Immigration

(Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act [Appendix Table 1-2], Item 20: Specific Activities (E-7))

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❍ Restricted Eligibility for Change of Status

The following status holders are restricted from changing to E-7 status:

• Short-term stay holders (nationals of 21 countries designated by the Ministry of Justice)
• Industrial Trainee (D-3)
• Non-professional Employment (E-9)
• Crew Employment (E-10)
• Other (G-1)

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❍ Definition of “Specific Activities”

“Specific Activities” refers to employment in fields designated by the Minister of Justice where the introduction of foreign workers with specialized knowledge, technical skills, or expertise is deemed necessary to enhance national competitiveness.

These fields are called Eligible Occupations.

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❍ Types of E-7 Categories

E-7 includes the following subcategories:

• Professional (E-7-1)
• Semi-professional (E-7-2)
• General skilled workers (E-7-3)
• Skilled workers (E-7-4)
• FTA Independent Professionals (E-7-91)
• Negative-list Professionals (E-7-S)
• Domestic Growth-type Workforce (E-7-Y)
• Top Talent (E-7-T)

※ This guide focuses on E-7-1 Professional category

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❍ Eligible Occupations under E-7-1

Occupations selected by the Minister of Justice among:

• Major Group 1: Managers
• Major Group 2: Professionals and Related Workers

based on the Korean Standard Classification of Occupations (KSCO)

(67 designated occupations – refer to the official “E-7 Eligible Occupations” list)

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Foreign Applicant Qualifications

❍ General Requirements (must meet one)

• Master’s degree or higher in a field related to the occupation
• Bachelor’s degree + at least 1 year of experience in a related field
• At least 5 years of work experience in a related field

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❍ Special Requirements (must meet one)

• Graduates (or expected graduates) of Korean junior colleges
  → Experience requirement may be waived if employment necessity is recognized

• Graduates (or expected graduates) of Korean universities (Bachelor’s or higher)
  → Experience requirement waived regardless of major, if employment necessity is 인정됨
  (except for occupations with separate standards)

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Employer Requirements

The employer must:

• Be eligible to hire foreign workers under E-7 permitted occupations
• Not fall under visa issuance restriction categories under Immigration Rules
• Meet employment quota and minimum wage requirements per occupation
• Have no outstanding national or local tax liabilities

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General Screening Criteria (Protection of Domestic Employment)

❍ Company Size

• Companies with fewer than 5 Korean employees and mainly domestic business are generally restricted

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❍ Foreign Worker Ratio

• Generally limited to within 20% of Korean employees

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❍ Wage Requirement

• At least 80% of Korea’s GNI per capita of the previous year
• (Some occupations follow separate standards)

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Application Timing

• Must obtain approval before the start of employment

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Application Method

• Visit the competent Immigration Office having jurisdiction over the applicant’s residence or workplace
• Make a reservation through HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) before visiting (mobile reservation available)

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Notes

• Additional documents may be requested during screening

• All foreign-issued documents must be authenticated

  • Apostille (for member countries)
  • Consular legalization (for non-member countries)

• Korean or English translations must be attached

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Required Documents

1. Passport, Alien Registration Card (if applicable), Integrated Application Form
2. Fee (KRW 100,000 + KRW 30,000 for ARC), one standard photo (3.5×4.5 cm)
3. Employment contract (original and copy)
   • Including hourly wage, working hours, contract period (min. 3 months), job description
4. Business registration certificate and corporate registration certificate
5. Proof of company financial status
   • Tax payment certificate, financial statements
   • National tax clearance and local tax certificate
6. Documents proving necessity of employment
   • Recommendation letter (if required) or statement of employment necessity
7. Employment insurance enrollment records and company employment status (if applicable)
8. Guarantee letter (Form No. 129)
9. Proof of residence (lease agreement or property registry)
10. Tuberculosis test certificate (if applicable, issued within 3 months)
11. Foreign worker job report form
12. Proof of applicant qualifications

• Degree certificate, career certificate, licenses, etc.

1. Additional documents depending on the occupation