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

Foreign Interview Preparation Guide: Key Points on Attire, Timing, and Attitude At a Glance, basic etiquette for job interviews at Korean companies includes arriving 10 to 20 minutes before the interview begins, wearing neat, dark-colored business casual attire, and keeping your mobile phone on silent. Making eye contact with the interviewer, answering in a clear tone, and maintaining good posture have a significant impact on the evaluation. Foreign job seekers can also make a good first impression by simply adhering to these three things: attire, timing, and attitude. Hello, this is the Jobploy Recruitment Manager. I frequently receive questions from foreign job seekers in Korea who have interviews coming up, such as "What should I wear?" and "How many minutes early should I arrive?" In this article, we have summarized the key points of interview preparation to answer those questions all at once. What should I wear for a job interview? Dark-colored suits or business casual attire that do not stand out are the safest choice. The key is to project a neat, tidy, and trustworthy impression. It is advisable to avoid flashy accessories and revealing designs. It is recommended to wear a matching set, from neat hair to dress shoes (loafers). If you do not have dress shoes, I recommend simple sneakers with a small logo. [ Business + Casual Attire ] The key point is to give a neat and tidy impression, plus a trustworthy impression. - Wear clothing with neutral colors - Avoid flashy accessories and revealing designs as much as possible [ For men → (Suit or shirt, jacket, slacks) ] - Recommended colors: Black, Navy, Dark Gray - Hairstyle: I recommend a neat style where the bangs are styled upwards rather than down, and not too long. [ For women → (Blouse, Suit or Shirt, Jacket, Slacks) ] - Recommended colors: Black, Navy, Gray, White, Ivory - Hairstyle: Neatly styled updos, a tidy bob, or long hair styled naturally. How many minutes before the interview should I arrive? It is most appropriate to arrive 10 to 20 minutes before the interview starts. Arriving too early may put pressure on the company, while arriving late may be perceived as a lack of time management skills. Checklist for Interview Timing: Avoid drinking and sleeping in the day before the interview, and take care of your condition. If the interview location is a place you are visiting for the first time, check the travel route and estimated travel time the day before. If you need to use a train or intercity bus, book your ticket in advance. We schedule the departure time with about 30 minutes of buffer time compared to the estimated travel time. After arriving, spend 5 to 10 minutes in the restroom checking your attire or catching your breath. Attitude and demeanor evaluated in an interview Interviewers evaluate not only the content of the answers but also posture, facial expressions, and tone of voice comprehensively. For foreign applicants, even if their Korean is not perfect, a serious attitude and confident gaze often lead to a favorable evaluation. The key points are as follows. Sit deeply in the chair, but keep your back slightly against the backrest to maintain an upright posture. When the interviewer speaks, lightly nod your head and listen attentively. When answering, look the interviewer gently in the eye. Finish with a clear tone without trailing off. For questions I don't know the answer to, I honestly reply, "I will learn that part quickly after joining the company." Basic etiquette to observe at an interview The evaluation begins the moment you enter the interview room. Your attitude toward the HR representative, the receptionist, and other waiting candidates may all be subject to observation. When you arrive at the company, greet the HR manager first with a bright expression. Please keep your mobile phone on silent or turned off while waiting for the interview (vibration may also be heard). When entering the interview room, lightly knock before entering, greet with "Hello," and take your seat upon being instructed. When the interview is over, say "Thank you" and exit calmly. Maintain a neat posture until you have completely left the company building. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q1. My Korean isn't perfect. Is it okay to have the interview? A. In interviews for foreign job postings, a sincere attitude and willingness to communicate are valued more than perfect Korean language skills. If you get stuck while answering, do not panic; instead, ask for a moment to think and answer slowly. You may politely ask the interviewer if you can provide supplementary explanations in English or your native language regarding parts where your Korean is lacking. Q2. What should I do if I think I will be late for the interview? A. As soon as you anticipate being late, you must contact the HR representative directly by phone to explain the situation and inform them of your estimated arrival time. A phone call takes precedence over a text message or email. Upon arrival, apologize politely once again and proceed with the interview. Unauthorized tardiness may result in the cancellation of the interview. Q3. I don't have a suit. What should I wear? A. A suit is not strictly necessary. A combination of a dark-colored shirt or blouse with slacks or neat cotton trousers is sufficient. Please avoid jeans, shorts, flip-flops, and flashy prints. While neat casual attire is often permitted in the food service, logistics, and manufacturing sectors, it is safer to dress at a business casual level to ensure a good first impression. Q4. What is the question you are most frequently asked in interviews? A. The questions frequently asked of foreign job seekers are: ① reason for coming to Korea and plans for the duration of stay, ② current visa type and expiration date, ③ experience learning Korean and level of communication proficiency, ④ previous work experience and reason for leaving, and ⑤ ability to work long-term. It is recommended to prepare answers for these five questions in advance. If you have scheduled an interview, it is recommended to review your resume and practice mock interviews together. Jobflowy's dedicated 1:1 recruitment manager will assist you with everything from resume editing to organizing anticipated interview questions. Check job postings available with your visa, or refer to the employment stories of other foreign job seekers. If you require further consultation, please contact Jobploy. ☎ 02-875-2134 / ✉ support@jobploy.kr

Can I get a job in Korea with an F-1 (Visiting/Cohabiting) visa? (Latest 2026) At a Glance: In principle, employment is not permitted with an F-1 (Visiting/Residency) visa. However, you may legally work by obtaining permission for activities outside the scope of your status of residence if you fall under one of the following five categories: ① ethnic Koreans from China, ② foreign language instructors or teachers for F-1 or F-3 holders, ③ foreign language proofreaders at public institutions, ④ family members (F-1-12) of outstanding talents under the points system (F-2-7), and ⑤ accompanying parents of outstanding talents, investors, or international students. Applications can be made through HiKorea or the competent Immigration Office. What is an F-1 visa? The F-1 (Visiting/Residing) visa is issued to foreign nationals staying in Korea for purposes such as visiting relatives, living with family, supporting dependents, or settling household affairs. The maximum period of stay granted at one time is two years, and it is classified into F-1-5, F-1-12, F-1-13, F-1-16, etc., depending on the specific qualification. In principle, employment and profit-making activities are prohibited, but if certain requirements are met, employment is possible through permission for activities outside the scope of the status of residence (a system that exceptionally permits activities not allowed by the original visa). Activities permitted without separate permission: Taking training courses Taking education at regular educational institutions (elementary, middle, high schools, and universities) is possible without a separate permission procedure to the extent that it does not infringe upon the original purpose of stay (effective June 15, 2009). Since attending school is not subject to permission for activities outside of one's qualification, you can register and take classes immediately. 5 Cases Where You Can Work with an F-1 Visa 1. Permission for Employment Activities of Korean Chinese (E-1 ~ E-7) Among ethnic Koreans of Chinese descent holding an F-1 visa, if they are qualified for employment, activities outside the scope of their visa status are permitted, ranging from Professor (E-1) to Specific Activities (E-7). Required documents division document basic Application form (Attachment No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee Employment-related Employment recommendation letter from the head of the competent ministry or documents proving the necessity of employment, employment contract Workplace related Business registration certificate Proof of qualification Degree or Certificate 2. Foreign language instructors and teachers holding F-1 or F-3 visas (E-2, E-7) Holders of Visiting/Resident (F-1) and Accompanying (F-3) visas may work as Foreign Language Conversation Instructors (E-2) or Foreign Workforce Teachers (E-7). In this case, additional documents such as degree certificates, criminal background checks, and pre-employment medical examination reports corresponding to the relevant qualification are required. 3. Foreign Language Proofreader at Public Institutions (E-7) Holders of F-1 and F-3 visas may be employed as foreign language proofreaders (E-7) at national agencies and public organizations (local governments, government-invested institutions). Required documents Application form (Attachment No. 34), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee Employment contract Copy of business registration certificate Letter of Recommendation (issued by the head of the relevant institution) Degree Certificate (Original and Copy) 4. 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 : If you meet the employment requirements for professional or semi-professional occupations (E-1 to E-7), you may work by obtaining permission for activities outside the scope of your visa status. Exclusions : Hotel and entertainment workers (E-6-2), skilled workers (E-7-4) Additional documents : All documents required by the relevant status of residence 5. Accompanying parents of top talent, investors, and international students Top talents, investors, and accompanying parents of international students are also eligible for employment if they meet certain conditions. Required documents division document basic Application form (Attachment No. 7), passport, alien registration card, fee Family verification Documents proving family relationship Proof of residence Lease agreement, accommodation confirmation, utility bill payment receipts, etc. Key Summary Table division Target Possible employment range Work permit for ethnic Koreans from China Chinese nationals holding F-1 visas E-1~E-7 Extracurricular Activities 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 (excluding E-6-2, E-7-4) 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) Precautions when applying Mandatory Prior Permission : Employment without permission for activities outside your permitted status of residence constitutes illegal employment and may result in fines or deportation. Specific requirements subject to change : Requirements vary depending on the specific visa category (F-1-5, F-1-12, etc.), and Ministry of Justice guidelines are revised frequently. The latest information must be checked on HiKorea. Exclusion of E-6-2 and E-7-4 : For F-1-12, hotel and entertainment workers (E-6-2) and skilled workers (E-7-4) are excluded from eligibility. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q1. Can I do part-time work with an F-1 visa? A. In principle, employment and profit-making activities are prohibited for F-1 visa holders, so general part-time work is not permitted. You may legally work only if you fall under one of the five cases explained above and have obtained permission for activities outside your status of residence. Unauthorized employment is considered illegal employment and is subject to punishment, so please be sure to check with the competent Immigration Office in advance. Q2. Where do I apply for permission to engage in activities outside the scope of my status of residence? A. You can apply online via HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or by visiting the competent Immigration Office. Required documents vary depending on the application type, but basic requirements include an application form (Attachment No. 34 or 7), passport, Alien Registration Card, fee, and employment contract. Please note that detailed fees and processing times are subject to change based on the latest immigration policies, so please check with HiKorea or the Foreigners Information Center (☎ 1345). Q3. Can I work in a factory if I hold an F-1-12 visa? A. F-1-12 holders (spouses and minor children of outstanding talents under the points system) are permitted to work only in the professional and semi-professional E-1 through E-7 categories; skilled technical personnel (E-7-4) are excluded. Since general manufacturing and production positions (E-9) do not apply, employment in factory field positions is difficult. It is more realistic to seek a professional role that matches your educational background and work experience. Q4. Is it permissible to work as a school administrative assistant while attending a Korean university on an F-1 visa? A. While university studies themselves are permitted without separate permission, paid activities such as on-campus teaching assistantships or student workers may require a separate permit for activities outside the scope of your visa status or a part-time work permit. Please check with the university's Office of International Affairs or the relevant immigration office before proceeding. Q5. I am a Korean-Chinese national. Can I get a job immediately with an F-1 visa? A. Even ethnic Koreans from China holding an F-1 visa are not automatically granted work authorization. To work in the E-1 to E-7 categories, they must meet the necessary employment qualifications (degree, work experience, employment contract, etc.) and obtain permission for activities outside their permitted status of residence by providing a letter of recommendation from the relevant government ministry, documents proving the necessity of employment, an employment contract, a business registration certificate, etc. Since employment eligibility varies significantly depending on your specific F-1 visa category (F-1-5, F-1-12, etc.), it is crucial to accurately verify your qualifications first. If you find the complex visa assessment difficult, consult with an administrative advisor at Jobflowy and check job postings available for your visa on the platform. For more detailed consultation, please contact 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!

Are you aware of the E-7-M visa, newly established by the government for international students with relevant majors to address the labor shortage in Korea's manufacturing sector? At a Glance, the E-7-M visa is an employment status of residence issued to international students who have graduated from a manufacturing-related major at a Korean junior college, and is also known as the 'K-CORE visa.' Key requirements include graduating from a department designated by the Ministry of Justice, achieving TOPIK Level 5 (or Social Integration Program Level 4) or higher, and securing an employment contract worth at least 26 million KRW per year. As of March 2026, it is in the pilot phase targeting 16 junior colleges, and conversion to an F-2 (Residence) visa is possible after 5 years of employment or 3 years of continuous service in a population-declining area. ⚠️ 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 the Ministry of Justice Announcement (No. 2025-379) and government policy briefings. 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. For final determination, please be sure to check the official announcements from the competent Immigration Office and HiKorea . What is an 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 (Specified 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 workers (E-9). It embodies a policy direction to supply local industries with personnel systematically trained at domestic educational institutions, replacing the existing method of directly importing low-skilled labor from overseas. Why was this system newly created? 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 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-specialized employment (E-9) visa, had limitations in securing mid-level personnel with technical skills. Second, domestic employment pathways for international students at junior colleges were limited. Since the existing E-7-1 visa requires a bachelor's degree or higher as a prerequisite, it was difficult for associate degree graduates to utilize. Third, the policy objectives of economic revitalization in areas of population decline and encouraging foreign settlement have been combined. This is why the system was designed to encourage local permanent residency rather than simply offering work visas. From Admission to Settlement: The E-7-M 4-Step Path The E-7-M program is characterized not merely by visa issuance, but by the design of a consistent pathway from the student admission stage to employment and settlement after graduation. step Status of residence Key Requirements and Benefits 1. Admission D-2 (Study Abroad) Exemption from financial ability requirement upon holding TOPIK Level 3 or higher (20 million KRW for the Seoul Metropolitan Area / 16 million KRW for other regions) 2. Currently enrolled D-2 (Study Abroad) Expansion of part-time employment hours from 30 to 35 hours per week 3. Employment after graduation E-7-M (K-CORE) Meeting Korean language requirements + Employment contract with a major-related company worth over 26 million KRW per year 4. Long-term stay F-2 (Residence) You can apply with an E-7-M if you are employed for 5 years or work for 3 years in a population decline area. This structure is the nation's first foreign workforce training model that connects "study abroad → employment → settlement" into a single track. What are the requirements for issuing an E-7-M visa? The requirements that international students must meet to obtain an E-7-M visa are as follows: item requirements Education Graduate of a Ministry of Justice-designated 'Development-oriented Specialized Technical Department' (Associate Degree) Korean language upon 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 at graduation Completion of Social Integration Program Level 4 or TOPIK Level 5 or higher employment contract Contract with a company related to the major wages Starting salary of 26 million won or more per year In particular, it is important to note that the Korean language requirements are structured to increase step by step (Level 3 for admission → Level 5 for graduation). You can consider this to presuppose continuous Korean language learning throughout your enrollment. Which university should I study at? (16 pilot universities) To be recognized as an E-7-M visa eligible program, the university must meet all of the following requirements. University Type: Junior College under the Higher Education Act Accreditation: Universities accredited or higher in the 2024 Education Internationalization Competency Certification System Target Majors: Manufacturing-related majors (Automotive, Precision Machinery, Electrical, etc.) Excluded fields: Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts and Physical Education; Services (Hotels and Healthcare); Shipbuilding (separate wide-area visa program) Recruitment Quota: Within 100% of the department's enrollment capacity, maximum 50 people 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. 16 Junior Colleges and Departments Designated as Pilots in 2026 zone university specialty metropolitan area Gyeonggi Institute of Science and Technology Future Electric Vehicle Department metropolitan area Daerim University Department of Future Automotive Engineering metropolitan area Bucheon University Textile and Fashion Business Department metropolitan area Seojeong University Global Textile & Fashion Business Department metropolitan area Osan University Electrical Engineering Department metropolitan area Yongin College of Arts and Sciences Department of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering Yeongnam Yeongjin College SmartCAD/CAM and Yeongnam Gumi University Department of Special Construction Machinery Engineering Yeongnam Gyeongnam Information University Mechanical Engineering Yeongnam Dong-eui University of Science and Technology Department of Mechanical Engineering Yeongnam Busan Institute of Science and Technology Automotive Department Yeongnam Geoje University Department of Mechanical Engineering Yeongnam Ulsan College of Science Department of Mechanical Engineering Honam and Chungcheong Gunjangdae Smart Agro-food Division Honam and Chungcheong Jeonju Vision University Department of Future Mobility Honam and Chungcheong Mokpo Science University Department of New and Renewable Energy and Electrical Engineering The eligible universities and departments may be expanded or adjusted in the future based on the evaluation of the pilot project's performance. How is it different from the existing E-7-1 visa? E-7-M is a new pathway clearly distinct from the existing E-7-1 (Specific Activities). The key differences are summarized as follows: item E-7-1 (Existing skilled personnel) E-7-M (K-CORE, newly established) 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 (approximately 31.12 million won per year as of 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 Application upon 5 years of employment or 3 years of continuous service in a population decline area The E-7-M is a pathway exclusively for junior college graduates, and instead of the existing E-7-1's 'Bachelor's degree + work experience' requirement, 'Korean language proficiency + connection to local industries' serves as the core evaluation factor. 5 Key Benefits for International Students International students admitted to the training-oriented vocational technical department can receive the following benefits. Exemption from Financial Ability Requirement — If you have TOPIK Level 3 or higher, proof of financial ability (20 million KRW for the capital area / 16 million KRW for other regions) is waived when issuing a D-2 visa. Expansion of part-time employment — Students can work up to 35 hours per week (an increase of 5 hours compared to the previous 30 hours). Changes to academic records are permitted — transfer to other domestic universities and transfers within the same university are allowed. Dedicated work visa after graduation — An E-7-M visa is issued upon employment at a company related to your major. Residence (F-2) Conversion Pathway — You can apply for F-2 status after 5 years of employment or 3 years of continuous service in a population decline area. This simplifies the existing process for international students, who previously had to go through the D-10 (job search) process after graduation and apply separately for E-7-1, into a single track. 4 Risks You Must Check Before Applying The E-7-M visa is an attractive program, but you must review the following risks in advance. 1. Risk of Major-Employment Mismatch: If the major of a specialized technical department does not match the industry of the employing company, visa issuance may be denied. The specific scope of 'major-related companies' may vary depending on the screening criteria of the competent immigration office. 2. Risk of Wage Shortage: The standard of an annual starting salary of 26 million KRW or more is based on the pilot project period and is subject to change in the future. You must verify the latest standards before signing an employment contract. 3. Regional Restriction Risk Since the purpose of this system is to foster a workforce for local industries, there may be restrictions on employment in specific regions, such as the Seoul metropolitan area. Specific regional restriction criteria need to be verified. 4. Risks to Status of Residence Upon Termination of Pilot Project The pilot project will operate until the end of 2027, and its extension, regularization, reduction, or discontinuation will be decided based on performance evaluations (employment rate, illegal stay rate, nationality diversity, etc.). Since measures to maintain the status of residence for E-7-M visa holders should the pilot project be discontinued have not yet been clearly disclosed, please continuously check for policy updates at the Foreigners Information Center (☎1345) or HiKorea. Who should use the E-7-M visa? The E-7-M visa is best suited for the following two groups. ① International students currently studying or preparing to enroll in manufacturing-related majors at Korean junior colleges can secure a pathway to employment in skilled technical positions and even long-term settlement in Korea without a bachelor's degree. ② This serves as a new recruitment option for local small and medium-sized manufacturing employers seeking to stably secure foreign workers with intermediate technical skills. However, depending on your situation, a different path may be more suitable. My situation Suitable path Professional personnel with a bachelor's degree or higher E-7-1 (Existing Specific Activities) Non-professional employment (E-9) experienced workers E-7-4 (Skilled Workforce Point System) International students majoring in manufacturing at junior colleges E-7-M (K-CORE) It is most accurate to understand E-7-M as a newly created 'third route' between E-7-1 and E-9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q1. Can I apply for the E-7-M visa right now? A. As of March 2026, the E-7-M program is in the pilot phase, and status of residence codes and detailed screening criteria are being implemented in stages. The system will be applied sequentially starting with students admitted to the 16 designated "Development-Type" departments at junior colleges in February 2026, and the actual issuance of E-7-M visas will occur after graduation from the respective departments. You must check the latest application eligibility dates on HiKorea. Q2. Can I work in the capital area with an E-7-M visa? A. Since the core purpose of the E-7-M program is to foster a workforce for local industries, employment is expected to occur primarily in the regions where the designated universities are located. Graduates from designated universities within the Seoul metropolitan area (such as Gyeonggi Institute of Science and Technology, Daelim University, and Bucheon National University) have the potential for employment within the capital region; however, specific criteria for regional restrictions will be announced as the pilot project progresses. Q3. Can I substitute TOPIK Level 5 with another Korean language test? A. For graduation, you must meet the Korean language requirement by achieving TOPIK Level 5 or higher, or completing Level 4 of the Korea Institute for Social Integration Program (KIIP). Other Korean language exams, such as the Sejong Institute exam, are not officially recognized. However, the Sejong Institute Intermediate Korean Level 1 is also recognized as the Korean language requirement (Level 3) at the time of admission. Q4. What happens to the E-7-M visa once the pilot project ends? A. The pilot program will operate until the end of 2027, after which regularization, expansion, reduction, or discontinuation will be decided based on a performance evaluation. Measures to maintain the status of residence for holders of E-7-M visas issued during the pilot program have not yet been clearly disclosed. Please keep an eye on official announcements from the Ministry of Justice in anticipation of the program's conclusion and consult with a professional administrative consultant if necessary. Q5. Can I invite family members to Korea with an E-7-M visa? A. Generally, holders of E-7 series visas can invite their spouses and minor children via an F-3 (dependent) visa. While it is highly likely that the E-7-M will operate under the same system, detailed criteria for inviting accompanying family members during the pilot program phase may be announced separately. You must verify the exact details with the competent Immigration Office. The E-7-M visa is a newly opened employment and settlement pathway for international students at Korean junior colleges, but as it is currently in the pilot program phase, careful consideration tailored to individual circumstances is required. If you are concerned about the complex visa process, consult with a Jobflowy administrative consultant to find a visa strategy tailored to your situation. You can immediately check job postings for manufacturing and production positions that match your major on Jobflowy. If you need resume editing or interview preparation ahead of graduation, Jobploy's dedicated 1:1 recruitment manager will assist you. The real journey begins the moment you receive your diploma. We are fully aware that the entire process—checking visa requirements, preparing documents, and interviewing in a foreign land—is not easy. JOBPLOY, a recruitment platform for international students, will stand by your side from the very first step of recruitment to your stable settlement, ensuring that you can fully unfold your career in Korea.