Contents
1. What is the E-7-4 Visa?
The E-7-4 visa (숙련기능인력) is Korea's skilled technician visa, created to reward foreign workers who have built genuine expertise in Korean industrial sectors. It is primarily designed as an upgrade path for workers currently on E-9 (non-professional employment) or H-2 (overseas Korean working) visas who want to obtain a more stable, long-term status.
Unlike the E-9, which limits family invitation and is tied strictly to labor demand quotas, the E-7-4 gives skilled workers more rights, family reunion options, and a path to permanent residency.
E-7-4 Advantages Over E-9
- Family invitation: Can bring spouse and children to Korea (F-3 visa)
- Job change: More flexibility within eligible industries
- Stay period: Up to 3 years, renewable
- PR path: F-2-7 → F-5 permanent residency
2. Who Can Apply
To apply for E-7-4, you must meet all of these baseline requirements:
- Currently hold E-9 or H-2 visa status in Korea (or have held it recently)
- Have at least 4 years of Korean work experience in an eligible industry
- Score 200 points or higher on the E-7-4 points evaluation system
- Have a job offer from a Korean employer in an eligible industry
- No criminal violations or illegal work history
3. Points System Breakdown
The E-7-4 uses a points-based evaluation. Minimum required: 200 points out of 400. Points are awarded across these categories:
| Category | Max Points | How to Score |
|---|---|---|
| Korean language | 100 | TOPIK Level 1=20pts, Level 2=40pts, Level 3=60pts, Level 4=80pts, Level 5+=100pts |
| Income level | 80 | Points based on monthly wage relative to average wage in the industry; higher income = more points |
| Work experience in Korea | 80 | 4 years=20pts, 5 years=40pts, 6 years=60pts, 7+ years=80pts |
| Vocational qualifications | 60 | Korean NCS/기능사 certificate=30pts, 산업기사 or higher=60pts |
| Employer evaluation | 40 | Employer scores worker's skill, reliability, and work performance; submitted by Korean employer |
| Age | 20 | Under 30=20pts; 30–39=15pts; 40–49=10pts; 50–59=5pts |
| Education | 20 | High school or below=0pts; Associate degree=10pts; Bachelor=20pts |
| Total | 400 | Minimum 200 required |
Points Tip: Korean Language Is the Biggest Lever
Korean language (TOPIK) contributes up to 100 points — 25% of the total. Workers who achieve TOPIK Level 3 (60 pts) or higher gain a significant advantage. Combined with work experience and vocational qualifications, reaching 200 is achievable for most long-term E-9/H-2 workers.
4. Eligible Industries
| Industry | Example Occupations |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing (제조업) | Machine operators, welders, assembly workers, metalworkers |
| Construction (건설업) | Skilled tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, carpenters) |
| Agriculture / Horticulture (농업) | Farm workers, greenhouse operators |
| Fisheries (수산업) | Aquaculture workers, processing workers |
| Food service (음식점업) | Experienced cooks (ethnic restaurant specialists) |
5. Required Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport + current ARC | Valid ARC showing current E-9 or H-2 status |
| Application form (통합신청서) | Standard immigration form |
| Employment certificate + career record | Proving 4+ years of Korean work experience; employer certificates + salary records |
| TOPIK score certificate | Korean language score (higher = more points) |
| Vocational qualification certificates | Korean NCS certificates, 기능사, 산업기사, etc. |
| Employer evaluation form | Completed by your current/hiring Korean employer |
| Employment contract (new employer) | For the E-7-4 position |
| Employer's business registration | Korean business registration certificate of hiring company |
| No-violation record | Proof of no illegal work or criminal violations |
6. Application Process
- Calculate your points — Use the points table above to estimate your score. If under 200, focus on improving Korean language (TOPIK) or obtaining a vocational qualification first.
- Get employer evaluation form — Your employer must complete the official evaluation form. This is submitted as part of the application.
- Gather all documents — Employment certificates, TOPIK certificate, vocational qualifications, and employer documents.
- Submit at immigration office — Apply for Change of Status (E-9/H-2 → E-7-4) at your local immigration office.
- Wait for processing — Typically 2–6 weeks. Applications with borderline scores may take longer.
- Receive E-7-4 ARC — Once approved, your ARC is updated to E-7-4 status.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the E-7-4 visa in Korea?
The E-7-4 visa (숙련기능인력) is Korea's skilled technician visa for foreign workers who have demonstrated excellence in technical/vocational fields. It is points-based: applicants must score a minimum of 200 points out of 400 to qualify. It is designed primarily for workers converting from E-9 or H-2 visas.
Q. Who can apply for the E-7-4 visa?
Workers currently on E-9 or H-2 visas who have at least 4 years of Korean work experience in an eligible industry and score 200+ points on the E-7-4 evaluation. Eligible industries include manufacturing, construction, agriculture, fisheries, and food service.
Q. What is the minimum points score for E-7-4?
Applicants must score at least 200 points out of a maximum 400. Points are awarded for Korean language ability, income level, work experience, vocational qualifications, and employer evaluation.
Q. Can E-7-4 holders bring their families to Korea?
Yes. E-7-4 holders who meet income and housing requirements can invite their spouse and children to Korea on F-3 (dependent) visas, unlike E-9 workers who typically cannot.
Q. Can I get permanent residency from the E-7-4 visa?
Yes. After holding E-7-4 for 3 years and meeting the F-2-7 points requirements, you can apply for F-2-7 long-term residency, and subsequently F-5 permanent residency.
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