Inviting Family Members on an E7-4 Visa: A Comprehensive Guide
Foreign workers holding an E7-4 visa in South Korea have the opportunity to invite their spouses and children to join them. However, navigating the application process can be complicated, particularly with strict income requirements now in place. In this article, we’ll explain the steps necessary for E7-4 visa holders to invite their spouses on an F3 visa, along with recent changes to income requirements.
Understanding the E7-4 Visa
The E7-4 visa is issued to skilled foreign workers who meet specific qualification criteria. Holders of this visa typically engage in professions that require technical expertise and specialization, and their visas are allocated based on a point system.
The Process for Inviting an F3 Visa Holder
If an E7-4 visa holder wishes to invite their spouse under an F3 visa, it’s important to note that the application must be submitted through the South Korean embassy in their home country rather than from within Korea. Required documents include an invitation letter, proof of bank balance, and income verification.
-
Invitation Letter: This letter should either be written by the E7-4 visa holder themselves or composed by their employer, depending on specific circumstances.
-
Proof of Bank Balance: In the past, applicants were required to show a bank balance of around 20 million KRW (approximately $17,000). However, recent adjustments have softened this requirement, often allowing for a balance as low as 4 to 5 million KRW (around $3,400 to $4,200) without issues.
New Income Requirements Effective January 2024
One of the most significant changes coming into effect on January 1, 2024, is that the income requirements previously set for F6 visa holders will now apply to those inviting family members on an F3 visa. This means there will be a minimum income standard that must be met, or the visa application could be denied.
E7-4 visa holders looking to invite their spouses and children will need to verify their income. The required income varies depending on the number of family members being invited, so it’s essential to assess the family size and meet the corresponding income standards.
Example Income Requirements:
- For a household of 2 (you + spouse): Minimum income of 22,095,654 KRW
- For a household of 3 (you + spouse + 1 child): Minimum income of 28,287,942 KRW
- For a household of 4 (you + spouse + 2 children): Minimum income of 34,379,478 KRW
Failure to meet these income requirements could lead to a rejection of the visa application.
Importance of Income Verification: Real-life Examples
A recent case highlighted how critical income documentation can be. An E7-4 visa holder attempted to invite their spouse and two children but faced rejection due to insufficient income verification. The reason cited was the failure to meet income requirements, which underscores the importance of having the necessary income documentation prepared.
When preparing the application, it’s vital to focus on the income statement for the previous year. If the applicant does not meet the income threshold, they should obtain the income statement for 2023 and reapply, allowing for the family invitation process to proceed.
Conclusion: Prepare Your Income Documents and Family Invitation Process
For E7-4 visa holders planning to invite their spouses and children on F3 visas, it is crucial to prepare the correct income verification documents and ascertain compliance with family-dependent income requirements. Failure to do so can result in application denial. To be most effective, ensure that the income statement issued after May 1, 2024, is utilized during the preparation of your application.
This information is based on current policies, and please note that government regulations can change over time. Additionally, this article is for informational purposes only and does not serve as legal advice. For additional inquiries, feel free to visit our 1:1 Consultation Page.