How many hours can I work part-time on a D-2 student visa?
I'm studying at a Korean university on a D-2 visa and want a part-time job to cover living costs. I heard students need a separate part-time work permit, but I don't know the process. Are the allowed hours different during the semester versus vacation, and is there a TOPIK level requirement?
1 Answer
I did part-time work on a D-2 myself, so here's the practical version. Before you start any job, you must get a part-time work permit: get a confirmation from your university's international office, then apply online through HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr). The allowed hours differ between term time and vacation; during the semester there's a weekly cap that depends on your year of study and Korean ability, while during vacation you can essentially work without an hour limit. To get the higher weekly hours during term, you usually need a TOPIK level, often level 4 or above for undergraduates, and if your grades or attendance drop the permit can be restricted. Jobs like cafe or convenience store work are fine, but bars and certain industries are off-limits. The exact weekly hours change from time to time, so confirm your specific limit with your international office and HiKorea before you begin.