“Opportunities for IT Professionals through the E-7-1 Visa”
For foreigners seeking to work in professional fields in Korea, the E-7-1 visa is a crucial option. This visa allows employment in 67 designated professional fields, and today, we’ll focus specifically on 9 Computer and IT-related professions.
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Key Requirements for the E-7-1 Visa
Obtaining a Degree in Korea
A four-year bachelor’s degree or higher: Field of study is not restricted.
For graduates of two-year colleges: Employment in a related field or at least one year of relevant work experience is required.
For Graduates of Foreign Universities
A master’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field + one year of work experience.
Special Exceptions
At least one year of professional work experience at one of the world’s top 500 companies.
A bachelor’s degree from a globally recognized university.
Top 200 universities in Time rankings or top 500 in QS World University Rankings.
E-7-1 Visa Eligible Computer and IT Professions (9 Categories)
① Computer Hardware Engineer
Description:
Specialists who research, design, develop, and test computer and related equipment for home, industrial, military, or scientific use. They supervise the manufacturing and installation of equipment, inspect for quality assurance, and work in various sectors such as computer manufacturing and related industries.
Example Roles:
Computer Hardware Designer
Network Equipment Developer
Storage Device Developer (e.g., magnetic, optical)
Mainboard and I/O Device Developer
Employment Recommendation Letter Issuance:
Issuing Agencies: Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (KOTRA), Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency)
Notes: Applicable to small businesses or returning domestic companies.
② Telecommunications Engineer
Description:
Professionals responsible for the design, maintenance, and operation of wired and wireless communication networks. They also research protocols, devices, and systems related to voice, data, and broadcasting, and handle system performance optimization.
Example Roles:
Mobile Circuit Developer
Modem and Wireless Device Engineer
Optical Communication Device Designer
Network Operations Specialist
Employment Recommendation Letter Issuance:
Issuing Agencies: Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (KOTRA), Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency)
Notes: Limited to small businesses.
③ Computer System Designer and Analyst
Description:
Experts who design and analyze all elements of computer systems, including input/output data formats, data processing procedures, logic structures, and database features. They optimize system efficiency and suggest improvements for better data management.
Example Roles:
Information System Consultant
Network Consultant
Database Design Specialist
Employment Recommendation Letter Issuance:
Issuing Agencies: Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (KOTRA), Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency)
Notes: Limited to small businesses.
④ System Software Developer
Description:
Professionals who research and develop basic operating systems and system software for computer systems. Their work focuses on improving system stability and performance, including operating systems (OS), firmware, and related software.
Example Roles:
Operating System Software Developer
Firmware Developer
MICOM Control Engineer
Employment Recommendation Letter Issuance:
Issuing Agencies: Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (KOTRA), Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency)
Notes: Limited to small businesses.
⑤ Application Software Developer
Description:
Professionals who design and develop application software to meet the needs of users, including word processors, databases, and statistical analysis programs. They focus on performance optimization and ongoing software maintenance.
Example Roles:
Game Programmer
Network Programmer
Data Management Application Programmer
Employment Recommendation Letter Issuance:
Issuing Agencies: Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (KOTRA), Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency)
Notes: Limited to small businesses.
⑥ Web Developer
Description:
Professionals who build and maintain web servers, ensuring they meet user requirements. They design web applications and pages using the latest web technologies and focus on performance and security improvements.
Example Roles:
Web Engineer
Webmaster
Employment Recommendation Letter Issuance:
Issuing Agencies: Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (KOTRA), Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency)
Notes: Subject to a 20% national employment rule.
⑦ Data Specialist
Description:
Experts who design and optimize databases to ensure efficiency and reliability. They handle data analysis, performance optimization, and structural design to maintain stable and effective data management systems.
Example Roles:
Database Designer
Database Administrator
Database Programmer
Employment Recommendation Letter Issuance:
Issuing Agencies: Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (KOTRA), Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency)
Notes: Limited to small businesses.
⑧ Network System Developer
Description:
Professionals who design, build, and manage networks, focusing on hardware and software interactions. They prioritize improving network security and connectivity.
Example Roles:
Network Engineer
LAN/WAN Specialist
Network Server Operator
Employment Recommendation Letter Issuance:
Issuing Agencies: Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (KOTRA), Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency)
Notes: Limited to small businesses.
⑨ Information Security Specialist
Description:
Professionals who develop security programs to protect against hacking and data breaches. They assess current security measures and propose strategic solutions to strengthen system security.
Example Roles:
Information Security Researcher
Internet Security Specialist
Employment Recommendation Letter Issuance:
Issuing Agencies: Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (KOTRA), Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Korea SMEs and Startups Agency)
Notes: Limited to small businesses.
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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