E-7 Series Part 5: How to Apply for the E-7 Visa in Korea: Step-by-Step Guide

You’ve confirmed your eligibility, your salary clears the threshold, and your documents are ready. Now comes the actual application. The E-7 process has more moving parts than most visas — there are two main filing routes, and the available channel and review time depend on the applicant, occupation and office.

This guide walks you through every step, clearly and in order, so you know exactly what’s happening at each stage.

Two Routes: Applying In Korea vs. From Abroad

Before going through the steps, understand which route applies to you — the process differs depending on whether you’re already in Korea or applying from outside.

Step-by-Step: Applying from Inside Korea

This route may be available to eligible registered foreign residents, including qualifying D-2, D-4 and D-10 holders. Eligibility to change status in Korea depends on the applicant’s current status and the E-7 occupation; short-term B/C, D-3, E-8, E-9, E-10 and G-1 statuses are generally restricted under the current E-7 guidance.

1. 1

   Secure a job offer in a qualifying E-7 occupation

   Your qualifications and the offered duties must meet the rules for the selected E-7 occupation. Use the current E-7 series hub and occupation guide rather than relying on a copied occupation count, and confirm the code with the employer before filing.

2. 2

   Sign the employment contract

   The contract must clearly state your annual salary in KRW (meeting the E-7 minimum for your subcategory), your job title, duties, and employment period. Both you and an authorized representative of the company must sign. Review salary requirements in Part 3 →

3. 3

   Confirm the correct E-7 occupation code

   Your employer must select the E-7 occupation code that accurately reflects the actual duties and satisfies that occupation’s requirements. Do not choose a code only because its title sounds similar. Check the maintained E-7 occupation guide and the occupation-specific rules before filing. See rejection reasons in Part 10 →

4. 4

   Prepare all documents (both sides)

   Gather the applicant and employer documents required for the selected occupation and filing route. Foreign-language documents need a Korean or English translation, while consular legalization or an apostille applies to the major core documents requested under the current guidance—not automatically to every foreign-issued paper. Full documents checklist in Part 4 →

5. 5

   Find and visit your local immigration office

   Check the current HiKorea service page for the exact E-7 petition to see whether it is filed by e-Application or at the immigration office with jurisdiction over your residence. If an office visit is required, reserve it in advance where applicable. The available channel can differ by petition and case.

6. 6

   Submit documents and pay the application fee

   Submit the complete document set through the confirmed channel and pay the fee currently displayed for that exact HiKorea service or required by the competent office. Fees can differ by petition and channel, so this article does not duplicate a fixed amount. Keep the receipt or electronic application number.

7. 7

   Wait for the individual review

   There is no single official processing-time promise for every E-7 case. Timing varies with the occupation, office, filing route and supplementary-document requests. Follow the date and instructions on your receipt, and confirm with 1345 or the competent office before your current stay expires or before leaving Korea.

8. 8

   Collect your updated Alien Registration Card

   Follow the approval notice for the effective date, residence-card update and collection method. Bring the documents listed in that notice; card-production timing is separate from the substantive E-7 decision.

Step-by-Step: Applying from Outside Korea

1. 1

   Employer applies for Certificate of Visa Issuance (사증발급인정서)

   Your Korean employer submits the full document package — both their documents and yours — to the Korean immigration office in the region where the company is located. The employer does this on your behalf. You do not need to be present in Korea for this step.

2. 2

   Immigration reviews the certificate application

   Review time varies by occupation, office and whether supplementary documents are requested. If approved, immigration issues a Certificate of Visa Issuance reference number for the employer to share with the applicant.

3. 3

   Visit the Korean embassy or consulate in your country

   Bring the certificate reference number, passport and any additional documents required by the Korean embassy or consulate handling the application. Check that mission’s current fee and processing guidance directly; both can vary by nationality, location and visa arrangement.

4. 4

   Enter Korea and register within 90 days

   After entry, complete foreign-resident registration within the applicable period and follow the approval conditions for the authorized start of E-7 activity. Do not equate the filing date with work authorization; confirm the effective status and permitted activity before starting work.

How to Check Your Application Status

After submission, you can check the status of your E-7 application online:

What If the Officer Requests Additional Documents?

During the review period, the immigration officer may contact you (or your employer) requesting supplementary documents. This is not a rejection — it’s a normal part of the process for applications where certain details need clarification.

Common supplementary requests include:

• Additional proof that your degree field relates to your job role
• More detailed work experience documentation
• A more specific 고용사유서 from the employer
• Proof of the company’s business activities in the relevant industry

Can I Start Working Before the E-7 Is Approved?

HiKorea Online vs. In-Person Application

HiKorea’s available e-Application services and office-visit requirements can change and may differ by E-7 petition. Check the exact live service page first. If the service is not available online for your case, use the competent office and reservation method shown by HiKorea or confirmed through 1345.

Key Takeaways

• There are two routes: status change in Korea, or Certificate of Visa Issuance from abroad — know which applies to you before starting
• Processing time is case-specific; use the receipt and competent-office guidance rather than a generic week estimate
• File before the applicable stay deadline and confirm pending-case treatment before expiry or international travel
• Filing does not itself authorize the proposed E-7 work; start only when the approved status and activity are effective
• A supplementary document request during review is normal — respond promptly and accurately
• Keep your application receipt number safe — you’ll need it to check status

👉 Continue to Part 6: Processing Time & Fees →