Many international students (on a D-2 student visa or D-4 language training visa) in Korea

look for part-time jobs to help cover living expenses.

However, starting work without proper authorization or based on inaccurate information can result in being labeled as an illegal worker,

leading to fines, visa cancellation, or even deportation.

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Below is a detailed explanation of the eligibility, process, and important notes

for international students who wish to work part-time legally while studying in Korea.

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Part-Time Jobs for International Students: What Is Legal?

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1. Who Is Eligible to Work Part-Time in Korea?

✅ D-2 (Student), D-4 (Language Training)

Not permitted by default, but possible under certain conditions with official approval

✅ F-2 (Resident), F-4 (Overseas Korean), F-5 (Permanent Resident), F-6 (Spouse of Korean)

Allowed without additional permits

❌ E-9 (Non-professional), E-7 (Professional Employment)

Not eligible

❌ C-3 (Tourist visa)

Strictly prohibited – any work is illegal

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2. Can International Students Work?

International students on D-2 or D-4 visas are not automatically allowed to engage in any kind of paid work.

However, if they meet specific conditions and obtain prior approval from their university and the immigration office,

they may be allowed to engage in limited, part-time work activities suitable for students.

To be eligible, students must meet criteria related to language proficiency, academic performance, and time restrictions.

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🔖Who Can Apply?

Students with verified Korean language proficiency

Students whose university's international office and immigration office have approved part-time employment

✔For D-4 visa holders (language trainees), only those who have been in Korea for more than 6 months after the visa status change are eligible

✔Students who fail to graduate due to insufficient academic credit are not eligible for work permits

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🔖Allowed Work Hours

Even for eligible students, work hours are limited:

✔Up to 30 hours per week during academic periods

✔No limit during weekends, holidays, and school breaks

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🔖What Types of Jobs Are Allowed?

Eligible areas include:

✔Translation/Interpretation

✔Food service assistance

✔Office admin tasks

✔Tourist guidance

✔Duty-free shop sales

✔Manufacturing work only if TOPIK Level 4 or higher

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🚫 Prohibited jobs:

✔Entertainment venues (karaoke, nightclubs, etc.)

✔Gambling-related businesses

✔Hazardous environments (explosives, etc.)

✔Simple labor positions under the Employment Permit System (E-9 visa jobs)

❗Food delivery is also prohibited unless explicitly authorized by immigration.

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Application Process for Part-Time Work Permission

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If all conditions are met, international students must obtain official part-time work approval from immigration.

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1. Required Documents:

✔Part-time Work Permit Application Form

✔Employment contract

✔Certificate of Enrollment and Academic Transcript

✔Passport and Alien Registration Card (copies)

✔Copy of employer's Business Registration Certificate

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2. Step-by-Step Procedure:

✔Sign a contract with the employer (specifying job type and hours)

✔Get university approval: Request an official confirmation from the international office

✔Reserve an appointment: Book a visit through HiKorea

✔Visit Immigration: Submit documents at the scheduled date

✔Wait for approval: Screening usually takes 7–14 days

✔Receive permit: If approved, a Work Permission Certificate will be issued

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🔖What Does Immigration Check Before Approving?

✔Attendance rate: Must be over 90%

✔Academic performance: GPA should be above 2.0 (C grade)

✔Korean language ability: TOPIK Level 2 or higher can improve chances

✔Remaining visa period: Short durations may lead to rejection

✔Financial stability: May be considered in some regions to prevent illegal work

Job type, hours, and workplace: Must meet all legal conditions

❗️If you work without a permit, it is considered illegal employment, and you may face visa cancellation or deportation.

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Need a Custom Visa or Labor Support Service?

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HanGuk Visa offers personalized services for

: Personal and corporate visa processing, Translation support, Employment and labor-related solutions.

We go beyond just visa processing — we support foreign workers with:

✔Employment contracts

✔Wage condition reviews

✔Unpaid wage responses

✔Practical legal guidance on labor issues

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We provide customized visa solutions tailored to your specific situation.

If you have any questions or need detailed consultation, please feel free to contact us using the information below :)

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📞 Tel: 02-3210-1113

✉ KakaoTalk Channel: 한국비자

📣 Instagram: @hanguk_visa