caregiver training graduates)
Completed caregiver training program and seeking internship at elderly care facilities
(Interns at foreign diplomatic missions in Korea)

[Disqualification Criteria]

1. Common

Individuals who:

Received imprisonment sentence within 5 years
Were deported or ordered to leave within 5 years
Fined over KRW 3 million within 3 years
Violated immigration law and are restricted under stay guidelines

2. D-10-1

Those still bound by an existing employment contract
(Exception: with employer transfer consent)

[Required Documents for Change of Status]

⚠ Documents issued overseas must have Apostille or consular legalization

Common Documents

Passport, ARC, application fee (KRW 100,000 + 35,000)
Photo and application form (Form No. 34)
Proof of residence
Tuberculosis certificate (if applicable)

Additional Documents

D-10-1 (Points-based applicants)

Job-seeking plan
Degree certificate
University ranking proof
Work experience documents
Korean language proof
Recommendation letter (if applicable)
Proof of financial support
→ Bank balance ≥ minimum living cost 1,230,834 KRW × stay period

D-10-1 (Exempt applicants)

Includes:

Graduates
Korean proficiency holders
Former professionals
Promising talents
Caregivers
Embassy interns

(Each requires relevant supporting documents such as degree, TOPIK score, internship contract, etc.)

The above information is valid as of the date of writing, so it is recommended to verify it again at the time of application.