Part-Time Work Permit Guide for International Students 💙

Complete Guide to Part-Time Work Hours and Application Process for D-2 and D-4 Visa Holders

Hello, this is KOWORK, a foreign recruitment platform in Korea.

For international students studying in Korea, part-time work can be a valuable opportunity to earn living expenses, experience Korean workplace culture, and improve future employment opportunities after graduation.

However, international students, especially those holding a D-2 student visa, must obtain a part-time work permit before starting any part-time job in Korea. Working without permission may be considered illegal employment and can negatively affect future visa extensions or changes of visa status 😢

In this article, we will explain the key requirements, allowed working hours, application process, and required documents for international students who want to work part-time in Korea.

What is a Part-Time Work Permit?

A part-time work permit is a type of permission to engage in activities outside the scope of your current visa status. It allows international students to work legally within the scope approved by the Korean Ministry of Justice while maintaining their studies.

In simple terms, a D-2 visa is mainly issued for studying. Therefore, if you want to earn money through part-time work, you need separate permission.

Once you receive a part-time work permit, you can work legally within the approved working hours, workplace, and job scope.

Who Can Apply?

International students must generally meet the following conditions to apply for a part-time work permit.

According to some university guidelines, D-2 international students may be required to have at least a C grade, or 2.0 GPA, from the previous semester. If students do not meet the Korean language proficiency requirement, their permitted working hours may be reduced.

How Many Hours Can D-2 and D-4 Students Work Per Week?

One of the most important parts of the part-time work permit is the allowed weekly working hours.

The permitted working hours may vary depending on visa type, degree program, Korean language proficiency, university status, and other conditions.

What Are the Korean Language Proficiency Requirements?

Korean language proficiency requirements may differ depending on the student’s program.

What Types of Part-Time Jobs Are Allowed?

Part-time work permits are generally granted for jobs that students can reasonably do while continuing their studies.

Examples of Jobs That May Be Allowed

➡️ In particular, during vacation periods, D-2 degree-seeking students may also be allowed to participate in internships related to professional fields under the E-1 to E-7 visa categories.

Are There Any Jobs or Work Types That Are Restricted?

Part-time work for international students is generally allowed only within the scope of ordinary part-time jobs that can be done alongside academic studies. Therefore, the following jobs or work types may be restricted.

Jobs and Work Types That Require Caution

A part-time work permit does not apply to every type of job.

Activities classified as special types of employment, such as delivery drivers, delivery platform riders, designated drivers, insurance planners, private workbook tutors, and door-to-door sales workers, may be restricted.

In addition, during the semester, the workplace may need to be within a commuting distance from the university, usually within about 60 minutes. During vacation periods, long-distance work may be reviewed based on the location of the university or the student’s registered place of residence.

Manufacturing jobs are generally restricted. However, they may be allowed as an exception if the student meets certain requirements, such as having TOPIK Level 4 or higher, or completing Level 4 or higher of the Korea Immigration and Integration Program, KIIP.

Part-Time Work Permit Application Process

The application process usually follows the steps below.

The most important point is that students must receive permission before starting work.

Some university guidelines also state that working part-time without prior permission may result in fines or disadvantages related to visa status.

What Documents Are Required?

The following documents are generally required when applying for a part-time work permit.

Do I Need to Apply Again If My Employer Changes?

Yes. A part-time work permit is usually granted based on a specific workplace and job duty.

Therefore, if you start a new part-time job, change employers, or change your workplace, you cannot continue working under the existing permit.

You may need to apply again or report the change according to the new workplace. Some university guidelines state that if the workplace changes, students may need to report the change within 15 days from the date the change occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I start working before receiving permission?

No. A part-time work permit must be approved before you start working. Working first and applying later may be considered illegal employment.

Q2. How many hours can undergraduate students work?

If undergraduate students meet the Korean language proficiency requirement, they can usually work up to 25 hours per week during weekdays. If they do not meet the requirement, their working hours may be limited to 10 hours per week.

Q3. How many hours can master’s and doctoral students work?

Master’s and doctoral students who meet the Korean language proficiency requirement can usually work up to 30 hours per week during weekdays. If they do not meet the requirement, their working hours may be limited to 15 hours per week.

Q4. Is there no working hour limit during vacation?

For D-2 degree-seeking students who meet requirements such as Korean language proficiency, working hours may be more flexible during vacation periods. However, students must still work only within the approved workplace and job scope.

Q5. Can I work as a delivery rider?

You should be careful. Delivery platform riders, parcel delivery drivers, and designated drivers are often listed as restricted types of work. Before applying, make sure to check with your university’s international student office or immigration guidelines.

Q6. Can I work in manufacturing?

Manufacturing jobs may generally be restricted. However, they may be allowed as an exception if the student meets certain requirements, such as TOPIK Level 4 or higher, or KIIP Level 4 or higher.

Q7. Can I find part-time jobs on KOWORK?

Yes. KOWORK is a foreign recruitment platform that helps international students and foreign job seekers find job opportunities in Korea.

Through the part-time job tab, KOWORK is preparing to provide job postings that international students can apply for, along with useful information about part-time work permits 😊