E-7-4 Points System Overview
The E-7-4 (숙련기능인력) skilled worker visa uses a points-based evaluation system to select qualifying foreign workers. To be eligible, applicants must score at least 200 points out of a maximum 400 points. The system rewards Korean language ability, domestic work experience, income level, vocational credentials, employer support, age, and education.
Score Summary (Max 400 Points)
Category 1: Korean Language (Max 100 Points)
Korean language ability is the highest-weighted category — accounting for up to 25% of the total score. It is measured by the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) level.
| TOPIK Level | Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Level 6 (최고급) | 100 | Advanced — can communicate in all professional contexts |
| Level 5 | 90 | Upper intermediate — fluent in most workplace situations |
| Level 4 | 70 | Intermediate — can handle most daily and work communication |
| Level 3 | 0 | Not counted in standard E-7-4 scoring |
| Level 1–2 or none | 0 | Not counted |
Category 2: Work Experience in Korea (Max 80 Points)
This category measures years of work experience performed inside Korea in a relevant industry. Overseas work experience does not count.
| Years of Korean Work Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 10 years or more | 80 |
| 8 years or more | 70 |
| 6 years or more | 60 |
| 4 years or more | 50 |
| 2 years or more | 40 |
| Less than 2 years | 0–30 (proportional) |
Work experience is documented with health insurance contribution records (건강보험 납부확인서), employment certificates (재직증명서), and wage records (급여명세서).
Category 3: Income Level (Max 80 Points)
The income category measures the applicant's current annual wage relative to the Korean GNI (국민총소득, Gross National Income per capita). As of 2026, the GNI reference figure is approximately KRW 40–42 million per year.
| Annual Income (relative to GNI) | Points |
|---|---|
| 200%+ of GNI (approx. KRW 80M+) | 80 |
| 150–200% of GNI (approx. KRW 60–80M) | 70 |
| 120–150% of GNI (approx. KRW 48–60M) | 60 |
| 100–120% of GNI (approx. KRW 40–48M) | 50 |
| 80–100% of GNI (approx. KRW 32–40M) | 40 |
| 60–80% of GNI (approx. KRW 24–32M) | 20 |
| Below 60% of GNI | 0 |
Income is verified with wage certificates, payroll records, and income tax withholding statements (근로소득 원천징수영수증).
Category 4: Vocational Qualifications (Max 60 Points)
Korea's national vocational qualification system (국가기술자격) offers certificates at four levels. Only Korean national qualifications (or officially recognized equivalent foreign qualifications) earn points here.
| Qualification Level | Korean Title | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Engineer / 기사 | 기사 (e.g., 전기기사, 건축기사) | 60 |
| Industrial Engineer / 산업기사 | 산업기사 | 40 |
| Craftsman / 기능사 | 기능사 | 20 |
| No qualification | — | 0 |
Qualifications issued by HRD Korea (한국산업인력공단) are automatically recognized. Foreign qualifications may require official recognition proceedings (외국자격 인정심사).
Category 5: Employer Evaluation (Max 40 Points)
The employer evaluation is a formal rating submitted by the Korean employer as part of the E-7-4 application. The employer assesses the worker's job performance, skills, reliability, and contribution to the company.
| Employer Rating | Points |
|---|---|
| Excellent (우수) | 40 |
| Good (양호) | 30 |
| Average (보통) | 20 |
| Below average / not submitted | 0 |
Category 6: Age (Max 20 Points)
Age points favor applicants who are young and can contribute to the Korean workforce for more years. This category is straightforward:
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| Under 25 | 20 |
| 25–29 | 18 |
| 30–34 | 16 |
| 35–39 | 14 |
| 40–44 | 10 |
| 45–49 | 6 |
| 50 and above | 0 |
Category 7: Education (Max 20 Points)
Higher educational qualifications earn more points. Korean degrees and equivalent foreign degrees are accepted. Foreign degrees may require apostille and an official degree equivalency evaluation.
| Education Level | Points |
|---|---|
| Master's degree or higher | 20 |
| Bachelor's degree | 15 |
| Associate degree (전문학사) / 2-year college | 10 |
| High school diploma or below | 5 |
How to Maximize Your Score
Below is a realistic strategy for applicants approaching the 200-point threshold or aiming to qualify comfortably:
Quick Wins (High Points per Effort)
- Improve TOPIK level: Going from TOPIK 4 (70 pts) to TOPIK 5 (90 pts) adds 20 points. TOPIK 6 adds another 10. No other category offers this density of points for a single credential.
- Earn a vocational qualification: Passing the 기능사 exam (entry level, 20 pts) is achievable with several months of study. 산업기사 (40 pts) requires 2+ years of fieldwork or 1 year plus a related degree.
- Request a strong employer evaluation: Talk to your employer well in advance of your application. An "excellent" rating (40 pts) vs. "average" (20 pts) is a 20-point difference requiring zero effort on your part beyond maintaining good performance.
Sample Passing Score (Worker with 4 Years Korean Experience)
| Category | Score Earned |
|---|---|
| TOPIK Level 5 | 90 |
| Work experience: 4 years in Korea | 50 |
| Income: 100% of GNI (~KRW 41M) | 50 |
| Vocational qual: 기능사 | 20 |
| Employer evaluation: Good | 30 |
| Age: 32 years old | 16 |
| Education: High school | 5 |
| Total | 261 / 400 — PASS ✓ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum score to qualify for E-7-4?
The minimum qualifying score is 200 points out of 400. Applicants below 200 are not eligible. The seven scoring categories are Korean language, Korean work experience, income, vocational qualifications, employer evaluation, age, and education.
How many points does TOPIK Level 4 give for E-7-4?
TOPIK Level 4 gives 70 points. Level 5 gives 90 points, and Level 6 (the highest) gives 100 points. TOPIK Level 3 or below earns 0 points in the standard E-7-4 scoring.
Does prior work experience outside Korea count for E-7-4 points?
No. The work experience category only counts work performed inside Korea. Overseas experience does not earn points in this category.
What vocational qualifications count for E-7-4 points?
Korea's national vocational qualification certificates (국가기술자격증) issued by HRD Korea count. Engineer (기사) level gives 60 points; Industrial Engineer (산업기사) gives 40 points; Craftsman (기능사) gives 20 points.
How does the employer evaluation work for E-7-4?
The employer submits a formal rating of the applicant's performance as part of the application. Maximum 40 points for "excellent." This is the most subjective category and a strong letter from a supportive employer significantly helps borderline applicants.
Can I upgrade from E-7-4 to a regular E-7 visa?
Yes. E-7-4 holders who accumulate sufficient qualifications, experience, and language ability may apply to change to E-7-1 (standard professional visa), which allows work in a broader range of occupations.
