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E-7 — Special Occupation Visa (E-7)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

14-30 days

Application Fee

120,000 USD

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information

Overview

For skilled foreign workers in designated shortage occupations including IT, engineering, finance, biotechnology, and other fields specified by the government.

E-7 visa has four subcategories: E-7-1 (Professionals/Specialists in 67 occupations), E-7-2 (Semi-professionals/Office workers in 10 occupations), E-7-3 (General skilled laborers in 10 occupations), and E-7-4 (Skilled tradespersons using points system).

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

3 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

South Korea

F-2-7 — Long-term Residency Visa (F-2)

Validity3 years

Processing1-2 months

View Visa Details

South Korea

F-5 — Permanent Residence (F-5)

ValidityIndefinite

Processing2-3 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Job offer from Korean employer in designated occupation

Relevant degree or professional qualification

Employer must prove inability to fill role locally

Criminal background check

Minimum salary requirement (KRW 2M+/month)

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

1+ years

Min. Income

25,890,000 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Employment contract

Educational credentials

Professional licenses

Work experience

Application Process

Skilled employment: From Korean company in designated field

Company petition: Employer applies for job seeker approval

Skills assessment: Verification of qualifications

Visa application: At Korean embassy

Visa processing: 2-4 weeks

Visa issuance: E-7 skilled worker visa

Application Forms

E-7 Special Ability Visa Application

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Overview

For skilled foreign workers in designated shortage occupations including IT, engineering, finance, biotechnology, and other fields specified by the government.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Job offer from Korean employer in designated occupation

Relevant degree or professional qualification

Employer must prove inability to fill role locally

Criminal background check

Minimum salary requirement (KRW 2M+/month)

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

1+ years

Min. Income

25,890,000 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Employment contract

Educational credentials

Professional licenses

Work experience