The E-7-4 visa represents a transformative opportunity for foreign workers in Korea, offering a pathway to long-term employment amidst the country's changing labor landscape. This guide aims to simplify the process, eligibility criteria, and essential requirements for applicants.
I. What is the E-7-4 Visa?
The E-7-4 Visa is a points-based skilled worker visa designed for those who have already been working in South Korea for more than 5 years. It allows E-9, E-10, and H-2 visa holders to find long-term employment in industries with labor shortages.
II. Who is Eligible for the E-7-4 Visa?
Applicants must have worked legally in Korea for at least 5 years, within the last 10 years with an E-9, E-10, or H-2 visa.
Applicant's workplace must offer an annual salary of at least 26 million KRW (or 25 million KRW for those working in agriculture, livestock, fishing, or inland shipping industries) with an employment contract for the E-7-4 visa that extends for at least 2 more years.
Applicants must score at least the minimum points (50 points) in both average income and Korean language proficiency, part of the basic criteria, and must achieve 200 points or more out of a total of 300 points.
Applicants must be free of criminal records, tax delinquency, and significant violations of the Immigration Act.
III. Duration of the Visa and Conditions
The E-7-4 visa is based on the applicant's employment contract. Applicants must continue to meet eligibility criteria, including maintaining a clean legal and employment record.
IV. E-7-4 Visa Scoring System
Basic Criteria
A. Average 2-Year Income (120 max.)
*Agriculture, Livestock, Fishery, and Inland Shipping Workers with an annual salary of 24,000,000 or more receive 50 points.
Average Income (2 Years) | Points |
25,000,000 | 50 |
35,000,000 | 80 |
50,000,000 | 120 |
B. Korean Language Proficiency (120 max.)
Applicants must show their Korean language proficiency with one of the following tests.
TOPIK | KIIP Program | KIIP CBT Test | Points |
Level 2 | Level 2 | 41 - 60 points | 50 |
Level 3 | Level 3 | 61- 80 points | 80 |
Level 4+ | Level 4+ | 81+ points | 120 |
C. Age (60 max.)
Age | Points |
19 - 26 | 40 |
27 - 33 | 60 |
34 - 40 | 30 |
41+ | 10 |
Extra Criteria
D. Additional Points (150 max.)
Criteria | Points |
Recommendation from central government agencies | 30 |
Recommendation from metropolitan governments | 30 |
Recommendation from corporations | 50 |
Long-term employment (3+ years) at the current workplace | 20 |
Working for 3+ years in a population-declining or rural area | 20 |
Possession of professional certification or domestic academic degree | 20 |
Possession of a domestic driver's license | 10 |
Deductions
Deduction | Penalty |
Received a fine less than 1 million KRW | -5 (first offense) -10 (second offense) -20 points (third offense) |
Outstanding tax payment or penalty | -5 (first offense) -10 (second offense) -15 points (third offense) |
Violated immigration laws | -5 (first offense) -10 (second offense) -15 points (third offense) |
IV. Required Documents
Application form, Passport, and Alien Registration Card (신청서, 여권 및 외국인 등록증)
Points-based evaluation form (점수제 전환 심사표)
Reason for employment (고용사유서)
Standard employment contract (표준근로계약서)
Business registration certificate copy (사업자 등록증 사본)
Tax payment certificates (납세증명서, 지방세납세증명서)
Employment insurance subscriber list (4대 보험 가입자 명부)
Income amount certificate issued by the tax office (for the applicant) (세무서 발행 소득금액증명원)
Employer-written guarantee (신원보증서: 고용주 작성)
Root Industry certification (if applicable) (뿌리기업 확인서)
Current employment and relevant field experience certificates (재직증명서 및 경력증명서)
Korean language proficiency score or social integration program certificate (if applicable) (한국어능력시험 점수표 또는 사회통합프로그램 이수증)
Degree certificate(s) (if applicable) (학위증)
Professional qualification and skill verification certificates (if applicable) (자격증 및 기량검증확인서)
Documentation of domestic education or training (if applicable) (국내 교육 및 연수 경력 입증서류)
Installment savings documentation (if applicable) (정기적금 입증서류)
Proof of domestic assets (if applicable) (국내 자산 입증서류)
Recommendation from related ministries (if applicable) (관계부처 고용 추천서)
Social contribution documentation (if applicable) (사회공헌입증서류)
Excellent employment creation enterprise evaluation sheet (고용창출우수기업 심사표)
Proof of award for job creation support (if applicable) (일자리 창출 지원 유공 입증 자료)
V. E-7-4 Quota Limits
Companies currently employing foreign workers on E-9 or E-10 visas are allowed to employ a minimum of 1 worker under the E-7-4 visa, regardless of the quotas. To hire more than 1 E-7-4 employee, the following quotas apply:
Manufacturing (based on # of Korean employees)
Number of Korean Employees | Number of Foreign Workers |
1 - 49 | 1 |
50 - 149 | 2 |
150 - 299 | 3 |
300 - 499 | 4 |
500 + | 5 |
Construction (Average annual construction expense)
Average Annual Construction Expense | Number of Foreign Workers |
< 5 billion KRW | 1 |
5 - 30 billion KRW | 2 |
30 - 50 billion KRW | 3 |
50 - 70 billion KRW | 4 |
70 billion KRW + | 5 |
Agriculture / Livestock / Fishery (based on # of Korean employees)
Number of Korean Employees | Number of Foreign Workers |
< 30 | 1 |
31 - 99 | 2 |
100 + | 3 |
The E-7-4 visa offers a promising pathway for skilled foreign workers to secure long-term employment in Korea. By understanding the eligibility criteria, you can smoothly navigate the application process, contributing to both the Korean workforce and your own professional growth.
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