What's new for 2026 D-2 visa?
On Feb 5, 2026, the MOJ announced two benefits for foreign students.
First, financial proof is waived. Meet the conditions and you can keep D-2 without a bank balance.
Second, part‑time hours increase from 30 to 35 hrs/week.
Both benefits apply to students at the 16 designated colleges. MOJ aims to train 800 foreign tech workers per year.
Effective from Feb 5, 2026 for students at the 16 designated colleges.
If you're enrolled, check it now.
Financial waiver: compare conditions
Check which condition fits you.
| condition | financial requirements | part-time work |
|---|---|---|
| TOPIK 3+ and studying at one of 16 designated vocational colleges | Exempt (no balance proof needed) | Can do 35 hrs/week |
| Condition not met — enrolled in a school in Seoul/Gyeonggi | Need a balance over 2,000만원 | Keep 30 hrs a week |
| Condition not met — attending a local school | Need at least 1,600만원 balance | Keep 30 hrs a week |
Full guide to D-2 financial waiver
You need both conditions to get the waiver.
Condition 1: Have TOPIK level 3 or higher. TOPIK is the Korean test; level 3 is intermediate, enough for daily talk and basic work.
Condition 2: Be enrolled in one of the 16 MOJ‑designated colleges. If you miss any condition, the old financial proof (2M KRW in Seoul, 1.6M KRW elsewhere) still applies.
Even if you're at a designated college, no TOPIK 3 means no waiver.
Having TOPIK 3 isn’t enough if your school isn’t designated.
Full list of the 16 designated tech colleges
List of MOJ‑designated colleges as of Feb 2026. Check if your school is included.
| area | School name |
|---|---|
| Gyeonggi Province | Gyeonggi University of Science and Technology |
| Gyeonggi Province | Daelim University |
| Gyeonggi Province | Bucheon University |
| Gyeonggi Province | Seojeong University |
| Gyeonggi Province | Osan University |
| Gyeonggi Province | Yongin University of Science and Technology |
| Busan | Gyeongnam Info University |
| Busan | Dongui Science University |
| Busan | Busan University of Science and Technology |
| Daegu City | Youngjin Tech College |
| Gyeongsangbuk-do | Gumi University |
| Ulsan City | Ulsan University of Science and Technology |
| Jeollabuk-do | Military University |
| Jeollabuk-do | Jeonju Vision University |
| Jeollanam Province | Mokpo Science University |
| Gyeongsangnam-do | Geoje University |
35‑hour part‑time extension: when and how?
Old D-2 students could only work up to 30 hrs/week. New policy raises it to 35 hrs.
Who gets it: students at the 16 designated colleges. Unlike the waiver, no TOPIK rule is listed.
When: from Feb 5, 2026 onward. If you're enrolled, it applies now.
Exceeding the limit can lead to visa cancel or exit order.
Check hours with your employer and add up weekly yourself.
For example, if you work at a store and a cafe, total must stay under 35 hrs/week.
Can I get the benefit? 3‑step self test
Answer the questions below to see your benefit.
From TOPIK 3 to 5: set goals while studying
TOPIK 3 is the D-2 waiver level. TOPIK 5 is needed for E‑7‑M work visa after graduation. Getting both while studying leads to a job.
Step 1: Aim for TOPIK 3 (1‑2 semesters after entry)
It's everyday conversation level. Join Korean classes and tutoring. Check test dates at topik.go.kr.
Step 2: Apply for financial waiver (right after getting level 3)
After TOPIK 3, ask your school's international office to change visa conditions. They submit to MOJ. Takes about 2‑4 weeks.
Step 3: TOPIK 4 (2‑3 semesters in)
Mid‑high level: read reports, discuss topics. Take private or school language courses.
Step 4: Aim for TOPIK 5 (last semester before graduation)
It's for E‑7‑M (K‑CORE) work visa. With TOPIK 5+, you can apply after graduation if your contract offers at least 26M KRW salary.
Post‑grad job path: what is E‑7‑M (K‑CORE) visa?
E‑7‑M (K‑CORE) is a new 2026 work visa for graduates of designated colleges to stay in Korea.
Two requirements: 1) contract with at least 26M KRW starting salary, 2) either finish Social Integration Program level 4 or have TOPIK 5+.
If you get TOPIK 5 while studying, you can apply for E‑7‑M right after graduation. That's why students aim for TOPIK 5.
① Graduate from a designated college
② Contract with starting salary ≥ 26M KRW
③ Finish Social Integration level 4 or TOPIK 5+
Note: E‑7‑M details may change after policy finalization. Check latest at MOJ (hikorea.go.kr) or call 1345.
D‑2 financial waiver application checklist
Check each item as you go. Status saves automatically.
D‑2 financial waiver FAQ
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