Understanding the E-7-1 Visa for Foreign Professionals in Korea

If you’re a foreigner looking to work in a specialized field in South Korea, the E-7-1 visa is essential. However, navigating the visa application process can be quite complex, with strict requirements related to salary, job relevance, and documentation. In this article, we’ll break down the salary requirements, job codes, employment contracts, and how to effectively write your employment justification letter for the E-7-1 visa application.

What is the E-7-1 Visa?

The E-7-1 visa is a work visa designated for foreigners employed in specific professional jobs that are challenging to fill with local talent. This visa is intended for highly skilled workers in fields where South Korean expertise is insufficient.

Key Eligibility Criteria:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree (4 years) and have at least one year of relevant work experience.
• Alternatively, a high school diploma plus at least five years of related work experience.
• Must possess recognized skills and work in a position acknowledged by the Ministry of Justice.

Salary Requirements for the E-7-1 Visa

To qualify for the E-7-1 visa, applicants must earn at least 80% of Korea’s Gross National Income (GNI) per capita. As of 2024, applicants should ensure their salary meets or exceeds this threshold, which is subject to annual review.

• Salary Note: If your salary doesn’t meet the required standard, your application may be rejected. Clearly state your annual salary in your employment contract to avoid this issue.

Job and Industry Requirements: Verify Your Job Code

The E-7-1 visa is only applicable to specific professional occupations defined by the Ministry of Justice. It’s vital that your job is classified under the Korean Standard Classification of Occupations (KSCO) code.

Examples of Eligible Job Classifications:

• IT and Engineering: Software Developer (2222), Mechanical Engineer (2351)
• Management and Finance: Management Consultant (2715), Financial Specialist (272)
• Marketing and Public Relations: Advertising and Public Relations Professional (2733), Research Specialist (2734)
• Arts and Design: Designer (285), Video Production Specialist (2855)
• Language and Education: Translator/Interpreter (2814), Foreign School Teacher (2599)

These are just a few examples; there are many other eligible positions. Check E-7 visa job classifications here.

Degree and Job Relevance

It’s essential to demonstrate a clear connection between your major and the job role. For instance, if you have a degree in Business Administration but aim to work in IT, you’ll need to provide objective proof of relevant experience through certifications, portfolios, or letters of employment.

Key Points for Preparing Your Employment Contract

When applying for the E-7-1 visa, the content of your employment contract needs to align with the job classification, as this is a crucial evaluation criterion.

Must-Have Contract Elements:

• Detailed job description (must match the Ministry of Justice’s specified professions)
• Annual salary and working conditions (must meet the GNI 80% threshold)
• Employment duration (typically over one year)
• Employer’s information and business registration number

Important Considerations:

• The employer must be a legitimate company in Korea with no overdue tax payments or legal violations.
• Companies exceeding the legal limit for foreign employee ratios may struggle to hire additional foreigners.

Writing Your Employment Justification Letter

To obtain the E-7-1 visa, you need to articulate why this foreign worker’s employment is crucial for your organization through an employment justification letter.

Key Content for Your Justification Letter:

1. Justification for the need of the position within the company.
2. Challenges in hiring local candidates.
3. The positive impact of the foreign worker’s skills and experience on the company.
4. How hiring this foreign worker contributes to the company’s growth and development.
5. Operational plans post-hiring and future strategies.

Tip for Writing Your Justification Letter:

Avoid simply stating, “I want to hire this foreign employee.” Use concrete data and examples to improve the likelihood of approval.

Additional Important Considerations

• Background Checks and Criminal Record Submission: A criminal record may complicate or halt your visa approval process.
• Health Check Requirement: Some applicants may need to undergo drug tests based on their country of origin.
• Prohibition of Unauthorized Employment Changes: Any changes in employment must obtain prior permission; unauthorized job changes could result in visa cancellation.

The E-7-1 visa is not just any work visa; it requires specific skills and experience. Adequate preparation, including confirming your job code, meeting salary conditions, and preparing a compelling employment justification letter, is crucial.

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