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Important: Reporting the Start of an Internship Under a D-10-1 Visa

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Important: Reporting the Start of an Internship Under a D-10-1 Visa


" 15 days! "

That's the magic number that you must remember when starting an internship in South Korea under the D-10-1 visa.


Freshly graduated, D-10-1 visa approved, and a paid internship secured. Everything is going according to plan! Not until your first paycheck reveals that you've unknowingly violated Korea's immigration rules.

So what went wrong?!

The answer: Neither you nor the company reported the internship to Immigration on time.


Why You Must Report Your Internship

By law, all internships under the D-10-1 visa must be reported to Immigration within 15 days of the internship start date. This protects both the intern and the company by ensuring that the internship is legally approved. Unreported internships are treated as unauthorized employment.


Consequences of Missing the Reporting Deadline

The consequences are severe. The foreigner intern may face fines more than ₩3,000,000, disqualification from future visa applications and even deportation. Meanwhile, the company faces even more serious consequences and may be barred from hiring foreigner in the future.


Frequently Asked Questions


Are all D-10 visa holders able to do an internship in Korea?

No. Only the D-10-1 Job Seeking visa permits short-term paid internships. On the contrary, D-10-2 visa (Technology Startup Preparation) strictly prohibits them.


Can I work a part-time job while doing an internship?

Not recommended. D-10-1 holder can legally do a professional internship on weekdays and a part-time job on weekends simultaneously, but only if they meet strict eligibility requirements and obtain two separate, specific approvals from Immigration.


My internship is unpaid. Do I still need to report it?

No! This is one of the most dangerous misconceptions. "Unpaid" is not an excuse. While unpaid internships are common in some countries, it is illegal for D-10-1 visa holders to do any unpaid internship.


My internship has already passed the 15-day reporting window. What should I do?

No. This is illegal employment. Never accept cash for internship salary / training fees. Even if it's after 15-days, report it to Immigration as soon as possible. Otherwise, there will be hefty penalties for both you and the company.


The company asked me to start work before signing my internship contract. Is that legal?

No. You should only start an internship after signing the contract. Often, there are two signed copies, one each for the employer and the intern.


If I end my internship early, do I have to inform Immigration?

Yes. If you decide to end your internship early, either you or the company must inform immigration within 15 days from your last official day of work.


Is the 15-day reporting period based on working days or calendar days?

The reporting window is 15 calendar days, not 15 working days. To avoid missing the deadline, submit your report early, especially before long national holidays such as Chuseok.

Paperwork and visa applications can be confusing and time-consuming, but they are an essential part of pursuing your dreams in South Korea. Think of them as leveling up in a video game!

Don't let a careless mistake damage your clean visa record. Remember that your visa application is ultimately your own responsibility. Never assume that your company or educational institution will automatically submit an application on your behalf.

Whenever you're unsure, check your visa status on HiKorea or call the Immigration Contact Center at 1345 for assistance.

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