LINKRIGHTS

I'm an international student. Can I work part-time? (Part-time work permission)

To work part-time on a study (D-2) or general training (D-4) status, you must first get permission for activities outside your residence status (part-time work permission).

Source
Ministry of Justice · Ministry of Government Legislation See sources
First written
20 September 2026
Last reviewed
20 September 2026
This translation was prepared by the LINKRIGHTS team and is still being checked. If anything is unclear, ask one of the organisations below.

Is this your situation?

  • I'm an international student and don't know whether I can start a part-time job.
  • My friend just works. Is that OK for me too?
  • I don't know where or how to get permission.
  • I want to know whether there is a limit on my working hours.

Rights you should know

  • You need permission before you start working

    To work part-time on a study (D-2) or general training (D-4) status, you must get permission for activities outside your residence status (part-time work permission) in advance.

  • There are conditions, such as school confirmation and Korean ability

    It is allowed for students who get confirmation from the school's international student officer and meet certain conditions. Check whether you meet them with your school officer and 1345.

  • There is a limit on the hours you may work

    The hours allowed during term depend on your programme, your Korean ability and other conditions, and the rules change from time to time. Check the exact hours with 1345 or on HiKorea before you apply.

  • Working without permission can cause problems

    If you work without permission, you can face penalties under the law. If you have already started working, do not decide alone: talk to 1345 first.

Try this

  1. 1.

    Ask your school's international student officer first

    Ask whether you can get their confirmation and what the school needs you to do first. Each school explains it slightly differently.

  2. 2.

    Check how to apply on HiKorea

    You can apply through the online service at hikorea.go.kr, or book a visit to your local immigration office.

  3. 3.

    Write down where and how many hours you plan to work

    Noting the workplace, the work and the expected weekly hours makes it easier to ask your school and 1345, and speeds up the application.

  4. 4.

    After you get permission, also get a written work contract

    Permission is about your residence status; your hourly pay and working hours are protected by the work contract. Take care of both.

Please note

The conditions and hours depend on your residence status, your school and the term, and the rules can change. Check with HiKorea or the Immigration Contact Center (1345) before you apply.

Checklists to use with this information

You might also want to know

Where to get help

  • Immigration Contact Center 1345 (HiKorea)

    How they can help

    Multilingual advice on visa status, extensions and alien registration. Office visits are booked on HiKorea.

    Opening hours
    Weekdays 09:00-18:00
    Area
    Nationwide
    Languages
    Korean · English · Chinese · Vietnamese · other languages
    1345 Website

    Last reviewed 6 September 2026

  • Ministry of Employment and Labor Helpline 1350

    How they can help

    Advice on unpaid wages, employment contracts and how to file a wage complaint.

    Opening hours
    Weekdays 09:00-18:00
    Area
    Nationwide
    Languages
    Korean · English · Chinese · Vietnamese · other languages
    1350 Website

    Last reviewed 6 September 2026

  • Danuri Call Center 1577-1366

    Emergency line

    How they can help

    A 24-hour multilingual call center for migrants, covering daily-life questions and violence support.

    Opening hours
    24 hours
    Area
    Nationwide
    Languages
    Korean · English · Chinese · Vietnamese · other languages
    1577-1366 Website

    Last reviewed 6 September 2026

Choose your area
Before you call, try saying this

If you are not sure how to start the call, use these sentences as a guide. They are only examples and do not replace advice from the organisation.

  1. 1. “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about Visa & Stay.”
  2. 2. “This is what happened. (Briefly say when, where and what happened.)”
  3. 3. “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

Tips for the call

  • If Korean is hard for you, ask: "Can I get advice in another language?"
  • Keep dates, places and things like text messages or contracts next to you so it is easier to explain.
  • You only need to give your name or contact details if the counsellor asks for them.

Follow the organisation's own guidance on how advice works. If you are in danger now, call 112 (police) or 119 (ambulance) straight away.

Sources for this page

First written 20 September 2026Last reviewed 20 September 2026

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