What If I Take a Leave of Absence on a D-2 Visa in Korea?
A leave of absence does not automatically cancel a D-2 visa, but it does change the basis of your stay. Korean immigration expects leave periods to be reported and supported by your university's records. If the leave becomes too long or your enrollment status becomes unclear, your next extension can be refused.
Base de relecture et sources
Relu à partir de
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). Licence n° 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Association coréenne des agents administratifs). Verifie selon le manuel HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 et recoupe avec les publications du Ministere de la Justice.
Dernière relecture
4 septembre 2026
Références de source
Issuance-manual sections covering D-2 student visa issuance, consular review, and TB-related entry screening.
Stay-manual sections covering D-2 extension, leave of absence, school transfer, reporting duties, and part-time work permission.
Prudence avant dépôt
Les exigences peuvent varier selon la nationalite, le bureau d'immigration competent et le canal de depot. Avant de deposer, confirmez les exigences exactes avec HiKorea, le consulat coreen competent ou un specialiste de l'immigration habilite.
When a leave of absence is acceptable
Official university-approved leave is generally compatible with D-2 status for a limited period. Common valid reasons include:
- Medical treatment or recovery
- Family emergencies
- Military service obligations in your home country
- Research delays or structured academic pause approved by the school
The key point is that the leave must be formal. An informal break from classes is not the same as a recognized leave of absence.
What you must report
You should report the leave to immigration once it is formally approved by your university. Keep the university's leave approval certificate and updated enrollment status documents. Immigration may ask for:
- Passport and ARC
- Leave approval certificate from the school
- Explanation of the leave reason
- Proof of residence and financial means
If your leave changes your expected graduation timeline, that will matter at your next extension review.
How long you can usually remain on D-2 during leave
In practice, a limited leave period is often tolerated, but long or repeated leave periods create risk. A leave around 1 year is typically the upper edge of what immigration will tolerate without expecting a different status or departure. Much depends on the school record, the reason for leave, and whether you can show you will genuinely resume study.
Work restrictions during leave
A leave of absence is not a way to free up time for work. Your part-time work permissions are tied to your student status and school compliance. During leave, immigration can conclude that your study purpose has paused, which makes side jobs especially risky. If you work without clear authorization while on leave, that can damage both your next D-2 extension and any later D-10 or E-7 application.
Conseils des 행정사
Get the leave approved by the university first, then report it to immigration promptly.
Keep evidence of why the leave was necessary, especially for medical or family cases.
Do not assume a long leave preserves your right to work part-time in Korea.
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Questions fréquentes
Can I stay in Korea during a leave of absence on D-2?
Usually yes for a limited period if the leave is formally approved and properly reported, but long leaves create extension risk and may require a different plan.
Can I work part-time while I am on leave?
You should assume no unless immigration or your university documentation clearly supports it. Leave status weakens the academic basis for student work permission.
What if my leave lasts longer than expected?
Once the leave becomes prolonged, immigration may expect you to depart Korea or change strategy rather than continue relying on D-2 indefinitely.