솔리드행정사

A Complete Guide to the D-2 Student Visa in Korea

— From a Korean Immigration Specialist with National Tax Experience in Korea

If you're planning to study at a university or graduate school in South Korea, understanding the D-2 visa is essential. But obtaining the visa is just the beginning. Managing your visa status, part-time work permission, potential visa changes after graduation, and avoiding violations are all critical to staying legally and successfully completing your studies in Korea.

As a former National Tax Service official and current immigration administrative scrivener, I’m here to guide you through the key regulations based on the most up-to-date 2024 materials.

✅ Types of D-2 Student Visas

Visa Type	Study Level	Eligible for Other Visas
D-2-1	Associate Degree	D-10-1, E-7-1
D-2-2	Bachelor’s Degree	D-10-1, E-7-1, F-2-7
D-2-3	Master’s Degree	D-10-1, E-7-1, F-2-7
D-2-4	Doctoral Degree	D-10-1, E-7-1, F-2-7
D-2-7	Exchange Student	D-10-1, E-7-1
D-2-8	Overseas University Program	D-10-1, etc.

After graduation, many students apply for a D-10 job-seeking visa, E-7 employment visa, or F-2-7 long-term residency — making proper transition planning essential.

⏱️ Part-Time Work: How Many Hours Can You Work?

Your part-time work hours depend on your Korean language proficiency (TOPIK), academic performance, and degree level.

Korean Language Proficiency and Allowed Work Hours by Academic Program

https://easylaw.go.kr/CSP/CnpClsMain.laf?popMenu=ov&csmSeq=508&ccfNo=3&cciNo=7&cnpClsNo=1

⚠️ Illegal work activities, such as working in entertainment, construction, delivery services, or without a permit, may lead to immediate fines (over KRW 2M), deportation, or restrictions on future visa changes.

🚫 What NEVER to Do: Common Visa Violations

Working at unauthorized jobs or industries
Exceeding permitted working hours
Staying under C-3 tourist visa and changing status illegally
False school enrollment or forged documents

Even one violation can block your ability to switch to a D-10 or E-7 visa in the future — even if you meet the basic qualifications.

🎓 2024 Certified Universities for D-2 Visas

As of February 2024, the Korean government has published a list of universities eligible to host D-2 students:

108 general universities (e.g., Yonsei, Korea, Seoul Nat’l, etc.)
12 junior colleges
14 graduate universities

✅ Only students from these schools can automatically qualify for part-time work and smooth visa extension or change. Enrolling in non-certified institutions may result in limited visa rights and restrictions on job-seeking (D-10) transition.

🔁 Changing to Another Visa (D-10, E-7, etc.)

Once you graduate:

You may change from D-2 → D-10 (job-seeking) → E-7 (employment) → F-2-7 (long-term residence)
However, if you have any record of illegal employment, poor attendance, or disciplinary action, the visa change may be denied.

Also note: Not all nationalities are allowed to change from short-term (C-3) to D-2 within Korea — you may need to leave and re-apply from your home country.

📝 Final Thoughts: You Need a Trusted Expert on Your From my experience as a National Tax Service officer and now an administrative scrivener, I can tell you with confidence:

Maintaining legal visa status, avoiding pitfalls, and planning transitions are even more important than the initial visa approval.

If you are:

An international student preparing to study in Korea
A graduate looking to change to a job-seeking visa (D-10)
A student who needs help navigating work permissions or visa violations

Then let’s prepare together. As your immigration consultant, I can help you:

Apply or renew your D-2 visa
Legally work part-time under the right conditions
Transition to work or long-term residence status
Avoid illegal employment penalties

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