What can and can't I do with a D-2 (Study) visa?

• The basic activity is receiving regular degree education or doing specific research at a college (junior college or higher) or an academic research institution.¹
• Part-time jobs are also possible, but you must first get a Permission to Engage in Activities Not Covered by Status of Sojourn (체류자격외 활동허가). It is limited to part-time work that students usually do (simple labor, etc.).²

Requirements for part-time work permission (general standard)

• You need an average grade of C (2.0) or higher in the previous semester.⁴
• Korean language ability is required. Associate and bachelor's 1st–2nd year students need TOPIK Level 3. Bachelor's 3rd–4th year, master's and doctoral students need TOPIK Level 4 or higher.⁴
• If your Korean ability is insufficient, the allowed working hours are reduced to 1/2 or less.⁴
• Confirmation from the university's international student officer is required.²
• The permission period is within 1 year, and you can work at up to 2 workplaces.³
• If your workplace or employer changes, you must get permission again in advance.³

⚠️ What you must not do

• Working without permission is not allowed. If you violate this, you may receive a penalty.³
• Working as a researcher for a general company or organization is prohibited. Employment is possible only by changing your status.⁵
• Contracts where hiring and use of workers are separated, such as with a staffing agency, are not allowed.³
• Private tutoring is strictly restricted.²
• Part-time work in professional fields (E-1 to E-7) is generally restricted.⁴

💡 Good to know

Allowed hours depend on your program and Korean ability. For example, for a bachelor's program it is 10 hours per week (25 hours for accredited universities, top-performing students, etc.). Be sure to check the application documents and the latest standards at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or 1345.³