Side-by-side comparison
📋 E-7 vs 📋 Working Holiday
The E-7 and Working Holiday visas serve different goals. The E-7 is a work visa that permits work, while the Working Holiday is a working holiday visa that permits work. Processing takes 2–4 weeks for the E-7 and 1–2 weeks for the Working Holiday.
| 📋 E-7 | 📋 Working Holiday | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa type | E-7 | Working Holiday |
| Category | work | working holiday |
| Who it is for | Software engineers | Young travelers aged 18–30 |
| Duration | 1 year (renewable up to 3 years) | 1 year (not renewable) |
| Allows work | Yes | Yes |
| Processing time | 2–4 weeks | 1–2 weeks |
| Government fee | ~$60–80 USD / 약 ₩80,000–110,000 | $40–80 USD / 약 ₩55,000–110,000 (varies by country) |
| Key requirement | Job offer from an approved Korean company | Age 18–30 (up to 35 for some countries) |
| Renewal | Renewable. After 5+ years, may qualify for F-2. After 10 years, can apply for F-5 permanent residency. | Not renewable. Once used, you cannot get another Working Holiday visa for Korea. |
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between the E-7 and Working Holiday visa?
- The E-7 (E-7 Specific Activities Visa) is for Software engineers, while the Working Holiday (Working Holiday Visa (H-1)) is for Young travelers aged 18–30.
- Can I switch from the E-7 to the Working Holiday visa?
- Changes of status are decided case by case by Korean immigration (HiKorea). Confirm your eligibility, documents and timing at your local immigration office before your current status expires.
- Which visa lets me work in Korea, E-7 or Working Holiday?
- The E-7 allows work. The Working Holiday allows work.
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