What should I do if I can't find a job within my D-10 job-seeking period?

Apply to extend your job-seeking (D-10) status before it expires. If an extension is hard, leave Korea before the expiry date. If the expiry date passes, you will be in violation of your stay status. So choose one of the two options before then.

What to prepare for an extension

Your first D-10-1 may have been given for 1 year under the graduate special rule, without the points system. But the points system applies when you extend. Out of 190 points on the job-seeking score table, you need at least 20 points in the basic items and at least 60 points in total.

• Basic documents (application form, photo, passport, registration card, fee)
• Job-seeking activity plan: write how you will look for a job from now on
• Proof of residence: an address document such as a lease contract
• Proof of living expenses: a bank balance certificate, etc. The balance must be at least 'this year's housing benefit standard amount for a 1-person household × number of months you will stay'
• Documents needed for the points evaluation: things like your degree and Korean language score

Steps to apply

1. Apply on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr), or visit the immigration office for your address, between 4 months before your stay period expires and the expiry date.
2. Pay the fee of 60,000 KRW. Online, pay by card or bank transfer. In person, you usually pay with a revenue stamp.
3. If you applied before expiry, you can keep staying while you wait for the result.

⚠️ Points to note

• If your stay permission was restricted because of a fine for a violation within 3 years before the application date, or if you received a fine of 3,000,000 KRW or more, your extension may be refused.
• If your score is too low, prepare to leave Korea before expiry. You can also leave and then re-enter later from abroad with a work visa.
• If the expiry date has already passed, get advice from an administrative agent (행정사) right away. You can apply through the visa service in the app.

First, use the job-seeking score table to check whether your score is above 60 points. For exact details, check again with HiKorea or 1345.