This page is a translation. The Korean page is the reference text; if they differ, the Korean version prevails. Korean reference
D-2 Studywho, part-time work, extension, change
Students in degree programmes (bachelor's, master's, doctorate, etc.) at colleges and universities.
At a glance
| Who it is for | Students in degree programmes (bachelor's, master's, doctorate, etc.) at colleges and universities. |
|---|---|
| Can you work? | Only with permissionStudy is the purpose, so work is not allowed by default; part-time work only within prior permission.D-2 and D-4 students need prior permission for part-time work. Language trainees (D-4) become eligible 6 months after entry/status grant; allowed hours depend on Korean level and programme. Needs checking (확인 필요) |
| Length of stay | Granted to match your studies and extended while you keep studying. The maximum per grant is set in Annex 1 of the Enforcement Rule. |
| Extension | Apply before expiry if you continue studying; enrolment, grades and finances are reviewed.Apply for an extension from 4 months before your expiry date until the day before it expires. Applying after expiry leads to penalties. Needs checking (확인 필요) |
| Change of status | After graduation, change to D-10 to look for work, or to E-7 etc. once hired — before you start working.To do an activity outside your current status (e.g. a student taking a full-time job), get a change-of-status permit before you start (Art. 24). Confirmed by official source |
| Alien registration | If you will stay longer than 90 days, you must complete alien registration within 90 days of entry (Immigration Control Act Art. 31). Confirmed by official source |
| Re-entry | Registered foreigners who return within 1 year of departure are exempt from a re-entry permit; if less than a year of stay remains, only until that date. Confirmed by official source |
Document checklist
- Integrated application form (from HiKorea or the office)
- Passport
- Residence (alien registration) card
- Fee (payment method per office instructions)
- Certificate of enrolment or admission letter
- Transcript / attendance record
- Proof of funds (bank balance certificate, etc.)
- Proof of address (lease, accommodation confirmation, etc.)
Typical documents only. They vary by sub-type and office — check HiKorea's status manuals and the office (needs checking).
Fees
- The fee for issuing or reissuing a residence card is KRW 35,000 (Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Art. 72). Confirmed by official source
- The extension fee is given as KRW 60,000 (one guide lists KRW 30,000 for F-6). Confirmed by official source
- The change-of-status fee is given as KRW 100,000; one guide notes a separate card fee if a new card is issued. Confirmed by official source
- The fee for permission for activities outside your status is KRW 120,000; for part-time work by D-2 or D-4 holders and other cases recognised by the Minister of Justice it is KRW 20,000 (Enforcement Rule, Art. 72). Confirmed by official source
Where to apply
For applications that require an office visit, book a date and time on HiKorea in advance; some applications can be filed online via HiKorea e-application. Needs checking (확인 필요)
Common mistakes
- Working part-time without permission (illegal work; penalties and extension problems)
- Staying on as a student after leave of absence or expulsion without checking your status
- Not reporting a new address within 15 days of moving
Overstaying or working without permission violates the Immigration Control Act and can lead to fines, departure orders or deportation and later entry bans; employers can be punished too. Sources give different maximum penalties, so we do not list a figure. Needs checking (확인 필요) Sources differ
FAQ
Can international students work part-time?
Only within prior permission for part-time work. Allowed hours depend on your Korean level and programme.
Do I have to leave right after graduating?
Check with HiKorea or 1345 whether you can apply to change to D-10 (job seeking) within your remaining period of stay.
Facts and sources on this page
Anything we could not compare directly with an official page is marked "Needs checking". Always verify on the government websites below before applying.
D-2 and D-4 students need prior permission for part-time work. Language trainees (D-4) become eligible 6 months after entry/status grant; allowed hours depend on Korean level and programme.
Needs checking (확인 필요) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 2026 한국 유학 가이드북(한국어) (2026-01), 비전행정사사무소 「외국인생활지식」 (2022-02-11 수정)
Verify at: 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)To do an activity outside your current status (e.g. a student taking a full-time job), get a change-of-status permit before you start (Art. 24).
Confirmed by official source (출입국관리법 원문(국가법령정보센터, 2026. 10. 2. 시행본) 대조 2026-10-17 — 제24조) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 2026 한국 유학 가이드북(한국어) (2026-01), 비전행정사사무소 「외국인생활지식」 (2022-02-11 수정)
Verify at: 출입국관리법 (국가법령정보센터), 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)If you will stay longer than 90 days, you must complete alien registration within 90 days of entry (Immigration Control Act Art. 31).
Confirmed by official source (출입국관리법 원문(국가법령정보센터, 2026. 10. 2. 시행본) 대조 2026-10-17 — 제31조) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 2026 한국 유학 가이드북(한국어) (2026-01), 시세.com 「외국인 등록·체류지 변경 신고」 (2026-10 수정)
Verify at: 출입국관리법 (국가법령정보센터), 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)Registered foreigners who return within 1 year of departure are exempt from a re-entry permit; if less than a year of stay remains, only until that date.
Confirmed by official source (출입국관리법 시행규칙 제44조의2 원문 대조 2026-10-17) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 비전행정사사무소 「외국인생활지식」 (2022-02-11 수정)
Verify at: 출입국관리법 시행규칙 (제72조 수수료, 제44조의2 재입국허가 면제 등), 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)The fee for issuing or reissuing a residence card is KRW 35,000 (Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act, Art. 72).
Confirmed by official source (출입국관리법 시행규칙 제72조 원문(국가법령정보센터, 2026. 9. 15. 시행본) 대조 2026-10-17) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 2026 한국 유학 가이드북(한국어) (2026-01), 비전행정사사무소 「외국인생활지식」 (2022-02-11 수정), 시세.com 「외국인 등록·체류지 변경 신고」 (2026-10 수정)
Verify at: 출입국관리법 시행규칙 (제72조 수수료, 제44조의2 재입국허가 면제 등), 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)The extension fee is given as KRW 60,000 (one guide lists KRW 30,000 for F-6).
Confirmed by official source (출입국관리법 시행규칙 제72조 원문(국가법령정보센터, 2026. 9. 15. 시행본) 대조 2026-10-17) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 비전행정사사무소 「외국인생활지식」 (2022-02-11 수정), 미주중앙일보 「한국 비자·체류허가 수수료 오른다」(2014. 1. 1. 시행분) (2013-12-26)
Verify at: 출입국관리법 시행규칙 (제72조 수수료, 제44조의2 재입국허가 면제 등), 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)The change-of-status fee is given as KRW 100,000; one guide notes a separate card fee if a new card is issued.
Confirmed by official source (출입국관리법 시행규칙 제72조 원문(국가법령정보센터, 2026. 9. 15. 시행본) 대조 2026-10-17) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 미주중앙일보 「한국 비자·체류허가 수수료 오른다」(2014. 1. 1. 시행분) (2013-12-26), 비전행정사사무소 「외국인생활지식」 (2022-02-11 수정)
Verify at: 출입국관리법 시행규칙 (제72조 수수료, 제44조의2 재입국허가 면제 등), 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)The fee for permission for activities outside your status is KRW 120,000; for part-time work by D-2 or D-4 holders and other cases recognised by the Minister of Justice it is KRW 20,000 (Enforcement Rule, Art. 72).
Confirmed by official source (출입국관리법 시행규칙 제72조 원문(국가법령정보센터, 2026. 9. 15. 시행본) 대조 2026-10-17) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 미주중앙일보 「한국 비자·체류허가 수수료 오른다」(2014. 1. 1. 시행분) (2013-12-26), 비전행정사사무소 「외국인생활지식」 (2022-02-11 수정)
Verify at: 출입국관리법 시행규칙 (제72조 수수료, 제44조의2 재입국허가 면제 등), 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)For applications that require an office visit, book a date and time on HiKorea in advance; some applications can be filed online via HiKorea e-application.
Needs checking (확인 필요) · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 2026 한국 유학 가이드북(한국어) (2026-01), 비전행정사사무소 「외국인생활지식」 (2022-02-11 수정)
Verify at: 하이코리아 HiKorea (전자민원·방문예약·체류자격별 안내 매뉴얼)Overstaying or working without permission violates the Immigration Control Act and can lead to fines, departure orders or deportation and later entry bans; employers can be punished too. Sources give different maximum penalties, so we do not list a figure.
Needs checking (확인 필요) Sources differ · Checked on 2026-10-17
Compared with: 대륜 이민센터 「불법체류처벌 절차와 출입국관리법 위반 대응」 (2026-05-14), 2026 한국 유학 가이드북(한국어) (2026-01)
Verify at: 출입국관리법 (국가법령정보센터)