D-2 · D-4 Changing status
Based on 7 official sources.
[1]D-4 to D-2 transfer
After language program → degree program: change D-4 to D-2. Submit: admission letter, TOPIK 4+, school cert. Takes 2-4 weeks. Don't leave without travel permit.
Source: 법무부 출입국외국인정책본부 · Checked 2026-07-01
[2]Documents for changing to D-10-1 job-seeking status
Study in Korea's D-10-1 job-seeking guidance lists the core change-of-status packet as an application form, photo, passport copy, fee, alien registration card copy, job-seeking activity plan, degree certificate, and proof of residence. Korean-language proficiency or career certificates apply when relevant; financial proof is described as six months of living expenses at KRW 900,000 per month. A first change from Study (D-2) to Job-Seeking (D-10) is exempt from the financial-proof submission. Confirm the latest checklist through 1345 or the competent immigration office because additional documents can depend on the applicant's current status and subtype.
Source: Study in Korea · D-10-1 구직 체류자격 변경 · Checked 2026-07-14
[3]Legal basis for change-of-status permission
Immigration Act Article 24 requires a foreign national staying in Korea to obtain change-of-status permission in advance, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, before engaging in activities under a status different from the current one. A person who was in one of the Article 31(1) exempt categories and changes identity must obtain change permission within 30 days from that change. The review criteria are set by Ministry of Justice rules, so KARXY should check whether the new activity has started, whether the current activity stopped, whether domestic change is available for the target status, and the Enforcement Decree tables, Enforcement Rule attachments, and HiKorea guidance.
Source: 국가법령정보센터 · 출입국관리법 제24조 · Checked 2026-07-02
[4]Outside-status activity permission and student part-time work
Article 20 requires advance permission for activities outside status when a foreign national keeps the current status activity while also performing an activity belonging to another status. Student part-time work for D-2 or D-4-1 is therefore not just a yes/no question; KARXY should check current-status maintenance, school confirmation, work-hour and industry limits, and HiKorea permission or reporting availability. If the new activity becomes the primary activity, status change may be the correct route instead.
Source: 국가법령정보센터 · 출입국관리법 제20조 · Checked 2026-07-02
[5]E-application and visit reservation process
HiKorea e-application follows a flow of selecting a petition, authentication, form completion, and result check during operating hours. Items include extension of stay for registered foreigners, change of stay status, and part-time work permission/reporting for D-2 and D-4-1 students. Immigration may request appearance or field checks, and leaving Korea before review completion without contacting the officer can close the review.
Source: 하이코리아 전자민원 · Checked 2026-07-02
[6]Activities outside status and student part-time work
A foreign national who keeps the current stay status but also performs an activity under another status needs prior permission for activities outside status. HiKorea provides separate e-application items for part-time work permission/reporting for D-2 students and D-4-1 language trainees. If the activity becomes full-time or primary, review a new visa or status change instead. KARXY does not match jobs; it only flags permit requirements.
Source: 하이코리아 체류자격외활동 안내 · Checked 2026-07-02
[7]HiKorea status-change guidance
If the applicant stops the current status activity and begins an activity under another status, change-of-status permission is required. HiKorea states the default principle is to depart, obtain the appropriate visa, and re-enter; domestic change is limited and strictly reviewed when requirements can be met in Korea. Permission must be obtained before starting the new activity.
Source: 하이코리아 체류자격변경 안내 · Checked 2026-07-02
How these rules apply can differ with your circumstances, and the final decision rests with the immigration office with jurisdiction. Preparing and filing documents for an individual case is the work of a licensed administrative scrivener.