E-7-4 Visa Selection Criteria and Quotas: An Overview

1. Types of E-7-4 Visa Applicants and Quota Explanation

Personal Track Through Company Recommendation:
Individuals who have received a recommendation from their employer after working at the same company for over a year can apply without needing recommendations from central government bodies or local municipalities, provided they meet the transition requirements score.

Recommended Quotas:
Eligible candidates must have received a recommendation from their employer, with those needing endorsements from central government ministries or metropolitan local governments also qualifying.

• (Central Government Recommendations): Endorsements can be provided by the Ministry of Employment, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, or the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.
• (Metropolitan Local Government Recommendations): This applies to individuals who have been employed at a company located in the respective metropolitan area for over a year and have received a recommendation from that local government. (Note: Once transitioned to E-7-4, they must maintain residency in the relevant local government for at least two years.)
• However, individuals who have transitioned under special provisions for non-metropolitan areas are only required to work for three years, regardless of the initial four-year residency requirement.

(Flexible Assignment Quotas):
A separate quota designed for flexible assignment to address sectors needing additional allocations in the future is also in place.

2. Application Schedule and Procedure for the E-7-4 Visa

(Schedule): Applications are accepted continuously from February 1, 2024, to December 20, 2024, until the quotas are filled.

(Procedure): Applications must be submitted online primarily through the Hi Korea electronic civil services portal. Visit the Hi Korea website here.

• (Application Rotation): The day of application is designated based on the last digit of the applicant’s birth year (e.g., if born in 1990, apply on a Friday; for 1993, Wednesday; for 1987, Tuesday, etc.).

| Applicable Days | Last Digit of Birth Year |
|—————-|————————–|
| Monday | 1, 6 |
| Tuesday | 2, 7 |
| Wednesday | 3, 8 |
| Thursday | 4, 9 |
| Friday | 5, 0 |

Exceptions for face-to-face application may be granted only in cases deemed necessary by the authorities for elderly applicants, those in remote areas, or those burdened with excessive documentation.

3. Eligibility Requirements for Foreign Applicants and Employers

Applicant Requirements

Basic Requirements (Mandatory): All criteria must be met (① to ④):

1. Current registered foreign workers must have held E-9, E-10, or H-2 status for more than four years in the last ten years and be actively employed at their current workplace.
2. The applicant must have a salary of at least 26 million KRW at their current workplace with at least two years of future E-7-4 employment contract guaranteed. If the status transition to E-7-4 is successful, they must remain employed for a minimum of two years with the same salary threshold. Those in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, or domestic shipping can apply with a salary of 25 million KRW.
3. The applicant must have received a recommendation from the company where they have been employed for over a year. (See Employment Company Recommendation System below.)
4. A total score of at least 200 points, including bonuses, out of a maximum of 300 points based on the points system. Average income and Korean language proficiency must meet minimum scores (50 points each).

Additional bonuses are awarded based on specific criteria, including employment history, recommendations, and educational qualifications.

Employment Company (Business) Requirements

Basic Conditions: The employer must currently employ at least one registered foreign worker under E-9, E-10, or H-2 status, in compliance with the skilled worker points system.

Permissible Employment Ratios: Employers can hire foreign employees within 30% of their total national workforce. Exceptions apply in declining population areas and root industries, allowing up to 50%. Businesses with tax delinquencies are not eligible to sponsor applications.

4. Other Administrative Information

Approval Details: Only status changes are permitted (no new visa issuance).

• (Approval Duration): The maximum duration for each approval is two years, within the employment contract limits.
• Fees: Standard visa conversion fees apply.
• Implementation Date: November 27, 2024.

Business and applicants who submitted applications prior to the implementation date (September 25, 2023) will follow the revised residency management guidelines.

5. K-Point E74 Visa Scoring Table

Required Documents: All applicants must submit the following:

1. Integrated application form, passport copy, and standardized photo.
2. Self-assessment score sheet.
3. Personal data form.
4. Employment contract for the E-7-4 visa.
5. Tax office-issued income statement for the last two years.
6. Proof of Korean language proficiency.
7. A guarantee letter from the employer.
8. Current workplace registration documents.
9. Tax payment certificates.
10. Proof of enrollment in the four major insurance schemes.
11. Recommendation letter from the employer.

Additional documents may be required based on individual circumstances.

For instant E-7-4 (E74 visa) scoring calculation and to apply for further consultation, click here and for Q&A along with document downloads, click here.