E7 Visa and Residence Status Change Guide
The first hurdle that domestic companies face when they want to recruit excellent foreign talent is E7 Visa (Specific Activities) Residence StatusHowever, as the screening criteria of major jurisdictions, including the Seoul Immigration Office, have become increasingly precise, it has become difficult to guarantee approval without thorough preparation.
Proposed by Seum Administrative Law Firm Key Points for E-7 Visa SuccessWe will organize it for you.
1. The Essence of the E-7 Visa: Proof of “Irreplaceability”
The E-7 visa is more than just a simple work permit. The core of this system is to select "foreigners with expertise that cannot be replaced by domestic workers.".
The examiner always asks, "Why must this foreign national be hired?" Companies must logically justify the need for a foreign national to fill the position. Failure to do so effectively makes visa issuance impossible.
2. Reasons for rejection that frequently occur in practice
Many companies face unexpected challenges during the documentation preparation process. Some of the most common checklists include:.
- Job Mapping: The foreigner's degree, qualifications, and previous experience must have a 'direct link' to the job they will be doing at the company.
- Objectivity in career verification: The required length of work experience varies depending on the degree level, and this must be fully proven with official documents (career certificate, apostille, etc.) rather than just a resume.
- Protection of Domestic Employment: To prevent indiscriminate hiring of foreigners, we strictly monitor requirements such as a company's sales volume, tax payment record, and number of domestic employees currently employed.
3. Select E-7 detailed type according to occupation
The E-7 visa isn't a single category; it's divided into five major categories based on the nature of the job. The chances of approval vary significantly depending on which category you approach at the initial stage.
| division | Main target | characteristic |
| E-7-1 | Managers and experts | General professional personnel (85 occupations) |
| E-7-2 | semi-professional personnel | Office, service, etc. |
| E-7-3 | General functional personnel | Skilled workers in manufacturing, shipbuilding, etc. |
| E-7-4 | Skilled Skill Point System | Conversion to a points system for long-term foreign residents |
| E-7-T/Y | Special cases and promising growth | Preference given to new industries and talented individuals |
4. The Importance of Schedule Management According to Progress Method
Visa application procedures are divided depending on the foreigner's current residence location.
- Overseas Residents (Visa Issuance Confirmation Certificate): This is a method where the employer first obtains permission in the country and then obtains a visa from the local consulate to enter the country.
- Domestic residents (change of residence status): This is the process for changing occupations while staying in Korea on another visa. Recently, there has been a significant waiting list for reservations in the metropolitan area., Design your timeline at least 2-3 months in advanceIt is essential to do so.
5. The crucial document that determines approval: the 'Employment Reason Letter'‘
Simply submitting a contract and academic transcripts isn't enough. The most crucial documents are the "Employment Statement" and "Foreigner Utilization Plan" prepared by the company.
This includes the company's business model, the role of the foreigner, the expected economic impact of hiring them, and the process by which they had to inevitably hire foreigners despite efforts to hire domestic workers. One complete storyIt must be contained in a logical gap, which will soon lead to a request for supplementation or refusal.
Professional consulting from Seum Administrative Law Firm
The E-7 visa goes beyond the simple administrative process of submitting documents., The process of carefully designing a company's human resources strategy and job structureno see.
Seum Administrative Law Firm possesses a wealth of practical experience, having successfully handled cases across a wide range of industries, from large corporations to startups. Beyond simply providing documentation, we design a "customized logic structure" that maximizes the likelihood of approval.
If you're struggling with interpreting legal standards or preparing documents during the hiring process for foreign talent, Seum's practical expertise will provide clear answers.
Written by Sangyoon Kim, Administrative Lawyer (Seum Administrative Law Firm)
