[Quick Summary] The South Korean Ministry of Justice has officially announced the 2026 Selection Plan for Skilled Worker (K-point E74) Visa. This program allows diligent foreign workers (E-9, E-10, H-2) to transition into a long-term residency status based on a comprehensive scoring system. With a total quota of 35,000, now is the best time to check your eligibility.
1. Basic Eligibility: Can You Apply?
To apply for the K-point E74 visa in 2026, you must meet all of the following core requirements:
- Current Status: You must be legally staying in Korea with an E-9 (Non-professional), E-10 (Maritime Crew), or H-2 (Working Visit) visa.
- Work Experience: You must have worked in Korea for at least 4 years within the last 10 years.
- Current Employment: You must be currently working at your workplace with a standard employment contract (valid for at least 1 year).
- Income Requirement: Your annual income for the past 2 years must be at least 26 million KRW on average.
2. The K-point Scoring System (Core Factors)
The most critical part of the 2026 plan is the Scoring System. You need at least 200 points in total (or 170 points with a recommendation) to pass.
| Factor | Maximum Points | Key Details |
| Annual Income | 120 points | Based on the average of the last 2 years. |
| Korean Proficiency | 120 points | TOPIK level or KIIP (Social Integration Program) stage. |
| Age | 60 points | Younger applicants (under 34) receive higher points. |
| Experience | 50 points | Total years of continuous work at the current company. |
| Recommendations | 30 points | Recommendations from the Ministry or Local Government. |
- Total Points Required: 300 points is the maximum, and usually, applicants with 200+ points are prioritized.
3. Step-by-Step: How to Apply via HiKorea
The 2026 application is processed 100% online through the HiKorea portal. Follow these steps as outlined in the official manual:
- Preparation: Scan all required documents (Income certificate, KIIP certificate, Recommendation letters) into PDF or JPG format.
- Login: Go to HiKorea and log in with your account.
- Application: Select “e-Application” > “Change of Status for Skilled Workers (K-point E74)”.
- Upload Documents: Carefully upload each document into its designated section. Do not skip the employer’s recommendation letter!
- Fee Payment: Pay the application fee (approx. 100,000 KRW) online.
4. Important Disqualification Criteria
Even if you have 300 points, your application will be rejected if you fall under these categories:
- Tax Delinquency: You must have no unpaid taxes (Local or National).
- Criminal Record: Convictions for certain crimes or frequent fines (over 1 million KRW) will lead to disqualification.
- Illegal Stay History: If you have a history of illegal stay exceeding 3 months, you cannot apply.
🔗 Download Official Resources
To help you prepare, we have provided the official documents from the Ministry of Justice:
- 2026 K-point E74 Selection Plan (Official Korean Version)
- HiKorea Online Application Manual (Official Step-by-step Guide)
[Download PDF Guide]
💡 Pro-Tips for Success
- Get the Recommendation: A recommendation from the head of your local government or the relevant Ministry (e.g., MOTIE for manufacturing) adds 30 crucial points.
- Verify Your Income: Use the Income Amount Certificate (Sodeuk-geumaek-jeungmyeong-won) from the National Tax Service to avoid calculation errors.