[Korea Visa #3-2] How to Successfully Secure Professional Employment in Korea with the E-7 Visa: A Complete Guide to Eligibility Requirements and Essential Documents

E-7 Visa Qualifications: What Degrees and Experience Do You Need?

In our previous post, [Korea Visa #3-1], we covered the basic principles of the E-7 visa and who qualifies for it. Now, we’re diving deeper into the specific qualifications and required documents. You’ve already laid the groundwork, so it’s time to get ready for the real deal! From professional job requirements to gathering the right documents, let’s explore how to secure an E-7 visa effortlessly. Ready? Let’s get started!

Check out the previous post!

[Korea Visa #1] Understanding Korean Visas Made Easy: The Ultimate Guide for Foreigners
[Korea Visa #2] Studying in Korea is Impossible Without This Visa! Essential Information for International Students
[Korea Visa #3-1] Succeeding in Professional Employment in Korea with the E-7 Visa Basic Principles and Key Occupations

Job-Specific Qualifications

The E-7 visa is granted to foreigners who possess the necessary qualifications to perform professional jobs. To meet the general requirements, you must fulfill one of the following:

Master’s degree or higher in a field related to the job
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field + at least 1 year of experience
- Experience is only recognized after obtaining the degree or certification. However, for high-tech fields (IT, bio, nano, etc.), internships before graduation are also recognized as work experience.
At least 5 years of work experience in the relevant field

Additionally, the Korean government offers preferential treatment for those who meet special conditions. Here are some examples:

At least 1 year of professional experience in one of the world’s top 500 companies: You may qualify even if you don’t meet the degree or work experience requirements, provided there is a recognized need for employment.
Graduates (or soon-to-be graduates) of top global universities: You may qualify without the 1-year work experience requirement if there’s a need for employment. “Top universities” are defined as those ranked in the top 500 by QS or listed in the top 200 by TIME.
Graduates (or soon-to-be graduates) of a Korean college: If applying for a job in a field related to your major, the 1-year work experience requirement is waived.
Graduates (or soon-to-be graduates) of a Korean university with a bachelor’s degree or higher: You may qualify for a job, regardless of your major, if there is a need for employment.
D-10-3 Advanced Technology Intern visa holders: If you’ve completed an internship of at least 1 year in a Korean company and earn at least the average GNI, the degree and experience requirements are waived.

Qualifications for Inviting Companies and Screening Criteria

The company inviting a foreign employee must also meet certain qualifications:

Company Requirements: The company must be in a sector permitted to hire foreign employees with E-7 status. The company’s representative must not have violated the Immigration Control Act.
Tax Status: Companies with outstanding national or local tax payments cannot invite foreign workers.

The Korean immigration office will comprehensively review whether the company meets all employment criteria and whether there is a legitimate need for hiring a foreign professional.

Main Procedures and Required Documents

Employment Recommendation: Some jobs require an employment recommendation issued by a designated ministry or department based on job-specific screening criteria.
Required Documents:
- For the invitee: a copy of the passport, a passport-style photo, an employment contract, and documents proving qualifications (degrees, work experience, certifications, etc.)
- For the inviting company: business registration documents, documents proving the necessity of hiring a foreign employee, a letter of invitation, a letter of guarantee, and tax payment certificates

Conclusion

The E-7 visa is a valuable opportunity for foreign professionals seeking to build a career in Korea. Whether you’ve graduated from a Korean university or have a strong professional background overseas, it’s an achievable goal. However, it’s critical to prepare meticulously and meet all the qualification criteria. Even minor mistakes can hinder your visa process, so getting help from an expert is highly recommended. For precise guidance and thorough preparation, contact HELP PLUS, the official partner of KoreaAgain, for expert visa consulting!

* This content is a translation based on the original text in Korean. Errors may occur during the translation process, so please refer to the original text as the primary source. For legal or other important decisions, we recommend seeking professional advice. We do not assume legal responsibility for the content of this translation.

HELP PLUS Administrative Attorney is the KoreaAgain‘s official VISA partner.

Contact HELP PLUS Administrative Attorney for more details of the VISA.

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