“Planning to work in Korea as a Mechanical Engineer? Learn how to obtain your E-7-1 Visa!”
Today, we’ll dive into one of the E-7-1 visa categories for skilled workers: Mechanical Engineers. This occupation is highly sought after by individuals from countries such as Vietnam, India, Nepal, and Uzbekistan who wish to work in Korea directly after completing their studies or gaining experience abroad. It is also a popular choice among international students in Korea who major in engineering-related fields and obtain an associate or bachelor’s degree, enabling them to work in Korea through the E-7 visa program.
In particular, even those who are not fluent in Korean but hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in relevant fields such as science and engineering often find this career path attractive.
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E-7 Visa Eligibility Requirements
Degree Earned in Korea:
Holders of a 4-year bachelor’s degree can work in Korea regardless of their major.
Graduates of a 2-year associate degree must have studied a related field or gained at least one year of relevant work experience.
Degree Earned Abroad:
Master’s degree or higher in a related field, or a bachelor’s degree with at least one year of work experience.
Special Conditions:
Those with over one year of experience at a Fortune Global 500 company or graduates of universities ranked within the QS World Top 500 may be eligible for relaxed requirements.
Detailed eligibility requirements and visa application procedures can be found in [Korea Visa #3-2].
① Job Description
Mechanical Engineers in Korea are responsible for researching, designing, and developing machinery and systems for heating, ventilation, air purification, power generation, transportation, and production. Their work also involves evaluating, installing, operating, and maintaining these systems.
② Examples of Eligible Jobs
Mold Design Engineers: Press Mold Design Engineer, Plastic Mold Design Engineer, Casting Mold Design Engineer, Injection Mold Design Engineer
Machinery and Systems Engineers: Heating Equipment Engineer, Air Conditioning Engineer, Ventilation Equipment Engineer, Refrigeration Machinery Engineer, Heat Exchanger Designer, Cleanroom HVAC System Designer, Air Purification Designer
Machinery Development Engineers: GHP Developer, Heat Exchanger Developer
Construction and Special Machinery Engineers: Construction Machinery Designer, Earthmoving Equipment Designer, Road Construction Machinery Developer, Transport Construction Machinery Developer, Crusher/Drilling Machine Designer
Specialized Machinery Engineers: Agricultural Machinery Engineer, Mining Machinery Engineer, Textile Machinery Engineer, Food Machinery Engineer, Machine Tool Engineer, Hydraulic Machinery Engineer
Advanced Technology Engineers: Industrial Robot Design Engineer
③ Employment Recommendation Letters
Previously, employment recommendation letters were a requirement, but the issuance process led to excessive recommendations, prompting the discontinuation of this requirement for mechanical engineers. Instead, companies must now provide detailed and objective evidence of the necessity and expected benefits of employing foreign workers in this category.
④ Eligibility Requirements: Standard Criteria
Domestic Degree Holders
Bachelor’s degree holders can apply regardless of their major.
Associate degree holders must have studied a relevant field; otherwise, visa issuance is not possible.
Overseas Degree Holders
Bachelor’s degree holders must have at least one year of relevant work experience.
Master’s degree holders can apply without work experience.
E-9 Visa Holders
Former E-9 visa holders who have resided in Korea for over five years must hold at least a bachelor’s degree to apply for an E-7 visa.
⑤ National Employment Protection Guidelines
Employers hiring foreign workers must adhere to national employment protection guidelines, which include the following:
Employment Ratio: Foreign employees must not exceed 20% of the company’s total workforce.
Small Business Restrictions: Companies with fewer than 10 regular employees are prohibited from hiring foreign workers.
Employee Limit: A maximum of two foreign employees is allowed per company.
⑥ Visa Issuance and Residence Management
While the general visa criteria apply to E-7 visas, specific additional requirements include:
Extension of Stay
Visa extensions are granted only if the company meets wage and business operation requirements, verified through previous payroll records.
Companies failing to comply with employment contracts or wage agreements may face restrictions on hiring new foreign employees.
Foreign workers not meeting requirements may receive reduced extensions or have their stay restricted.
Change of Workplace
Workers cannot freely change workplaces unless pre-approved due to company closure or significant operational challenges.
Change to D-10 Job Seeker Visa
E-7 holders applying for D-10 status are subject to the following:
Nationals from 21 high-risk countries are limited to a 3-month + 3-month job-seeking period.
Nationals from other countries follow general D-10 regulations.
Workers who find new employment while on D-10 status must leave Korea and re-enter with a Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI). Exceptions are rarely granted.
Are you planning to work in Korea as a Mechanical Engineer? With HELP PLUS Administrative Office, you can receive comprehensive assistance, including academic and career analysis, job matching, preparing documents to demonstrate hiring necessity and expected benefits, and visa application support. For personalized consultations, contact Administrative Officer Hun-Dong Park (+82-10-3174-3793) and send your resume to receive tailored support. Thank you!
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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