Changing from E-9 to E-7-4 — Requirements and Documents

Overview

For foreign workers who have worked on E-9 (Non-professional Employment), E-10 (Vessel Crew) or H-2 (Working Visit) status, the route to Skilled Worker (E-7-4) is the K-point E74 change of status. According to the manual, only a change of status is permitted; it is not a new visa issuance.

The basic requirements are residence history, an employment contract (salary and term), a recommendation from the current employer, and a points-based total score. Applications are in principle filed online through HiKorea. This article focuses on the change requirements and document flow rather than the detailed score items.

At a Glance

Scope of Activity

• K-point E74 change of status from E-9, E-10 or H-2 to Skilled Worker (E-7-4)
• Applicant requirements, employer (workplace) requirements, documents and how to apply

Who Qualifies

• Foreign workers who have stayed 4+ years on E-9 within the last 10 years and are working at their current workplace
• Persons who have stayed 3+ years in a non-metropolitan area (outside Seoul, Gyeonggi and Incheon) and received a recommendation from a metropolitan government
• Persons who have worked 1+ year at the current workplace and can obtain an employer recommendation
• Employers who wish to convert E-9 workers to skilled workers

Required Documents

• Integrated application form (Form No. 34) and a copy of the passport (personal data page)
• Self-assessment score sheet and personal statement (manual templates)
• Standard labor contract (E-7-4 contract) and letter of guarantee (Form No. 129; the employer is the guarantor)
• Income certificate issued by the tax office (to verify the last two years' average income) and proof of Korean ability
• Copy of business registration certificate or farm business registration; tax payment certificate and local tax payment certificate
• Four major social insurance workplace subscriber list (construction-contract amount documents for construction)
• Employer recommendation letter and a copy of the recommender's ID
• Only if applicable: copies of domestic certificates, degree or driver's license (bonus points), root-industry confirmation, etc.

Application Process

1. Check eligibility — confirm your current status, career, degree and contract type match the requirements.
2. Prepare documents — foreign public documents need a translator's certification plus an apostille (or consular confirmation for non-member states).
3. Book a visit — reserve a slot at your Immigration Office via HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr), or file online where e-Application is available.
4. File and pay — submit the Integrated Application Form (Form No. 34) and pay the screening fee.
5. Review — respond to any request for supplementary documents within the deadline.
6. Result — on approval, the period of stay and status are granted; reissue your ARC if required.

Key Points

• The contract must state at least two more years of work and annual pay of KRW 26 million or more. Pay is the total amount including base salary and allowances, not ordinary wages (relaxed to KRW 25.89 million for agriculture, livestock, fishing and coastal vessel workers).
• If all requirements other than Korean are met, the Korean requirement is temporarily deferred until the first extension (2 years), on condition that Korean ability is supplemented (until 31 Dec 2026). If not met within 2 years, family invitation is not allowed and only 6 months of stay is granted; if still unmet within 6 months, further extension is denied.
• If the guarantee period in the letter of guarantee is shorter than two years, a two-year period of stay cannot be granted. One grant is up to 2 years (within the employment contract).
• Fines of KRW 3 million or more, tax arrears (may apply after full payment), 4 or more Immigration Act violations, and illegal stay of 3 months or more are grounds for exclusion. Submitting false documents may lead to visa restrictions and criminal punishment.
• Requirements and score items may change in operation, so check the HiKorea notices and your local Immigration Office before applying.
• Documents issued in Korea must normally be dated within 3 months unless another validity period applies.
• Documents already on file in your alien registration record need not be resubmitted.
• Health certificates, drug test results and pre-employment medical reports must be submitted sealed by the issuing hospital (do not open).
• You must be in Korea when applying; leaving the country after filing may result in refusal.
• Screening fees are non-refundable once the application is accepted.
• The head of the Immigration Office may add or waive documents where necessary for review.

Frequently Asked Questions

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