Overview of Foreign Caregiver Qualifications and E-7 Visa Changes
Recent policy shifts from the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health and Welfare have opened the door for international students who graduate from Korean universities to obtain caregiver qualifications through the specific activity (E-7) visa. This change allows them to work legally in domestic caregiving institutions. This initiative aims to address the pressing workforce shortage in light of Korea’s fast-approaching super-aged society.
Eligible Foreigners for Caregiver Training
According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s “2025 Caregiver Training Guidelines” (page 8), foreigners with the following visa statuses are eligible for caregiver training courses:
| Visa Status | Notes |
|—————–|———————————-|
| Residence (F-2) | Previously eligible |
| Overseas Korean (F-4) | Previously eligible |
| Marriage Immigrant (F-6) | Previously eligible |
| Permanent Resident (F-5) | Previously eligible |
| Employment Visit (H-2) | Previously eligible |
| Student (D-2) | Previously eligible |
| Job Seeker (D-10) | Only for domestic graduates (degree proof required) |
This means that foreigners holding D-2 (Student) or D-10 (Job Seeker) visas can also obtain caregiver qualifications if they meet certain conditions.
Introduction of the Caregiver Position under the E-7 Visa
As announced in a press release by the Ministry of Justice in July 2024, the “caregiver” position has been added to the list of occupations under the specific activity (E-7) visa. This allows for long-term residency and employment opportunities in this sector. Detailed information on this change can be found in the Ministry of Justice’s press release (“The Ministry of Justice Issues First Caregiver Visa for Foreigners,” July 2024) and the “Visa Issuance Guidelines” (page 222) accessible on the Ministry’s official website.
Requirements for Changing to an E-7 Visa as a Caregiver
To apply for a change to an E-7 visa as a caregiver, applicants must meet all the following requirements:
- Employment Ratio: Must be within 20% of the national employment data.
- Income Requirement: Must earn at least the minimum wage for the current year.
- Qualification Requirements: Must fulfill all of the three criteria below:
- Education: Hold an associate degree or higher from a domestic university.
- Certification: Possess a valid caregiver certification.
- Korean Language Proficiency: Either complete the Korean Integration Program (KIIP) level 3 or higher, score 61 or higher on the preliminary evaluation, or achieve level 3 or higher on the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK).
Supporting Documents Needed:
Documents required for submission include a degree certificate, caregiver certification, and proof of Korean language proficiency.
Employment Organization Criteria:
Employment must be in a long-term care facility as defined by the “Elderly Welfare Act,” and you must submit a designation certificate issued by the local city, county, or district for facilities that start with facility code 1.
Significance of the New Policy
This initiative is not just about expanding employment opportunities for foreigners; it is strategically designed to alleviate the caregiver shortage that comes with an aging population, while also assisting international students in their integration into Korean society. For international graduates with adequate Korean language skills, a new path has opened up to make meaningful contributions as caregivers.
For more detailed guidance regarding this system, please visit the official website of the Ministry of Justice’s Immigration Policy Division.
Please note that this information is accurate as of the time of writing and is subject to change based on governmental policies. This content serves an informative purpose and does not provide legal interpretations or assessments. For additional inquiries, you can reach out through our 1:1 consultation forum.