E-7-1 Points-Based Skilled Worker

The E-7-1 Points-Based Skilled Worker visa is the points-assessed track within South Korea's E-7 professional work visa category. It is designed for skilled foreign professionals in occupations where Korea applies a points system to select candidates, balancing factors such as age, education, income, Korean-language ability and work experience.

The E-7 family as a whole covers professional and specialised occupations, and the E-7-1 sub-category in particular focuses on managers, professionals and specialists. The points-based assessment is used so that, for designated occupations, immigration can rank applicants objectively rather than relying solely on a job offer.

A distinctive and heavily weighted element is Korean-language ability, commonly evidenced through the TOPIK test - Korea's official proficiency examination. Higher TOPIK scores meaningfully improve a points outcome, reflecting the government's preference for migrants who can integrate.

The visa is issued for a defined period and renewable while you remain employed in a qualifying role. For skilled workers, the E-7-1 is the main professional gateway into the Korean labour market and can, over time, support a path toward longer-term residence. In 2026 it remains central to Korea's skilled-migration strategy.

You must have a job offer in a designated E-7 occupation from a Korean employer, and you must reach the required score on the points assessment for that occupation. Points are awarded for factors including age, educational attainment, annual income, Korean-language ability, and relevant professional experience.

You generally need a relevant degree or substantial professional experience matching the occupation, and the employing company must be a legitimate business able to support the role and pay an appropriate salary. Korean-language proficiency, typically demonstrated through TOPIK, is a weighted factor and a strong score materially helps your case. You must meet character requirements. Because the designated occupations, the points criteria and any quotas are set by Korean immigration policy and revised periodically, always verify the current rules for your specific occupation.

Start by confirming your occupation is within the designated E-7 points-based scope and reviewing the points criteria, so you understand how age, education, income, language and experience will be scored.

Secure a job offer from a Korean employer for a qualifying role, and gather your evidence: degree certificates, professional experience records, and your TOPIK result if you have one, since Korean-language ability is a meaningful share of the points.

The employer is usually closely involved. For applicants abroad, the common route is for the employer to support an application for a Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance from Korean immigration, after which you collect the visa at a Korean embassy or consulate. Applicants already in Korea on another status may apply for a change of status at an immigration office.

Korean immigration assesses your points total, the genuineness of the role and the employer, and your supporting documents. Once granted, you enter or remain in Korea on E-7 status, and within the required period after arrival you complete foreign-resident registration at the local immigration office.

The visa carries Korean immigration fees for the Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance or a change of status, plus the fee for foreign-resident registration after arrival - these government charges are comparatively modest. The more notable preparation costs include sitting the TOPIK examination and any language tuition to lift your score, certified translations of degrees and experience letters, and document authentication or apostille from your home country. If you engage a Korean administrative agent or attorney to assist with the points documentation and application, professional fees are additional. Employers sometimes contribute to relocation costs.

E-7 applications are processed by Korean immigration within its standard timeframes for work visas, typically a number of weeks once a complete application is lodged. For applicants abroad, the Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance is processed first, then the visa is collected quickly at the embassy or consulate. A change of status from within Korea is similarly processed within standard timeframes. A clear points calculation supported by full documentary evidence - degree, experience, TOPIK result and a genuine job offer - is what avoids requests for further information and keeps the timeline predictable.

After arrival you must complete foreign-resident registration at your local immigration office within the required period and obtain your alien registration card, which you use for banking, the national health system and administrative matters.

The E-7-1 ties you to professional work in your designated occupation, so a significant change of employer or role generally requires reporting to immigration and may require a fresh assessment. Keep your employment contract, payslips and tax records, as continued qualifying employment underpins each renewal.

Over time, sustained E-7 employment and integration - including improving your Korean-language ability - can support progression toward longer-term residence options in Korea. Family members can generally accompany you on dependent status. Renew your visa before it expires on the strength of your ongoing qualifying role, and keep your registration details current with immigration.