Summary of the Announcement Regarding the Confirmation of the 2024 Operational Plan for E-7-4 (E74 Visa) k-point.

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E-7-4 Visa Selection Quotas and Types Explained

1. Overview of Selection by Visa Type

  • Individual Track with Company Recommendation: If you are currently employed by a company for over a year and receive a recommendation from that employer, you can apply without needing an endorsement from central or local government bodies as long as you meet the required score.
  • Recommended Quota: You must have been with your current employer for at least one year and received a recommendation from either central ministries or local governments:
  • (Central Ministry Recommendation) You can get recommendations from the Ministry of Employment and Labor, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, or the Small and Medium Business Administration.
  • (Local Government Recommendation) Individuals must have worked for a company located in the relevant local government for over a year to receive a recommendation. You must reside in that local government for at least two years post-transition to E-7-4.
  • Note: If you have transitioned through special provisions outside the metropolitan area, the work and residency requirement is three years.

2. E-7-4 Visa Application Schedule and Method

  • Schedule: Applications will be accepted continuously from February 1, 2024, to December 20, 2024, or until quotas are filled.
  • Method: Applications should be submitted online through the HiKorea e-government platform. Visit the HiKorea website here.
  • Application Day System: Applicants are assigned a specific day to apply based on the last digit of their birth year (e.g., those born in 1990 apply on Fridays).

| Day | Birth Year Ending |
|—–|——————-|
| Mon | 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0 |
| Tue | 2, 3, 4 |
| Wed | 5 |
| Thu | 8 |
| Fri | 0 |

  • Exceptions for face-to-face applications can be made in cases where elderly applicants, those from remote areas, or applicants with excess paperwork are judged by the relevant authorities to require in-person submissions.

3. Requirements for Foreign Applicants and Employment Settings

  • Applicant Requirements:

  • Basic Requirements (All must be met):

    1. Must be a registered foreign national who has resided in Korea for over four years under visa categories E-9, E-10, or H-2. Application must be made while currently employed lawfully. If you have been living in non-metropolitan areas for more than three years and received a recommendation from a local government, you qualify as well.
    2. Current employment must offer an annual salary of at least 26 million KRW for a two-year contract under E-7-4.
    3. Have an endorsement from the employer where you have worked for at least one year.
    4. A minimum total score of 200 points is needed out of 300 points in the scoring system, including basic income and Korean language proficiency scores.

  • Bonus and Penalty Points:

  • Bonus Points: Accrued through recommendations, long-term employment in your current job, or working in a declining population area; these can be combined.

  • Penalty Points: A maximum reduction of 50 points can apply for infractions like fines or violations of immigration laws, based on activities within the last ten years.

  • Exclusion Criteria:
    If you meet any of the following conditions, you will be ineligible:

  1. Convicted of a crime with a fine exceeding 1 million KRW.
  2. Have a tax delinquency (but can apply once paid).
  3. Violate immigration laws four or more times.
  4. Experience illegal residence for over three months.
  5. Engaging in actions detrimental to public safety or the welfare of society.

4. Conditions for Employment Companies

  • Basic Criteria: Your employer must be one that currently employs individuals under visa categories E-9, E-10, or H-2.
  • Allowed Quotas: The total number of foreign employees from your company must not exceed 30% of the total national workforce.
  • Exceptions: In specific areas, such as in regions of population decline or for industries in foundational sectors, this can go up to 50%.

5. Administrative Information

  • Approval Information: Only status changes will be permitted, not new visa issuance.
  • Processing Fee: Standard fees for status changes apply.
  • Implementation Date: The new rules will take effect as of November 27, 2024.

6. K-Point E74 Visa Scoring Sheet
(To be provided within the official application process.)

7. Required Documentation
Mandatory Documents: All applicants must submit the following:

  1. Unified application form, copy of your passport, and standard photos.
  2. Personal scoring self-assessment form and detailed personal statement.
  3. Employment contract under E-7-4 and proof of income from the tax office.
  4. Proof of Korean language proficiency, as specified.
  5. Employment confirmation documents from your current employer, including business registration, tax documentation, and employee registration evidence.

Additional Documents: Individuals seeking bonus points must include copies of relevant certifications or degrees. Specific documentation related to various industries may also be required.

For immediate calculation of your E-7-4 points and additional consultation, click here. For Q&A and document downloads, click here.