KOREA VISA GUIDE

E-7 Specially Designated Activities Visa | Professional Employment in Korea

The E-7 visa supports foreign professionals and designated skilled personnel working in Korea. Approval depends on the correct occupation classification, the applicant’s qualifications, the employer’s eligibility, employment conditions and evidence explaining why the foreign professional is needed.

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E-7 is not one single visa

Each subcategory and occupation has different standards.

E-7-1

Professional Occupations

For designated professional positions requiring specialized knowledge and qualifications.

E-7-2

Semi-professional Occupations

For designated semi-professional and service occupations under occupation-specific standards.

E-7-3

General Skilled Occupations

For designated skilled occupations with separate qualification and employer requirements.

E-7-4

Skilled Worker Points System

For eligible skilled workers satisfying the applicable points, experience, income, Korean-language and other criteria.

Core eligibility review

Immigration reviews both the employee and sponsoring company.

APPLICANT

Qualifications and career

Degree, major, career certificates and licenses must fit the selected occupation.

EMPLOYER

Company eligibility

Business status, tax compliance, workforce structure and the genuine need for the position are reviewed.

CONTRACT

Employment terms

Job title, duties, salary and workplace should match the occupation and applicable standards.

The employment-necessity statement should connect the company’s actual business, the selected occupation and the applicant’s expertise.

Documents and procedure

The route may involve an overseas visa, Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance or a change of status in Korea.

COMPANY

Company documents

Business registration, corporate registry, tax, employment and business-operation evidence.

FOREIGN NATIONAL

Applicant documents

Passport, degree, career certificates, licenses and authentication where required.

EMPLOYMENT

Job evidence

Employment contract, detailed job description and statement of employment necessity.

Occupation lists, wage standards and company restrictions can change. Verify the rules in force on the filing date.

T-ONE Practice Notes & Case Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a degree automatically qualify me for E-7?

No. The qualification must satisfy the requirements of the relevant occupation and the employer must also qualify.

Can I change employers freely?

A change or addition of workplace may require prior permission or a report under the applicable rule.

Why is the occupation code important?

The occupation code controls the applicable qualifications, duties and employer restrictions.

Plan the E7 case before filing.

Eligibility, evidence and filing routes depend on the applicant’s actual circumstances. T-ONE reviews the complete case and prepares a consistent application.

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