💼E-7 Work Visa — Complete Guide
The main skilled-worker visa: employer-sponsored, degree or experience based, and changeable in Korea.
Written and fact-checked against official government sources, and updated regularly.
In short
- •The E-7 is Korea’s main skilled-worker visa, tied to a specific employer and an approved occupation.
- •You need a job offer from a Korean company plus relevant qualifications — typically a degree and/or professional experience.
- •The employer sponsors the application; approval depends on the role, your background, and salary meeting the threshold.
- •You can often change to E-7 from inside Korea (for example from a student visa) if you meet the conditions.
- •Occupation lists and salary requirements change — verify current rules on HiKorea before applying.
Quick facts
- Visa type
- Skilled/specialized worker (employer-sponsored)
- Requires
- Job offer + degree and/or relevant experience
- Sponsor
- The hiring Korean company
- Occupations
- Defined approved list (changes over time)
- Change in Korea
- Often possible from D-2 and other statuses
- Leads to
- A path toward longer-term residency over time
Step by step
- 1
Secure a qualifying job offer
The E-7 requires a genuine offer from a Korean employer for a role on the approved occupation list. The employer must be willing to sponsor you.
- ▸Confirm the role maps to an approved E-7 occupation
- ▸Check the salary meets the current threshold
- 2
Confirm your qualifications
Most E-7 roles require a relevant bachelor’s degree, or a diploma plus experience, or substantial professional experience in the field.
- ▸Prepare apostilled degree and transcripts
- ▸Gather reference letters proving experience
- 3
Prepare the document package
Typical documents include the application form, passport, photo, employment contract, company documents, your qualifications, and proof of experience.
- ▸Have documents translated and notarized early
- ▸The employer provides business registration and financial proof
- 4
Apply for the visa or change of status
Apply at a Korean embassy from abroad, or file a change of status at immigration if you are already in Korea and eligible.
- ▸Book a HiKorea reservation for in-Korea applications
- ▸Processing time varies by office and case
- 5
Register and start work
After approval, enter on the E-7 (or receive the changed status) and complete Residence Card registration so you can work, bank and settle legally.
- ▸Register within 90 days
- ▸Your work is tied to the sponsoring employer
- 6
Plan renewals and changes
Renew before expiry, and report any change of workplace to immigration. Over time, E-7 experience can support a move toward longer-term residency.
- ▸Never let the visa lapse
- ▸Report employer changes promptly
Frequently asked questions
- What is the E-7 visa?
- The E-7 is Korea’s main skilled-worker visa for foreigners hired into approved specialized occupations, sponsored by a Korean employer.
- Do I need a degree for the E-7?
- Most roles require a relevant bachelor’s degree, or a diploma plus experience, or significant professional experience. Requirements depend on the specific occupation.
- Can I change to E-7 while in Korea?
- Often yes. Many people change from a student (D-2) or other status to E-7 inside Korea when they receive a qualifying job offer and meet the conditions.
- Is the E-7 tied to my employer?
- Yes. The E-7 is sponsored by and linked to a specific employer, so a change of workplace must be reported to immigration.
- How is the E-7 different from the F-2?
- The E-7 is an employer-sponsored work visa. The F-2 is a longer-term residency status with more freedom to work and change jobs, often reached through a points system or time in Korea.
- Where do I confirm the current rules?
- Occupation lists and salary thresholds change, so always verify the latest E-7 requirements on HiKorea or with the 1345 Immigration Contact Center before applying.
Verified sources
Always confirm specifics with the official sources below — rules change by case, office and nationality.
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