What are the E-7 sub-categories (E-7-1, E-7-2, E-7-3, E-7-4)?

The E-7 visa has four sub-categories based on occupation type. E-7-1 (Professional) covers 67 occupations including IT developers, engineers, marketers, and HR professionals. E-7-2 (Semi-professional) covers 10 occupations such as medical coordinators and hotel receptionists. E-7-3 (Skilled Labor) covers 10 occupations in manufacturing and shipbuilding. E-7-4 (Point-based) covers 3 occupations for skilled workers who meet a points threshold. Your sub-category determines your minimum salary requirement and eligible occupational codes.

What are the 2026 salary requirements for each E-7 sub-category?

As of February 1, 2026, the minimum pretax annual salary requirements are: E-7-1 (Professional) ≥ ₩31,120,000/year, E-7-2 (Semi-professional) ≥ ₩25,890,000/year, E-7-3 (Skilled Labor) ≥ ₩25,890,000/year, E-7-4 (Point-based) ≥ ₩26,000,000/year. Since April 2025, the same wage requirement applies to all companies regardless of size. If the salary in your employment contract falls below these thresholds, the visa application may be denied.

Why is occupational code matching important?

Each E-7 sub-category has a list of approved occupational codes (직종코드). Your actual job duties must match the code listed on your visa. Immigration officers verify this during applications and extensions. A mismatch between your actual work and the registered code can result in visa denial, cancellation, or penalties. Work with your employer's HR team to select the correct code before applying.

Do Korean university graduates have an advantage?

Yes. According to published immigration guidelines, graduates of Korean universities are exempt from the career experience requirement regardless of their major. This means a Korean university graduate with a bachelor's degree can apply for E-7 without demonstrating 1 year of work experience. This is often described as one of the most accessible paths to E-7 sponsorship.

What about the age exemption for 18-24 year olds (since April 2025)?

Since April 2025, individuals aged 18-24 with a long-term stay history in Korea may apply for E-7 without meeting the standard education or career requirements. This policy aims to support young foreign residents who have studied or lived in Korea long-term. Specific conditions and documentation requirements may vary — check with your local immigration office for current details.

Do graduates from top-ranked universities get special treatment?

Yes. Published immigration guidelines indicate that graduates of QS World Top 500 or THE (Times Higher Education) World Top 200 universities are exempt from the career experience requirement. This means they can apply with a bachelor's degree alone, similar to Korean university graduates.

How do I change employers while on an E-7 visa?

Changing employers on E-7 requires your new employer to file a new CCVI application at immigration and you must apply for a change of workplace (근무처변경). You cannot start working for the new employer until the change is approved. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks. If you leave your current employer before the change is approved, you may be in violation of your visa conditions.

How do I extend my E-7 visa?

Submit an extension application at your local immigration office at least 30 days before your visa expires. You need your current employment contract, proof of continued employment, tax payment records, and your ARC. Your employer must still meet the sponsorship requirements (5+ Korean employees, 20% foreigner limit). The 2026 salary thresholds apply to extensions as well — your salary must meet the current minimums.

Can I eventually get permanent residency (F-5) through E-7?

Yes. There are two common paths. First, you can transition from E-7 to F-2 (Points-based Resident Visa) after meeting the 80-point threshold (based on age, income, Korean language ability, tax payment, etc.), typically after 3+ years on E-7. From F-2, you can then apply for F-5 (Permanent Resident). Second, in certain cases, you may apply for F-5 directly after an extended period on E-7 if you meet the requirements set by the Ministry of Justice.

What are the employer size and foreigner ratio requirements?

The sponsoring company must employ at least 5 Korean nationals. Foreign employees are generally limited to 20% of the company's total workforce (Korean national employees). Small companies or startups that do not meet these thresholds may face difficulties sponsoring E-7 visas. Certain industries and special economic zones may have exceptions — check with immigration for current rules.

What happens if I am terminated or my company closes?

If your employment ends, you are generally required to report the change to immigration within 15 days. You may be granted a grace period (typically 30-90 days) to find a new employer willing to sponsor your visa. If you cannot find a new sponsor within the grace period, you may need to change your visa status (e.g., to D-10 job-seeking visa if eligible) or leave Korea. Overstaying without valid status incurs penalties of approximately ₩100,000 per day.

What is the typical timeline from job offer to starting work in Korea?

The overall timeline is typically 3-6 weeks but can vary. Step 1: Employer files CCVI at immigration (2-4 weeks review). Step 2: You apply for visa at Korean embassy with CCVI number (5-10 business days). Step 3: Enter Korea and begin work. Step 4: Register for ARC within 90 days. Plan for at least 6-8 weeks from when your employer starts the process to when you can begin working in Korea.

Korea Professional Employment Visa (E-7) — Complete 2026 Guide

Work in Korea with employer sponsorship

Important Notes

Most competitive Korean work visa — the employer must justify hiring a foreigner over a Korean national
Overstay penalty: approximately ₩100,000 per day of overstay
Submit extension application at least 30 days before visa expiry to avoid potential fines
Job code mismatch between actual work and visa category can result in visa cancellation
Working for any employer other than your sponsor without authorization is a visa violation

Duration

Up to 3 years (typically 1 year)

Fees

~USD 60-100 (varies by embassy and nationality)

Processing Time

3-6 weeks total

Max Stay

No fixed maximum — extensions possible as long as employment continues

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized immigration guidance, consult a licensed immigration consultant (행정사) or attorney (변호사). Final decisions on visa issuance rest solely with the Korean Ministry of Justice and immigration authorities.

Based on published requirements. Not legal advice.

Korea Professional Employment Visa (E-7) — Complete 2026 Guide

Important Notes

Key Requirements

Timeline & Fees

Documents

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FAQ

Tips & Community

Sources & Related Visas