South Korea Simplifies Skilled Worker Visa Process and Expands Long-Term Residence Pathways

• The Republic of Korea will simplify Skilled Worker (E-7-4) visa procedures, reduce document requirements, launch a new online employment visa guidance tool and expand incentives for long-term foreign workers seeking settlement. 

South Korea Announces Improvements to Skilled Worker (E-7-4) Program 

The Ministry of Justice has announced reforms to its Skilled Worker (E-7-4) program, which allows eligible foreign workers already employed in South Korea to transition from temporary employment status to a long-term residence pathway.  

The government stated that the changes are intended to support foreign workers already contributing to South Korea’s workforce and local communities, rather than to increase overall immigration levels. 

New Online Employment Visa Guidance Tool 

The government plans to pilot a new online Employment Visa Guide through the Hi Korea portal. 

The tool will enable employers and foreign nationals to: 

• Search eligible E-7 occupations by job title, keyword or classification. 
• Review occupation-specific qualification requirements, salary thresholds, employment quotas, and required documents. 
• Complete self-assessments based on education, work experience, salary and employer information to determine potential visa eligibility. 
• Calculate points for the Skilled Worker (E-7-4) points-based system. 
• Generate occupation- and application-specific document checklists. 
• Access frequently asked questions and explanatory guidance. 

The platform will be accessible through a web browser without requiring additional software installation or membership registration. 

Reduced Documentation for Extension Applications 

To reduce administrative burdens, the government will significantly streamline extension-of-stay applications. 

Under the new process:

• The number of supporting documents required for extension applications will be reduced from more than 12 to 7 or fewer. 
• The changes are intended to improve accessibility and reduce processing complexity for employers and foreign workers. 

Expanded Incentives for Long-Term Employment 

The reforms introduce additional benefits for foreign nationals who remain employed with the same company over an extended period. 

Key measures include: 

• Expanded bonus points for workers seeking conversion to E-7-4 Skilled Worker status based on length of service with the same employer. 
• Incentives designed to encourage long-term employment and workforce stability. 
• Potential relaxation of residence-period requirements for future transition to F-2 Residence status. 

Clearer Pathway from Temporary Worker to Permanent Residence 

The government also plans to formalize a clearer long-term immigration pathway for foreign workers through future regulatory guidance. 

The pathway will outline progression from: 

• Non-Professional Employment (E-9) or Seafarer Employment (E-10) 
• To Skilled Worker (E-7-4) 
• To Residence (F-2) 
• To Permanent Residence (F-5) 
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