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1. Is it Possible to Switch from an E-9 Visa to an E-7-4 Visa?
Many foreign workers currently employed at industrial complexes in Gyeonggi Province, who have been working for three years, are curious about the possibility of transitioning from an E-9 visa to an E-7-4 visa. Upon reviewing the Ministry of Justice’s guidelines, it appears that making this switch is quite challenging if you are employed in the Greater Seoul area. So, what options do you have?
2. Requirements for Changing to an E-7-4 Visa
The E-7-4 visa allows skilled foreign workers to stay in South Korea on a long-term basis. To qualify for a change in visa status, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
- Have resided in South Korea on an E-9 visa for at least four years in the last ten years
- Obtain a recommendation letter from a company where you have been employed for over one year
- Meet the required skill points according to the point-based assessment system
Additionally, applicants must have no record of criminal activities during their stay, and it’s important to consider the industry-specific limits on employment quotas. The required documentation may vary based on your profession and experience, and certain sectors may receive priority processing. However, there’s a crucial requirement to note:
- Those working in the Greater Seoul area (Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi) face severe restrictions when attempting to switch to an E-7-4 visa.
3. Are E-7-4 Visa Changes Impossible for Workers in the Greater Seoul Area?
If you’re currently working in the Greater Seoul area, transitioning to an E-7-4 visa is quite difficult. This is part of a policy aimed at preventing an over-concentration of non-professional workers (E-9 visa holders) in metropolitan regions. The Immigration and Foreign Affairs Office has put limitations on applications from workers in this area, requiring E-9 visa holders to move out of the province and wait a specific period before they can apply again.
4. Possible Alternatives
- Extend your E-9 visa (up to a maximum of 4 years and 10 months)
- Change jobs outside the Greater Seoul area and then apply for an E-7-4 visa
- Consider applying for an F-2-6 long-term residency visa or an F-6 marriage immigrant visa
- Acquiring citizenship as a long-term option
The E-9 visa typically allows for a basic three-year stay, which can be extended by an additional one year and ten months, giving you some breathing room to weigh your options. Additionally, if you meet certain income and Korean language proficiency requirements, you might be eligible for an F-2-6 long-term residency visa, which could later facilitate a transition to an E-7-4 visa.
You can apply for an F-6 marriage immigrant visa if you have a Korean spouse, providing a stable path to legal residency. If you’re looking to settle in Korea for the long haul, considering naturalization can also be a viable option, albeit with its own set of requirements.
5. Conclusion: What Are the Options for Workers in the Greater Seoul Area?
At present, switching to an E-7-4 visa while working in the Greater Seoul area is not an option. The only feasible solution is to relocate to a region outside the metropolitan area and reapply. In addition, you might consider extending your E-9 visa, applying for a long-term residency visa, or exploring the marriage immigrant visa route.
If you would like a more in-depth consultation about each of these options, feel free to reach out through our 1:1 Consultation Board.
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