Life as an international student in Korea is full of exciting new experiences—but it also comes with its fair share of questions, especially when it comes to immigration and visa rules. At Pureum Law Office, we often hear the same concerns from students navigating life, study, and work in Korea. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to answer the 10 most frequently asked questions about the international student visa in Korea—so you can stay focused on what really matters.
1. Can I go home during a leave of absence?
If you take a leave of absence from school, your university is required to notify the immigration office. In many cases, this can lead to your visa being canceled, even if it hasn’t yet expired. If you leave Korea under this status, you’ll likely need a new visa to return.
2. I graduated in February, but my visa is valid until March. Can I leave and come back before it expires?
No. Once your school reports your graduation, your visa can be canceled regardless of the printed expiration date. If you plan to continue studying or working in Korea, it’s essential to extend your visa or change your status before you leave the country.
3. I applied for something at immigration, but I left Korea before it was processed. Will it still go through?
Probably not. If immigration confirms that you’ve left the country, your application may be automatically closed or denied. Unless it’s an urgent situation, it’s best to complete your application while you’re still in Korea—or reapply after you return.
4. Can I leave Korea after graduation and come back later to find a job?
Yes—but only if you prepare in advance. If you’re planning to job-hunt or already have an offer, apply for a D-10 (job-seeking) visa before leaving. If you don’t have time, you can apply for a D-10 at a Korean consulate abroad and re-enter with it.
5. I’ve already stayed 6 years as a bachelor’s student, but I haven’t finished my thesis. Can I extend my visa?
Unfortunately, no. There is a strict limit to how long you can stay based on your degree level. However, time spent on a long leave of absence (over 1 year) might not count toward that limit. Check the official guidelines carefully.
6. I got accepted to another school in Korea. Can I transfer directly?
In most cases, no—you’ll need to leave Korea and apply for a new visa. But if you have legitimate reasons for transferring, and your current and future study plans fit within the visa’s overall time limit, immigration may allow a change.
7. I’m finishing a Korean language program and will start university soon. Can I apply for a “gap visa”?
Yes, if the gap between programs is three months or less, and you meet all of the following:
- You completed the language course properly
- You passed TOPIK level 3 or attended the course for at least 1.5 years
- You’ve been admitted to a degree-level university program
8. I moved in with a friend. Do I need to report my address change?
Yes. You must report any address change within 15 days. If you didn’t sign the lease yourself, you’ll need to submit:
- A copy of the lease agreement
- A housing confirmation form
- A copy of your friend’s ID
If you haven’t completed foreign registration yet, you’ll need to report this in person at your immigration office.
9. My school is in Seoul, but I live in Incheon. Where do I apply for visa services?
It depends on whether your school is officially accredited. If it is, you can go to either the school’s jurisdiction or your place of residence. If not, you must apply through the immigration office that oversees your school’s location.
10. I want to work part-time, and the employer wants me to start right away. Is that okay?
Not until you get official permission. International students are not allowed to work by default. You must first apply for and receive a part-time work permit from immigration. Starting work without permission could result in serious consequences, including visa cancellation.
Let Us Help You Navigate Student Life in Korea
The international student visa in Korea comes with many rules, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Whether you’re extending your stay, switching schools, or applying for a job-seeking visa, Pureum Law Office is here to help you every step of the way.
📩 For questions or personalized legal help, please contact us anytime at ask@pureumlawoffice.com.
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