“Evaluation of E-9 Visa Foreign Workers’ Eligibility to Apply for F-5 Visa”

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Overview of E-9 Visa and F-5-10 Visa

The E-9 visa is designed for foreign workers wishing to work in South Korea under the Employment Permit System. On the other hand, the F-5-10 visa, which is a type of permanent residency visa, is granted to foreigners who hold a master’s degree from a Korean institution. For E-9 visa holders, the opportunity exists to transition to an F-5-10 visa if they meet specific criteria.

Relationship Between Residency Status Changes

Recently, E-9 visa holders have been granted the opportunity to participate in educational activities in South Korea, which can positively influence their applications for permanent residency. With the passage of new legislation allowing for up to 10 years of stay on the E-9 visa, holders now have better prospects for obtaining permanent residency than before.

Requirements for Permanent Residency Application

To apply for the F-5-10 visa, applicants must meet several requirements. The most fundamental prerequisites include earning a degree in South Korea, maintaining residence for at least three years, and being employed continuously. Generally, the income requirement to qualify for permanent residency is set at one time the Gross National Income (GNI), which translates to approximately 42.5 million KRW in local currency. Meeting these conditions provides a pathway for E-9 visa holders to switch to the F-5 visa.

Eligible Applicants (One of the Following Criteria Must Be Met)

  1. A bachelor’s degree or higher in a high-tech field*, as designated under Article 5 of the Industrial Development Act, including IT, Technology Management, Nanotechnology, Digital Electronics, Bioengineering, Transport and Machinery, New Materials, Environment, and Energy.
  2. A degree in a science and engineering field obtained from a recognized university in Korea (including non-high-tech disciplines).
  3. A master’s degree or higher obtained from a recognized university in Korea (regardless of whether it’s in a science/engineering or non-high-tech field).
  4. A technical certification issued by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea or equivalent qualifications*.

Requirements

  • Applicants must have resided continuously in Korea for three years or more prior to the application date.
  • At the time of application, they must have been employed full-time in a regular position at a domestic company for at least one year.
  • Income must meet or exceed the average national income (GNI) of the previous year.

It’s important to note that the potential for transitioning between the E-9 and F-5-10 visas may evolve based on forthcoming policies and legal decisions. If there are changes in related laws, the connection between E-9 and F-5-10 visa holders is expected to deepen.

View How Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Holders Can Obtain F5 Visa

As the legal landscape and residence system evolve, E-9 visa workers should maximize their chances for permanent residency through their master’s programs. Balancing academic pursuits with work commitments will be a key strategy going forward.