Post Study Work Permit In South Korea
When I moved to Korea I knew that I wanted to stay here after finishing my degree. It was very important for me to get my papers sorted as soon as possible so that I did not have a gap in income, additionally having some money saved up would mean being able to travel a lot more. The Post Study Work Permit is a great way to do this, however there are lots of things you need to know before starting your application.
The Post Study Work Permit (PSWP) is a non-immigrant visa allowing international students to work in their field of studies or related fields for a specific time period.
Many people come to Korea and work on a tourist visa. Most of these people wish to earn money and save up to go back home or go onto another country, and they prefer not to take the trouble of getting a study visa. Ultimately, it comes down to their own decision that whether they want to get a study visa or work on a tourist visa. However in most cases that I’ve seen over the year, most people who work on a tourist visa find themselves looking for another job under a different employer when the tourist visa runs out.
The South Korean government offers a unique program to foreigners who are simply looking to stay on as a resident in Korea after graduation.
South Korea is located in East Asia, on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula located out from the far east of the Asian landmass. Despite its compact size, South Korea is home to 22 national parks with countless mountains.
Post Study Work Permit In South Korea
The country also offers miles and miles of beautiful coast and stunning beaches with the most popular and largest one being Jeju Island. South Korea also has a superb transport infrastructure which means that tranquillity is always within easy reach of urban sprawl.
In recent years, South Korea has seen global popularity due to its pop culture, music, entertainment and TV dramas and movies. The industry has been a tremendous contribution to the economy and has an estimated USD 12.3 billion boost to the economy in 2019.
South Korea’s economy has been growing steadily, making it a great time to get a job in the country. Along with the economy, the country has also seen a growing population of international students.
The Korean government is also keen on students from overseas securing jobs in the country however certain fields are easier to come by than others so it’s important to do your research before committing to settling there to find a job.
The job market can be competitive as you’ll be up against Korean nationals, but as long as you have a relevant degree from a Korean institution and a good command of the language, you may find your international background can serve as an advantage.
The leading industry employers in the country are:
- Samsung (semiconductors)
- Hyundai (vehicle manufacturing)
- LG electronics (electronics)
- KPMG (professional services)
- ExxonMobil (chemicals)
Although working life in Korea may be different to what you are used to, Korea’s importance as a trade partner and business hub means there is likely to be rewarding work or an internship waiting for you in Korea.
Check your options below to stay in the country after completing your studies.
If South Korea is not for you, you can check our other blog post to see your options after completing your studies in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Japan or Singapore!
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D-10 Visa (Jobseeker Visa)
International graduates who earned an associate degree from a Korean Community College or a bachelor’s degree or higher from a Korean University can apply for the visa to look for a job in the country or plan to start a business based on intellectual property rights or the equivalent technology.
This is a point-based system. You should score at least 60 points and should receive at least 20 points in the basic requirement section.
This visa is valid up to 6 months. Remember to switch to another visa category before your current student visa expires.
The job you secure should be in line with your studies and should be in the approved types of work and you have not violated the Immigration Act.
You will be ineligible to apply if you have violated the Immigration Act and was fined for a total of 2 million won or more. Sample violations are you have exceeded the time allowed for students to work part time and you have previously exceeded your visa.
A jobseeker visa is also granted to students who take part in internship programs and will be valid for no more than a year.
To apply for this visa for the purpose of seeking a job, you should prepare the following documents:
- Application Form
- Recent Photo
- Copy of valid passport
- Copy of foreigner registration card
- Plan for seeking employment
- Diploma/Certificate of Degree
- Proof of career (if applicable)
- Proof of training activities in Korea (if applicable)
- Proof of Korean Language proficiency (if applicable)
- Letter of recommendation for employment (if applicable)
- Proof of financial ability
*Additional documents may be required
For entrepreneurial activities based on technology, you should prepare the following documents:
- An application form
- Valid passport
- Alien Registration Card
- A certificate of education (bachelor’s degree or higher)
- A technology-based start-up plan
- A photocopy of a patent/utility model registration/design registration or a certificate/receipt of application (where applicable)
- A photocopy of a certificate proving that you have completed/participated in the Overall Assistance for Start-up Immigration System (OASIS) courses (where applicable)
*Additional documents may be required
You can apply for the change of status to the Immigration Office of the Ministry of Justice with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
E-1 through E-7 Visa
Once you have signed a job contract, you may switch to a visa category appropriate to your line of work. To see the criteria and qualifications of each visa, check the full list on the official website.
E-1 Professor
This visa is aimed at foreign nationals seeking to give lectures or do research in their field at above college-level educational facilities. The multiple-entry visa is valid for one year and can be renewed in one-year intervals. In some cases, you can be allowed to stay as long as needed, with renewals available every five years.
E-2 Foreign Language Instructor
This visa is designed for foreign nationals that wish to teach a foreign language at a company or broadcast station-owned schools, above elementary school-level educational facilities, or similar institutions. The multiple-entry visa is granted for two years and can be renewed in two-year intervals.
E-3 Researcher
This visa is for foreign nationals that are invited by a public or private institution to conduct research in natural science or advanced technology. The multiple-entry visa is valid for one year and can be renewed in one-year intervals. In some cases, you can be allowed to stay as long as needed, with renewals available every five years.