International students in Korea with a D-2 (degree) or D-4 (language training) Visa must follow specific regulations to engage in part-time work. Understanding these rules is essential to avoid legal issues and make the most of your student experience.

Students must obtain permission from both your university’s international office and the Korean Immigration Office in advance. Working part-time without prior approval from the Immigration Office is strictly prohibited under Korean immigration law.

Steps to Obtain Part-Time Work Permission:

• Secure a Job Offer

• Prepare the Following Documents (in coordination with your employer):

  • Application Form (신청서)
  • Standard Labor Contract (표준근로계약서)
  • Confirmation Form for Part-Time Work (외국인 유학생 시간제 취업확인서)
  • Passport (여권)
  • Alien Registration Card (ARC, 외국인등록증)
  • Business License (copy) from the workplace
  • ID copy of your employer
  • Academic Transcript (성적증명서)
  • Proof of Korean Language Proficiency (한국어능력 증빙서류)

• Visit Woosong Visa Office (W3, Room 105)

  • Visa office will review and sign your application.

• Submit the Application to Immigration

  • Online: www.hikorea.go.kr
  • Or in person at the Daejeon Immigration Office (appointment required)

If approved, you’ll receive a permit (online or sticker) and you are free to work now.

Prohibited Work

You are not allowed to work in

• English camps, and private tutoring
• Construction, manufacturing (Exceptionally, allowed in some specific sectors with proper permission)
• Delivery worker, replacement driver, insurance agent, door-to-door salesman
• Any other fields that are against social order and virtue (e.g., Adult entertainment, casino, bars, Karaoke, nightclubs etc.)

Allowed Types of Part-Time Work (Permission needed)

• Translation/Interpretation
• Restaurant assistant
• Office assistant
• Tour guide assistant
• Duty-free shop sales assistant

Permitted Exceptional Cases: No work permit is needed for

• On-campus jobs (e.g., library, teaching assistant roles)
• Research or internships related to your studies at your university
• One-time participation in media or events

Working Hour Limits

• Language/Bachelor students: up to 20 hours per week
• Master’s/Doctoral students: up to 30 hours per week

Extra hours may be allowed for students with TOPIK level 5+, an “A” grade from the previous semester, or those enrolled at certified universities.

Attention

Students cannot work the first semester after coming to Korea. Working without permission is illegal and taken very seriously. For a first offense, you may receive a warning and a fine. For a second offense, you could face a larger fine or even deportation.

• First Fines starting from 1,000,000 KRW
• Possible cancellation of student Visa
• Risk of deportation

Please note that you are not allowed to begin working until immigration approval is granted. We urge all students to follow this guide strictly to avoid any legal consequences and protect your visa status in Korea. If you have questions or need assistance with your application, feel free to contact the W3 Visa Office (Room:105).