E-7 Visa: A Comprehensive Guide for Foreign Professionals in Korea

The E-7 visa is a Specific Activities Visa that allows foreign professionals in specialized fields such as IT, engineering, research and development, finance, and design to work legally in South Korea.This visa is required for Korean corporations seeking to employ foreign talent and cannot be applied for individually; it must be sponsored by a Korean company (employer).For foreign professionals wishing to work in Korea under a specialized occupation, the E-7 visa is essential.

1. Eligibility Criteria for the Employee

The applicant must have obtained a bachelor's degree and have at least one year of work experience in the relevant field. However, this work experience requirement is waived for graduates of domestic universities or holders of a bachelor's degree from a globally recognized university. Additionally, individuals with a master's degree or higher, or those with at least five years of experience in the relevant field

2. Requirements for the Employer

The E-7 visa cannot be applied for independently by an individual; it must be sponsored by a corporate entity in South Korea. Therefore, the applicant must be employed in an occupation eligible for the E-7 visa and must sign an employment contract with a corporate entity in South Korea before applying for the visa. The employer must meet the visa issuance requirements, including complying with the minimum salary criteria. Furthermore, companies hiring foreign workers must not have any outstanding national or local tax obligations, as companies with tax delinquencies may be restrict

1. Signing an Employment Contract

Foreign workers must enter into an employment contract with a South Korean employer. The contract must clearly specify details such as salary, working conditions, and job responsibilities.

2. Submission of Documents

The employer is responsible for preparing and submitting the required documents to the Immigration Office for the E-7 visa application.

Required Documents:

• Employment contract specifying working conditions and salary
• Applicant’s degree certificate, career certificate, and relevant qualifications
• Invitation letter for the foreign worker’s entry into South Korea
• Employer’s business registration certificate and tax-related documents
• Copy of the foreign worker’s passport and passport-sized photographs
• Job description and documents related to job qualifications

3. Review and Approval

The Immigration Office will review the submitted documents to assess the applicant’s eligibility. This process includes verifying the foreign worker’s qualifications and evaluating the employer’s financial status, tax payment records, and current employment of foreign workers. Additional documents or interviews may be requested if necessary. If any documents are incomplete or do not meet the screening criteria, the applicant may be required to provide supplementary materials.

4. Visa Issuance

Once the application is approved, the E-7 visa will be issued. The visa holder can then enter South Korea and commence employment. Within 90 days of arrival, the worker must complete foreigner registration at the Immigration Office. Additionally, the employer must ensure the worker is enrolled in the four major social insurance programs. Before the visa expires, the worker must apply for an extension or renewal to maintain legal status in South Korea.

The E-7 visa is essential for foreign professionals seeking employment in South Korea. However, the application process is complex, and the likelihood of rejection is high due to factors such as incomplete documentation, failure to meet employment conditions, or the employer’s failure to satisfy the necessary requirements. Therefore, applicants must ensure they meet the educational and work experience requirements and submit all required documents, while employers must complete corporate registration, meet the minimum salary criteria, and ensure there are no outstanding tax obligations.

Additionally, even after visa approval, foreign workers must apply for a stay extension, and employers must maintain compliance with legal employment conditions. Thorough preparation and seeking legal consultation from experts are crucial to ensuring a successful application process.

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