Part-Time Work Rules for International Students in Korea
Many international students want to work part-time to offset costs — and you usually can, but only by the rules. You need part-time work permission from immigration first, and how many hours you can work depends on your visa and your Korean level. The exact limits have been changing, so this guide explains the structure and points you to the official source for current numbers.
The core rule: get permission first
Working part-time on a student visa requires part-time work permission (시간제취업 허가) from Korea Immigration before you start. Working without it can put your visa status at risk. Eligibility generally depends on your visa type, how long you've been enrolled, your attendance, and your Korean ability. Your university's international office can help you apply.
Weekly hour limits (structure, not fixed numbers)
Hour caps depend on visa type and TOPIK level, and have been revised recently — including 2026 changes intended to ease students' financial burden. Commonly cited patterns:
| Situation | Commonly cited pattern |
|---|---|
| D-2, TOPIK 3 or above | Higher weekday cap (often cited around 25–30 hrs/week) |
| D-2, below TOPIK 3 | Lower cap (often cited around 10 hrs/week) |
| D-4 (language student), with required Korean level | A moderate cap once eligible (often cited around 10–25 hrs/week) |
| During official vacation | More hours typically allowed than term-time |
These ranges are illustrative and change — verify the exact current caps with immigration before relying on them.
Key conditions to keep in mind
- Korean level matters. Higher TOPIK levels generally unlock more weekly hours; little or no Korean means a lower cap.
- Enrollment and attendance. You usually need to be properly enrolled with adequate attendance and grades.
- Time after entry. D-4 language students often must have been in Korea for a minimum period before becoming eligible.
- Restricted jobs. Some fields (for example certain adult-entertainment venues and some other work) are limited or prohibited for student visas.
- No full-time professional work. A student visa does not allow full-time professional employment.
How to apply, step by step
- Check eligibility with your university's international office.
- Gather documents: passport, Alien Registration Card (ARC), proof of enrollment, grades/attendance, and an employer confirmation.
- Apply for part-time work permission through immigration (often via the Hi Korea portal).
- Wait for approval before starting work.
- Stay within your approved hours and renew or update permission as needed.
A higher TOPIK level can mean more allowed work hours. You can prepare with a 1-on-1 tutor on italki.
Raise your Korean level with a tutor on italkiFrequently asked questions
Can international students work part-time?
Yes, but only after getting part-time work permission from immigration. Working without it can violate your visa status. Eligibility depends on visa type, time enrolled, attendance, and Korean ability. Confirm current rules with immigration (Hi Korea / 1345).
How many hours can I work per week?
Limits depend on visa and TOPIK level and have been changing. D-2 students with TOPIK 3+ are commonly cited at a higher cap (around 25–30 hrs on weekdays) and lower without it (around 10 hrs), with more allowed during vacation. Verify the current limit.
Do I need TOPIK to work?
Not always to get permission, but your Korean level affects how many hours you can work. Higher TOPIK generally unlocks more hours; little Korean means a lower cap. Confirm current thresholds with immigration.
How do I get the permit?
Apply through immigration (often via Hi Korea) with your passport, ARC, proof of enrollment and grades/attendance, and employer confirmation. Your international office can guide you. Apply before you start working.
What jobs are off-limits?
Some jobs are restricted for student visas — for example certain adult-entertainment venues and some other fields — and full-time professional work isn't allowed. Check the current restricted-job list with immigration first.
Last reviewed June 2026.