Can F-3 (Dependent) Visa Holders Work in Korea? - Latest 2026 Guide

Hello, this is Jobploy, a recruitment platform for foreigners! Jobflowy is a recruitment platform that connects foreigners who want to work in Korea with companies seeking global talent. Are you feeling overwhelmed by the complex visa system and unsure where to start? Don't worry—Jobflowy will highlight the essentials and explain them easily. Today's topic is employment for F-1 (Visiting/Resident) visa holders. Since the F-1 visa is intended for family visits or cohabitation, employment is not permitted in principle; however, there are various legal avenues for working if conditions are met. Let's look at them one by one! F-1 Visa, A Quick Look The F-1 (Visiting Family) visa is issued to foreign nationals staying in Korea for purposes such as visiting relatives, living with family, providing support, or settling household affairs. The maximum period of stay is two years, and if there are individual guidelines regarding the management of stay for the Visiting Family (F-1) status, those guidelines shall be followed. 1. Exemption from permission for activities outside the scope of residence status — Items permitted without separate permission To the extent that it does not infringe upon the original purpose of stay, receiving education at regular educational institutions (elementary, middle, high schools, and universities) is permitted without a separate permission procedure. (Effective June 15, 2009) In other words, attending school is possible immediately without separate permission. 2. Permission for employment activities of ethnic Koreans from China, etc. Among ethnic Koreans from China holding an F-1 visa, those who meet certain requirements, such as having employment qualifications, are permitted to engage in activities other than those of a professor (E-1) or specific activity (E-7) visa. Submission Documents: Application form (Attachment No. 34), passport and alien registration card, fee Employment recommendation letter from the head of the competent ministry or documents proving the necessity of employment Employment contract Business registration certificate Degree or Certificate 3. Special Activity Permit for F-1 and F-3 Status Holders Holders of Visiting/Resident (F-1) and Accompanying (F-3) visas may be permitted to engage in activities under the following statuses. Foreign Language Conversation Instructor (E-2) Foreign Teacher (E-7) In this case, additional documents such as a degree certificate matching the qualifications, a criminal record certificate, and a pre-employment medical examination report are required. 4. Employment at government agencies or public organizations (Foreign language proofreader E-7) Holders of F-1 and F-3 visas can be employed as foreign language proofreaders (E-7) at national agencies and public organizations (local governments, government-invested institutions). Submission Documents: Application form (Attachment No. 34), passport and alien registration card, fee Employment contract Copy of business registration certificate Letter of Recommendation (Head of the relevant institution) Degree Certificate (Original and Copy) 5. Spouse and minor children of outstanding talents under the points system (F-1-12) This applies to cases where individuals have obtained F-1-12 status as the spouse or minor child of a point-based excellent talent (F-2-7) holder. Principle: Employment and profit-making activities are prohibited. Exception: However, if deemed necessary by a foreign government agency , employment is permitted with permission for activities outside the scope of the status of residence if the employment requirements for professional or semi-professional occupations (E-1 to E-7, excluding E-6-2 for hotel and entertainment workers and E-7-4 for skilled workers) are met. Submission of documents required by the relevant status of residence is required 6. Accompanying parents of top talent, investors, and international students Accompanying parents of top talents, investors, and international students are also eligible for employment if they meet certain conditions. Submission Documents: Application form (Attachment No. 7), passport, alien registration card, fee Family relationship verification documents Proof of place of residence (lease agreement, confirmation of accommodation provision, notices/mails up to the expiration date of the period of stay, receipts for payment of fees, monthly receipts if possible, etc.) Key Summary — Cases where employment is possible with an F-1 visa division Target Possible employment range Work permit for ethnic Koreans from China Chinese nationals holding F-1 visas Activities outside of E-1~E-7 qualifications Foreign language instructors/teachers F-1, F-3 holders Foreign Language Conversation Instructor (E-2), Foreign Workforce Teacher (E-7) Public institution proofreader F-1, F-3 holders Foreign Language Proofreader (E-7) Point-based excellent talent family F-1-12 holder E-1~E-7 (with some exceptions) Permission for activities outside the scope of status Top Talent & Investor Accompanying Parents F-1 holder When certain conditions are met Course attendance All F-1 holders Study at a regular educational institution (exemption from permission) Jobploy is here to help with complex visa administration. Honestly, as you read this far, many of you have probably thought, "Why is this so complicated?" Even for a single F-1 visa, there are so many specific eligibility categories—F-1-5, F-1-12, F-1-13, F-1-16, F-1-52, F-1-D, and so on—each requiring different requirements and documents. It is truly no easy task to understand this complex information in a foreign language and apply in person, when even native Korean speakers find it overwhelming. So, there is Jobploy. Jobflowy automatically matches you with the scope of employment opportunities suitable for your visa type and organizes complex visa information into an easy-to-understand format. Don't worry alone anymore about "Can I do this job with my visa?" We plan to consistently provide employment guides by visa type, the latest information on residency, and practical tips for foreign workers, so please bookmark the Jobflowy blog! Jobploy supports your new beginning in Korea. 💡 To Company Representatives: F-1 visa holders can be legally hired under certain conditions. If you are wondering about hiring availability by visa type, please use the auto-matching feature on Jobploy.

Hello! This is JOBPLOY, a recruitment platform for foreigners. To all international students dreaming of a new beginning in Korea, a special gift prepared by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to make your life in Seoul more enjoyable and enriching! is recruiting new participants. This program is designed to help international students currently enrolled in or who have graduated from universities or colleges in Seoul adapt to life in Korea, and it is operated with a diverse range of programs and a well-structured program. This recruitment is conducted in two tracks based on eligibility: 'Cohort 3 (Adaptation Class)' and 'Freshman Class (Buddy Program).' Check which program fits you best and apply right now! [Recruitment 1] 30-Day Seoul Tour, 3rd Session (Adaptation Class) This is an intensive care program for international students who dream of stable settlement and employment in Korea after graduation. Eligibility : International students currently enrolled in universities (including junior colleges and graduate schools) located in Seoul International students residing in Seoul within 2 years of graduating from a university in Seoul (legal residents) Operation Period: May – June 2026 (approximately 2 months) Key Benefits: Enhancement of Employment Competencies: Training in resume writing, business etiquette, and the use of practical tools Providing cultural experiences and networking opportunities Recognition of 4 hours of Ministry of Justice Social Integration Program completion and issuance of certificate 👉🏻 Apply for the 30-Day Seoul Tour, 3rd Session [Recruitment 2] 30-Day Tour of Seoul (Freshman Class Buddy Program) This is an intensive exchange program where new international students who have recently arrived integrate into life in Seoul together with Korean university student 'buddies'. Eligibility: International Students: Currently enrolled students at universities in Seoul who have been in Korea for less than one year Domestic University Student: A Korean student (Buddy) currently enrolled in a university in Seoul Operation Period: May – November 2026 (approximately 7 months) Main points: Team Matching with a Korean Buddy (2 Koreans : 5~7 Foreigners) Performing step-by-step missions in areas such as daily life (public transportation, markets), culture (walking trails, trendy spots), and self-reliance (libraries, employment and startup facilities). Upon completion, a certificate of completion issued in the name of the Mayor and volunteer hours for domestic buddies are recognized. 👉🏻 Apply for the 30-Day Seoul Tour Beginner Class Common Recruitment Information and Application Methods Application Period: April 1, 2026 (Wed) – April 14, 2026 (Tue) (14 days) Selection Process: Submission of Application → Submission of 1-Minute Self-Introduction Video (Selected Candidates Only) → Final Selection How to Apply: Click "Apply" in the text or scan the QR code on the poster and submit the online application form. Contact: Email: 30dayseoul@gmail.com Instagram: @30daysinseoul JOBPLOY will do its utmost to help foreign job seekers successfully start their lives in Korea and ultimately achieve successful employment. Jobploy will always be with you so that your dreams can beautifully blossom in Seoul!

Hello. This is JobPloy, a recruitment platform for foreigners. For international students looking to build a career in Korea, the biggest concerns are undoubtedly 'visa' and 'work experience.' Recently, Jobflowy partnered with Daelim University, and I attended an information session for the [E-7-1 Employment Linkage Program for International Students Residing in Korea] , which allows you to catch two birds with one stone. Along with the intense excitement at the event, I will pinpoint and summarize the key practical benefits for international students. Daerim University X Jobploy, the first step toward employment success Thirteen international students who registered in advance through Jobploy attended this information session. A Jobploy representative personally accompanied them to the site to provide detailed guidance, ensuring that students could clearly understand administrative procedures and program details that might otherwise be difficult to grasp. As the attending students reviewed the upcoming internship process and the list of partner companies, they responded very positively, describing it as a "concrete opportunity that resolves the uncertainty surrounding employment in Korea." So, what exactly was it about the program that led to such high satisfaction? Why is the E-7-1 Job Placement Program Special? This program is highly reliable as it is operated with government support, and it is a one-year project that combines [education + practical training] to help international students settle stably into Korean companies. 1. Systematic 2-step process Step 1 (6 months): Conduct specialized job training within the university Step 2 (6 months): Perform corporate-linked practical internship 2. Exceptional Participation Benefits Free tuition for the entire course: You can build your capabilities without any financial burden. Financial Support: A monthly education allowance of 100,000 won will be provided during the training period. Intern Salary Guarantee: During the internship period, you can work while receiving a salary higher than the minimum wage. From intern to full-time employment, and even an E-7-1 visa! The reason international students are most enthusiastic about this program is precisely because of its visa-linkage. It goes beyond simply gaining work experience; based on performance during the internship, there is an opportunity to transition to a full-time position. If your permanent employment is confirmed, the process for issuing the E-7-1 professional visa is linked. For those who wish to reside in Korea long-term and advance their careers, this is essentially the ultimate 'cheat code' that should not be missed. "It's not too late!" April Additional Recruitment Notice We have good news for those who were disappointed to miss the information session. We are currently accepting additional applications for the program throughout the month of April. Eligibility: International students residing in Korea (D-2, etc.) Goal: Obtain an E-7-1 visa and secure a regular job after completing job training. How to apply: Check the job posting details and apply via Jobflowy. 👉🏻 Apply for the E-7-1 Employment-Linked 'Work-Study Parallel' Trainee Program for International Students Beyond simply introducing jobs, JOBPLOY will always do its utmost by your side to help foreign job seekers confidently establish themselves as members of Korean society and lead a stable life in Korea. Jobploy will run alongside you until the day your dreams beautifully unfold at a Korean company!

What is the E-7-M visa? E-7-M stands for Korea College-to-Regional Employment and is an employment status granted to international students who have acquired Korean language skills and specialized manufacturing-related technical expertise at a domestic junior college. It is a newly created sub-code under the existing E-7 (Specific Activities) system and is also known by the nickname 'K-CORE Visa'. 'M' signifies an intermediate skill level between skilled professionals (E-7-1) and non-skilled professionals (E-9). It embodies a policy direction to supply local industries with personnel systematically trained at domestic educational institutions, instead of the existing method of directly importing low-skilled labor from overseas. 💡 Please be sure to check before reading this. This article is an administrative guide for reference purposes, compiled based on publicly available materials such as Ministry of Justice Announcement No. 2025-379, government policy briefings, and official press releases. As of March 2026, the E-7-M visa is in the pilot project phase, and the establishment of new status of residence codes and the notification of detailed screening criteria may not yet have been finalized or implemented. Please be sure to check the official guidance from the Ministry of Justice and the competent immigration office for your final decision. Why Was This System Established? — Background and Purpose The Ministry of Justice officially announced plans to establish the E-7-M visa on March 3, 2026, while releasing the '2030 Future Strategy for Immigration Policy.' The key background can be summarized in three points. First, there is the chronic labor shortage in regional small and medium-sized manufacturing companies. Existing systems, such as the non-professional employment (E-9) visa, were insufficient to secure mid-level personnel with technical skills. Second, domestic employment pathways for international students at junior colleges were limited. Since the existing E-7-1 (professional) visa requires a bachelor's degree or higher as a prerequisite, it was difficult for associate degree graduates to utilize it. Third, the policy objectives of economic revitalization in regions experiencing population decline and encouraging the settlement of foreign nationals were combined. Structure of the system: Admission → Education → Employment → Settlement The E-7-M program is characterized not merely by visa issuance, but by the design of a consistent pathway from the admission stage to employment and settlement after graduation. 1. Admission Stage — D-2 (Student) Visa Issuance International students admitted to 'promotion-type professional technical departments' designated by the Ministry of Justice are exempt from the financial ability requirement (20 million won in the capital area / 16 million won in the provinces) if they hold TOPIK Level 3 or higher. 2. While Enrolled — Expansion of Part-time Employment The permitted hours for part-time employment while studying will be expanded from 30 hours per week to 35 hours. 3. After Graduation — Issuance of E-7-M (K-CORE) Visa You can obtain an E-7-M visa if you meet the Korean language requirements after graduation (completion of Social Integration Program Level 4 or TOPIK Level 5 or higher) and sign an employment contract with a company related to your major for an annual salary of 26 million won or more. 4. Long-term Stay — Conversion to F-2 (Residence) Status If you have been continuously employed for more than 5 years with an E-7-M visa, or have worked for more than 3 years at the same company in a population-declining area, you will be eligible to apply for a residence (F-2) visa. Eligibility Requirements (International Students) Korean Language Requirements for Admission : Choose one from TOPIK Level 3 or higher / Completion of Social Integration Program Level 3 or higher / Sejong Institute Intermediate Korean Level 1 or higher Korean Language at Graduation: Completion of Social Integration Program Level 4 or TOPIK Level 5 or higher Education: Graduated from a Ministry of Justice-designated 'Development-oriented Specialized Technical Department' (Associate Degree) Employment Contract: Company related to major, starting salary of 26 million KRW or more University Designation Requirements University Type: Junior College under the Higher Education Act Accreditation: Universities accredited or higher in the 2024 Education Internationalization Competency Certification System Eligible Majors: Limited to manufacturing-related majors (automotive manufacturing, precision machinery, electrical engineering, etc.) Excluded fields: Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts and Physical Education, Services (Hotels, Healthcare), Shipbuilding (Separate wide-area visa program) Department Recruitment Quota: Within 100% of the enrollment quota, maximum 50 people Pilot Project Status: 16 Junior Colleges Selected The Ministry of Justice conducted department recruitment from December 8, 2025, to January 9, 2026, and designated one department each at 16 junior colleges nationwide as a pilot program in February 2026. school specialty Gyeonggi Institute of Science and Technology Future Electric Vehicle Department Daerim University Department of Future Automotive Engineering Bucheon University Textile and Fashion Business Department Seojeong University Global Textile & Fashion Business Department Osan University Electrical Engineering Department Yongin College of Arts and Sciences Department of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering Yeongjin College SmartCAD/CAM and Gumi University Department of Special Construction Machinery Engineering Gyeongnam Information University Mechanical Engineering Dong-eui University of Science and Technology Department of Mechanical Engineering Busan Institute of Science and Technology Automotive Department Geoje University Department of Mechanical Engineering Ulsan College of Science Department of Mechanical Engineering Gunjangdae Smart Agro-food Division Jeonju Vision University Department of Future Mobility Mokpo Science University Department of New and Renewable Energy and Electrical Engineering What is the difference from the existing E-7 visa? item E-7-1 Establishment of E-7-M(K-CORE) Education Bachelor's degree or higher Associate's degree Major scope 67 specialized occupations Limited to manufacturing-related majors Korean language requirements No separate requirements TOPIK Level 5 or KIIP Level 4 Wage requirements Over 80% of GNI (31.12 million per year based on 2026) Starting salary of 26 million won or more per year Regional Linkage nationwide Center of the region where the designated university is located F-2 switching route Separate pathways such as the F-2-7 point system Eligible to apply after 5 years of employment or 3 years of continuous service in a population decline area. The E-7-M is exclusively for junior college graduates, and Korean language proficiency and connection to local industries serve as key evaluation factors instead of the bachelor's degree and work experience requirements of the existing E-7-1. Summary of benefits for international students Exemption from Financial Ability Requirement: If you have TOPIK Level 3 or higher, proof of financial resources (20 million KRW for the Seoul Metropolitan Area / 16 million KRW for other regions) is waived for D-2 visa issuance. Expansion of part-time employment: Up to 35 hours per week of part-time work allowed while enrolled (previously 30 hours) Allowed changes to academic records: Transfer to other domestic universities and transfer to a different major within the same university are permitted. E-7-M Visa after Graduation: Separate work visa issued upon employment related to major Residence (F-2) Conversion Pathway: Long-term stay possible through 5 years of employment or 3 years of continuous employment in areas with declining populations. 🚨 Please note that this is a pilot project. As of March 2026, the E-7-M visa is in the 'Pilot Project for Cultivating Vocational Technical Departments' phase. The pilot period runs until the end of 2027, and decisions regarding extension, regularization, reduction, or suspension will be made based on performance evaluations (employment rate, illegal stay rate, nationality diversity, etc.). If the pilot project ends or changes, the issuance criteria for the E-7-M visa may also change. Frequently Missed Risks 1. Major-Employment Mismatch: If the major of a training-type vocational technical department does not match the industry of the employing company, the issuance of an E-7-M visa may be denied. The criteria for reviewing the scope of 'major-related companies' may vary depending on the judgment of the competent immigration office. 2. Wage shortfall: The standard of an annual starting salary of 26 million won or more is based on the pilot project period and is subject to change in the future. 3. Regional Restrictions: Since the purpose of this program is to foster a workforce for local industries, there may be restrictions on employment in specific regions, such as the Seoul metropolitan area. Specific criteria for regional restrictions need to be verified. 4. Status of stay upon termination of pilot project: Measures to maintain the status of stay for E-7-M visa holders should the pilot project be discontinued have not yet been clearly disclosed. To whom is this system meaningful? The E-7-M (K-CORE) visa is a meaningful program for people who meet the following conditions. The primary beneficiaries of this system are international students currently studying or preparing to enroll in manufacturing-related majors at Korean junior colleges, as well as employers in local small and medium-sized manufacturing companies seeking to stably secure foreign workers with intermediate technical skills. However, the existing E-7-1 pathway may be more suitable for professionals who already hold a bachelor's degree or higher, while those with experience in non-professional employment (E-9) should consider the E-7-4 (Skilled Workforce Point System). It is accurate to understand E-7-M as a newly created 'third pathway' situated between these two. The real journey begins the moment you receive your diploma. We understand that the entire process of checking visa requirements, preparing documents, and interviewing in a foreign land is not easy. JobPloy, a recruitment platform for international students, will be by your side from the very first step of recruitment to your stable settlement, helping you fully unfold your career in Korea.

Hello to all foreigners residing in Korea, and to all foreigners wishing to enter Korea. Please be careful as illegal websites impersonating Korea's official electronic entry declaration site are currently being distributed. This applies not only to workers but to all foreigners. Important. Be suspicious if a site that is not official requests payment. Recently, the Immigration and Foreign Policy Headquarters of the Ministry of Justice announced that similar websites impersonating the official electronic entry declaration form have been identified. According to official guidelines, e-arrivalcard.go.kr is the only official website for the Republic of Korea's electronic entry declaration system, and any site requiring payment information input is not an official service. The Electronic Entry Declaration is a service that allows users to submit necessary information online prior to entering Korea. However, cases have recently been identified where websites use names or interfaces similar to the official site to make it appear as if they are government services, thereby inducing users to enter fees or payment information. The Ministry of Justice has advised the public to exercise extreme caution to prevent damages resulting from the use of such sites. It is especially important to remember that the electronic entry declaration service is free of charge . Official announcements also advise that if a similar site requests a monetary transaction, it may be an impersonation site, and emphasize that you must verify the public institution domain (go.kr) and the government mark when accessing the electronic entry declaration service. If you are preparing to file an electronic entry report, please check the following points first. First, check the address. The official website is e-arrivalcard.go.kr. It is safer to close it immediately if the address is even slightly different, or if you see an unfamiliar address when accessing it via a search ad or messenger link. Second, stop if you are prompted to make a payment or enter card information. The Ministry of Justice has clearly announced that any website requesting payment information is not an official service. Since the electronic entry declaration itself is a free service , you should first suspect the possibility of impersonation if you are prompted to make a payment. Third, do not click on links with unclear sources. Official announcements also advise against using URLs with uncertain sources. It is safer to access information through official guidance rather than clicking directly on ads at the top of search results, text messages, social media links, or community links. Even a small mistake during the entry preparation process can expose your personal or payment information. Those required to file an electronic entry declaration must verify that they are using the official site before proceeding. In particular, if you are a foreign job seeker, international student, or planning to visit, please be sure to share this information with your acquaintances. Recently, due to the development of AI, such fake sites are being distributed indiscriminately, so we ask for the caution of foreigners. Check various parts of the site to see other content and features, and double-check two or three times to make sure it is a truly credible site. Jobflowy will continue to quickly organize visa and immigration information based on official announcements that is truly helpful for foreign job seekers and residents.