Greetings,
This is YOUNGSOO KIM, Certified Administrative Attorney and representative of TIME ADMINISTRATIVE ATTORNEYS OFFICE.
For many international students in Korea, covering living expenses without financial support can be a challenge. Just like Korean students often take part-time jobs, international students also seek employment during their stay. However, such employment is categorized as an activity outside the permitted visa status, officially referred to as "Part-time Employment for International Students."
🔹 Visa Restrictions and Exceptions
The D-2 (Student) and D-4 (General Training) visas are intended primarily for academic purposes.
Accordingly, engaging in employment outside of one's visa status is, in principle, prohibited.
However, if the student meets specific criteria and obtains prior approval from the local immigration office, part-time work may be permitted as an exception.
⚠️ Working without authorization may result in:
Administrative fines or deportation under Article 18 of the Immigration Act.
The employer may face imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine of up to KRW 30 million.
Additionally, if a D-2 visa holder is fined due to unauthorized employment, it may prevent future changes to a D-10 (Job-Seeking) visa.
Therefore, it is crucial to obtain proper permission and adhere to the regulations when planning to work part-time in Korea.
🔹 We Strongly Recommend Consulting a Visa Expert
Because this issue can directly impact your future visa status or employment eligibility,
we recommend seeking the assistance of a qualified administrative attorney.
At TIME ADMINISTRATIVE ATTORNEYS OFFICE, I, Certified Administrative Attorney YOUNGSOO KIM, will ensure your plans proceed smoothly without visa-related issues.
✅ Basic Principles of Part-time Employment for International Students
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Foreign students holding D-2 or D-4 visas are not allowed to engage in commercial employment by default.
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However, part-time work is permitted only:
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When approved by the student’s university and the immigration office.
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⚠️ Type of Work Allowed
Even when approved, the type of work must be limited to simple labor only.
(Manufacturing and construction work are prohibited, except for those with TOPIK Level 4 or completion of KIP Level 4.)
✅ Permissible Fields:
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General interpretation/translation support
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Assistance in food service businesses
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Office support or clerical work
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Tourism assistance and duty-free sales
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Seasonal agricultural work (part-time or full-time)
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Internships related to the student’s major during vacation periods
❌ Restrictions on Part-Time Employment for International Students
The following individuals or employment types are prohibited from engaging in part-time work under a D-2 or D-4 visa:
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Those who have previously worked without obtaining prior approval, or have violated the conditions of a prior permit.
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Work related to professional visa categories (E-1 to E-7) is generally restricted.
Exception: Auxiliary roles such as interpretation, translation, cooking assistant, or clerical assistant in these fields may be permitted.
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Teaching or assisting in English education-related facilities for minors, including:
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English kids cafés
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English camps
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Foreign language academies
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Special-type freelance jobs, such as:
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Delivery drivers or riders for courier platforms
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Substitute drivers (chauffeurs)
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Insurance salespersons
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Home-study program instructors
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Door-to-door sales agents
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Dispatch, outsourcing, or agency-based employment
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Jobs located beyond a reasonable commuting distance
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Maximum travel time: 90 minutes in the Seoul metropolitan area, 60 minutes in other regions
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Industries restricted to E-9 (Non-professional) or E-10 (Seafarer) visas, such as:
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Manufacturing
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Construction
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Crew of fishing vessels over 20 tons
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Jobs that violate public morals or social order
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Employment in workplaces or for employers previously penalized for illegal employment, resulting in visa issuance restrictions
🟡 Exceptions to Employment Restrictions
(Up to 25 hours per week for D-10-1 visa holders)
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Part-time employment in the manufacturing sector may be permitted if the student meets at least one of the following:
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Achieved TOPIK Level 4 or higher
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Completed Level 4 of the Social Integration Program, or scored 81 or more on the pre-assessment
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Completed Intermediate Level 2 or higher at Sejong Institute
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Internships in a professional field (E-1 to E-7) for students in work-study programs
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Internships in a professional field (E-1 to E-7) during school vacation periods for students enrolled in a degree program
📄 Required Documents for Part-Time Employment Application
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Passport, Alien Registration Card, and Integrated Application Form
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Part-Time Employment Confirmation Form
(to be filled out by the international student advisor at the school) -
Proof of Korean language ability (e.g., TOPIK certificate)
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Copy of Business Registration Certificate of the employer
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Copy of the Standard Employment Contract
(must specify hourly wage, work duties, and schedule)
📝 Application Process and Important Notes
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Prior authorization is mandatory
→ You must obtain the work permit before starting employment. -
Working without approval is a serious offense:
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May result in fines or deportation under Article 18 of the Immigration Act
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The employer may be subject to up to 3 years of imprisonment or a fine of up to KRW 30 million
At TIME ADMINISTRATIVE ATTORNEYS OFFICE,
we provide comprehensive consultations and full assistance for international students seeking part-time employment approval in Korea.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the complex administrative procedures,
contact us today for clear guidance.
We are committed to handling your case with professional care and responsibility,
ensuring that you obtain the necessary permit successfully.
Consultation Information
Click here to view this information in Korean.
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