Converting to E-7-4 skilled worker

E-7-4 is the path for people with long shop-floor experience to move to a long-term status. Converting from E-9 opens the way to bringing family and to F-2 and F-5.

Who this covers

• People who worked a qualifying period on E-9, H-2, E-10 and similar
• Those meeting wage, Korean language, qualification and good-conduct requirements
• Requirements and quotas change yearly — check with 1345 and HiKorea

What to prepare

1. Work experience — a consistent record in the same field
2. Wage requirement — there is an annual income threshold
3. Korean — TOPIK or the Social Integration Program (KIIP)
4. Qualifications — relevant technical certificates
5. Good conduct — no legal violations or arrears

Steps

1. Check the requirements with 1345, your employment centre or HiKorea.
2. Fill the gaps. Korean and qualifications are usually the crux.
3. Prepare the employer recommendation and employment documents.
4. Apply within the application window. Recruitment periods are fixed.
5. Check the result and change your status.

What you need

• Passport and Alien Registration Card
• Labour contract and proof of experience
• Income evidence (withholding receipts)
• TOPIK results or KIIP completion certificate
• Technical qualifications
• The fee — check on HiKorea

Where to go

• HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr · 1345
• Your employment centre · 1350
• Your local support centre for foreign workers

Questions people ask

Is Korean really required? In most cases yes. Starting the Social Integration Program now is the most reliable route.

I changed workplace several times — is that bad? Changes with legitimate reasons are often not a problem. Keep your records organised.

Can I bring my family? On E-7-4, family invitation becomes possible subject to conditions. Confirm the details with 1345.

I missed the application window. Prepare for the next round. Raising your Korean and qualifications meanwhile helps.

Take care

"You can just buy a recommendation" is fraud. The employer recommendation presumes actual work. False documents lead to cancellation and deportation.

Related

e9-visa-basics · e7-skilled-worker · f2-residence-visa · social-integration-program

Source

Ministry of Justice HiKorea www.hikorea.go.kr / As of 2026-08