Starting July 3, international students will find it easier to obtain student visas and will have more opportunities to work. The financial requirements for student visa applicants will be reduced and will now be assessed in Korean won instead of dollars. For a D-2 student visa, applicants will need a bank statement showing a minimum balance of 20 million won ($15,400), down from the previous $20,000. Those applying for D-4 visas for language schools will need a minimum balance of 10 million won, instead of the current $10,000. For universities outside Seoul, the requirements will be even lower: 16 million won for D-2 visa applicants and 8 million won for D-4 visa applicants. Additionally, international students will be allowed to do internships in fields covered by E-1 to E-7 visa categories during summer and winter breaks. While part-time jobs still require immigration office approval, for-credit internships arranged by universities will not. Students in associate degree and undergraduate programs can now work up to 25 hours a week, an increase from the current 20-hour limit. Those who demonstrate strong Korean language skills, such as by meeting TOPIK certification requirements, can work an additional five hours per week. Furthermore, migrant workers on E-9 and E-10 visas will be permitted to take classes at higher education institutions. These visas are typically issued to unskilled workers in manufacturing or shipbuilding. This change aims to help these workers become eligible for the E-7-4 skilled worker visa, which offers broader employment opportunities. Workers with at least five years of experience on E-9, E-10, or H-2 visas can apply for the E-7-4 visa. Source: LEE TAE-HEE, LEE HO-JEONG (Korea JoongAng Daily)