1. Permission is limited to part-time employment activities typically undertaken by students, such as simple labor or similar work.
A. Private tutoring activities are strictly restricted, taking into consideration the specific nature of such activities, including the location and students/clients.
B. If a student intends to engage in employment activities prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Control Act, they must comply with the individual guidelines applicable to the relevant status of stay.
C. Activities that involve receiving temporary allowances, prizes, honoraria, or other compensation incidental to daily life, provided that such activities do not infringe upon the essential purpose of the student (study) status, are excluded from the scope of activities requiring permission.
2. Eligible Applicants
A. Applicants must hold a D-2 (Student) visa and demonstrate sufficient Korean language proficiency, generally evidenced by TOPIK Level 3 or higher, or an equivalent qualification recognized by the university or the Immigration Office.
(Specific requirements may vary depending on the student’s academic program and current immigration guidelines.)
B. Applicants must have obtained confirmation and approval from the international student advisor/coordinator.
C. Students who have been exceptionally granted permission to stay after completing their academic program due to failure to meet graduation requirements (e.g., insufficient credits) are not permitted to engage in part-time employment.
3. Scope of Permitted Activities
Konkuk University is certified as a Top-Tier University in International Education Qualification Assurance System(IEQAS)
Accordingly, international students are permitted to engage in part-time employment as follows:
Up to 30 hours per week on weekdays
No hourly limit on weekends and during vacation periods
However, the following students are subject to stricter limits:
First- and second-year students who do not hold TOPIK Level 3 or higher, or
Third- and fourth-year students who do not hold TOPIK Level 4 or higher
→ In these cases, part-time employment is limited to a maximum of 10 hours per week, including weekdays, weekends, and vacation periods.
4. Restrictions on Permission
A. Permission may be restricted if a student is deemed unable to appropriately balance academics and employment due to either of the following, based on the most recently completed semester:
An attendance rate of 70% or lower, or
An average GPA of C (2.0) or lower, calculated based on completed credits.
B. Non-compliant applicants
Students who fall under any of the following categories will be subject to measures in accordance with applicable regulations and processing standards:
Engaging in part-time employment without obtaining prior permission, or violating the conditions of the granted permission
Inaccurate or incomplete reporting of application details, such as the workplace, working hours, or other required information
5. Required Documents
A. Part-Time Employment Confirmation Form
Must be signed and stamped by the employer
Downloadable from “Frequently Used Forms (No. 7)”
B. Copy of Alien Registration Card
Copies of both the front and back sides are required
C. Employment Contract
Must clearly state the job description, period and hours of employment, and hourly wage
D. Copy of Business Registration Certificate
The employer’s name must match the name stated on the employment contract
E. Academic Transcript
The average GPA of the most recent semester must be C (2.0) or higher
F. Korean Language Proficiency Certificate (e.g., TOPIK score report or an equivalent document)
* Guidelines for Completing Required Documents
A. The information provided on the Part-Time Employment Confirmation Form must exactly match the details stated in the employment contract.
B. The start and end dates of employment must be clearly specified.
The end date must not exceed the validity period of the student’s visa or the expected graduation date.
(If the visa is extended, additional supporting documents must be submitted for verification.)
C. If the business registration certificate indicates an industry category related to manufacturing or construction, applicants must additionally submit:
a Confirmation of Compliance with Part-Time Employment Requirements, and
a copy of the employer’s identification.
As a general rule, part-time employment in manufacturing or construction is not permitted.
If a student is found to have engaged in part-time employment in the manufacturing or construction sector, strict measures may be imposed, including compulsory departure from Korea.
6. Reporting Method
In-Person Visit
Prepare all required documents in advance, make a reservation, and visit the Immigration Office in person.
Reservation path:
http://www.hikorea.go.kr → Civil Service Application → Visit Reservation → Apply for Visit Reservation
Online Application
Access http://www.hikorea.go.kr
Select Electronic Civil Services → Select Service:
Permission for Part-Time Employment for International Students (D-2) and Language Trainees (D-4-1)
Upload scanned copies of the required documents
7. Permission Procedure
Prepare the Employment Contract
Complete the Part-Time Employment Confirmation Form
Obtain confirmation and signature from the undergraduate international student advisor
(by visiting the International Student Center, Office of International Affairs, in person)
Submit an application for permission to the Immigration Office
Important Notice
If a student begins working before receiving approval from the Immigration Office, the employment will be considered illegal.
This may result in fines, disadvantages in future visa extensions, or more severe administrative measures.
Additional Notes
Students who are not enrolled in private health insurance for international students are not eligible to receive a Part-Time Employment Recommendation/Confirmation.
Students deemed to be engaging in insincere academic activities may be restricted from obtaining permission.
This determination is based on factors such as attendance rate and average GPA, where it is judged that the student is unable to balance academics and employment simultaneously.
8. Disciplinary Measures for Unauthorized Employment
In cases involving construction or manufacturing sectors, regardless of the number of violations, a departure order within 30 days will be issued without exception upon the first violation. However, entry restrictions will be suspended (deferred).
For violations of part-time employment permission, students will be restricted from changing their status of stay to D-10 (Job-Seeking) after graduation.
9. Important Notes
Approval from the Ministry of Justice must be obtained before the start date of employment.
(Please allow sufficient processing time when applying.)
Employment with foreign language education–related institutions, recruitment agencies, or labor dispatch agencies is not permitted.
If a student changes the place of employment due to a change of employer, the change must be reported again within 15 days from the date of change.