Overview

Foreign students and trainees in Korea must meet certain conditions to work part-time. Unauthorized employment may result in serious penalties by immigration authorities.

At CIKE, employment information and visa changes for foreign students are managed by our Employment Center and administrative scriveners.

Eligibility

• Students with residence status D-2 (Study Abroad) or D-4 (General Training) must have sufficient Korean language proficiency and school confirmation to work part-time.
• Students with exceptional residence permits due to insufficient GPA or credits are excluded.
• Work limit: 30 hours per week; unlimited hours during vacations/public holidays do not apply.

Part-Time Employment Rules

• Limited to student-friendly jobs (simple labor).
• Special employment (teaching, translation, scholarship work) follows individual guidelines.
• Private tutoring is strictly restricted.

Permitting Procedures

• Draft employment contract (standard contract with hourly wage).
• Submit part-time employment confirmation form approved by international student advisor.
• Application: attach required documents and submit online or in-person.
• Receive permit: sticker or online print confirmation.

Target Students

Students who:

• Have required Korean proficiency and university confirmation.
• Hold appropriate D-2/D-4 residence sub-statuses.
• Completed at least 6 months of study for language programs.
• Exclusions: insufficient credits for graduation or delayed completion due to insincere study.

Permitted Working Hours

• Language Training: 10–25 hours/week depending on level.
• Associate/Bachelor's Degrees: 10–30 hours/week depending on grade and Korean proficiency.
• Master's/Doctorate: 15–35 hours/week.
• English Track: TOEFL/IELTS/CEFR requirements apply; English-speaking countries exempt.

Required Documents

• Passport & Alien Registration Card
• Application Form
• Part-time employment confirmation by university
• Transcript or attendance certificate
• Korean language proficiency certificate (if applicable)
• Business registration certificate & standard employment contract

Special Provisions

• Temporary allowances or prize money that do not affect study qualifications do not require permission.
• Violations (e.g., construction work without permission) may result in deportation on first detection.
• Government scholarship students (D-2-7) have exemptions for employment ratio and company size rules.

Cancellation or Change of Permission

• Guarantor withdrawal or absence.
• Permission obtained through false or improper means.
• Violation of permitted conditions.
• Serious reasons affecting maintenance of status.
• Other serious violations of Immigration Control Act or laws.