E-7-4 visa change expansion
Recently, the Korean government has significantly expanded the issuance quota of E-7-4 visas to enhance the integration and management of foreign workers.
The news about this expansion plan was announced on September 25, 2023. On this day, the Korean government officially announced the policy to significantly expand the issuance quota of E-7-4 visas.
This measure was promoted as part of efforts to address the shortage of professional workers in Korea and to aid the integration of foreign workers.
This visa is issued to highly skilled foreign experts, and with this measure, the issuance quota has been significantly increased from the previous 2,000 to 35,000.
These changes aim to transition Korea into a multicultural society and address the labor shortage issue.
The E-7-4 visa offers foreign workers the opportunity to apply for long-term residency or permanent residency if they meet certain requirements.
For example, this applies if the foreign worker has had an annual average income of over 25 million won for the past two years and has achieved level 2 or higher on the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK).
Additionally, E-7-4 visa holders are granted the right to invite their families under certain conditions.
This policy aims to address the shortage of professional workers in Korea and help foreign workers integrate better into Korean society.
It plays an important role in Korea's transition to a multicultural society and provides more opportunities for foreign workers.
Application Procedure and Required Documents for the E-7-4 Visa
◼ Application Procedure:
1. Preparation: Applicants must ensure they meet the requirements and have all necessary documents.
2. Document Submission: Applicants visit the local immigration office to submit their documents. Walk-in applications are accepted without prior reservation.
3. Document Review: The submitted documents are reviewed by the immigration office.
4. Points Calculation: Points are calculated based on a points system.
5. Result Announcement: Results are announced according to regular and ad-hoc selection schedules. Applicants can check the results themselves.
6. Visa Issuance: If the applicant meets the points criteria, the visa is issued.
◼ Required Documents:
A passport and alien registration card are needed, and you should prepare the following items as applicable:
1. Application Forms: Integrated application form for the E-7-4 visa and application for change of stay status
2. Standard Employment Contract: Copy of the standard employment contract signed with the employer
3. Employment Recommendation: Recommendation letter from the employer or relevant agency (e.g., Ministry of Employment and Labor recommendation letter)
4. Income Proof: Documents proving annual income for the past two years
5. Korean Language Proficiency Certificate: TOPIK score report or certificate of completion for the Social Integration Program
6. Additional Documents: Certificates, diplomas, and other documents related to additional points items
◼ Application Method:
You must visit the local immigration office in person to submit the documents. An appointment is not required.
◼ Review and Issuance:
The review is conducted based on the submitted documents, and if approved, the E-7-4 visa is issued.
📌 Important Notes:
• Documents issued abroad are valid for 6 months.
• False information can result in disadvantages and criminal penalties.
• When extending the visa after changing to E-7-4, you must still meet the points requirement.
Applicants should check the specific required documents for their case through the Visa Navigator page on the Korea Visa Portal and contact the Immigration Office if necessary.
Requirements and Scoring Criteria for Obtaining the E-7-4 Visa
▶ Mandatory Conditions:
1. Annual Income: The average annual income for the past 2 years must be at least 25 million won.
2. Korean Language Proficiency: Must have TOPIK level 2 or higher, completion of level 2 in the Social Integration Program, or assignment to level 3 or higher in the pre-assessment.
▶ Scoring Criteria:
1. Basic Items (up to 95 points):
- Annual Income: At least 50 points
- Korean Language Proficiency: At least 50 points
2. Optional Items (up to 129 points):
- Employment Recommendation: 10 points
- Long-term Employment at Current Workplace: 10 points
- Work Experience in Population Decline Area: 15 points
- Certification: 10 points
- Domestic University Degree: 10 points
- Domestic Driver's License: 5 points
3. Deduction Items (up to 50 points):
- Fines under 1 million won: Up to 20 points deduction
- Tax Arrears: Up to 15 points deduction
- Violation of Immigration Control Act: Up to 15 points deduction
4. Total Score Standard:
The sum of basic and optional items must be at least 200 out of a possible 224 points.
Government Departments and Contact Information Related to the Expansion of E-7-4 Visa Issuance
1. Ministry of Justice
- Responsible Department: Immigration and Foreign Policy Headquarters
- Phone Number: 1345 (Immigration Contact Center)
- Website: [Ministry of Justice Immigration and Foreign Policy Headquarters](https://www.immigration.go.kr/immigration/index.do)
Ministry of Justice Immigration and Foreign Policy Headquarters
2. Ministry of Employment and Labor
- Responsible Department: Foreign Workforce Supply and Residency Measures Task Force
- Phone Number: 044-202-7737
- Website: [Ministry of Employment and Labor](http://www.moel.go.kr)
Ministry of Employment and Labor
These departments handle inquiries related to the E-7-4 visa and provide various support and policy information. For more details, you can visit the respective websites.
