Can I remain in Korea to look for work after my degree, and which visas will I move through?
Yes, you can usually stay on after graduating from a Korean university by switching to a D-10 job seeker visa, valid from around 6 months up to 2 years. Once you receive a job offer, you typically move to an E-7 work visa. Check official immigration pages.
Yes, you do not have to leave Korea right after graduating. You can typically move from your student status to a job seeker visa, search for work, and then switch to a work visa once an employer offers you a role.
Visa Path After Graduating in Korea
| Stage | Visa | What it typically means |
|---|---|---|
| Job search after graduation | D-10 job seeker visa | Valid from around 6 months up to 2 years |
| After a job offer | E-7 work visa | This is where your career in Korea usually begins |
How to Use Your Job Search Time
- Graduates of Korean universities typically skip the usual points system that other applicants need to clear for the D-10 visa.
- Use the period for internships and job fairs.
- Keep improving your TOPIK score, since employers tend to value students with decent Korean in any field.
- Rules can change, so confirm visa conditions on the official immigration page before your 2027 or 2028 intake.
My Advice
Start building your Korean and your internship record while you are still studying, so the D-10 period is spent interviewing rather than starting from zero. Always verify the latest visa rules with official sources before you plan around them.
How long can you stay and work after a South Korea master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
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