Nepal Visa Guide for Korea — E-9, D-2, E-7 & More

How do Nepali workers go to Korea through EPS?

Through Nepal's Foreign Employment Board (FEB) in cooperation with HRD Korea. Steps: (1) Pass the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test (offered in Kathmandu); (2) Register on the Nepal EPS roster via FEB; (3) Wait for employer matching; (4) Sign the Standard Labour Contract; (5) Obtain E-9 visa at the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu. Total timeline: 6 months to 2+ years depending on demand in your sector.

What is the E-7-4 visa and can Nepali E-9 workers apply?

E-7-4 is a points-based skilled worker visa for long-term E-9/H-2 workers. Requirements: 4+ years of qualifying work in Korea, TOPIK Level 2+ (or waiver if applying before Dec 31, 2026), salary ₩26M+/year, and 80+ points. Korea expanded the 2025 quota to 35,000 positions (up from ~2,000). Once on E-7-4, you can later qualify for F-2-7 and F-5 permanent residency.

Are there scholarships for Nepali students in Korea?

Yes. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS/KGSP) is fully funded and Nepal is an eligible country. Apply through the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu or your targeted university. The Korean Government Scholarship for Self-Financed Students offers partial support. Additionally, KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) provides scholarships for development-sector students.

Can Nepali nurses work in Korea?

Nursing is an approved E-7 occupation. Nepali nurses with Korean language skills (TOPIK Level 3+) and a nursing qualification can apply for E-7 sponsorship by Korean hospitals and care facilities. Additionally, the growing elderly care sector has demand for Nepali caregivers through both E-7 and the E-9 social welfare sector (added in recent EPS expansions).

How difficult is the EPS-TOPIK test for Nepali applicants?

EPS-TOPIK (고용허가제 한국어능력시험) is a 50-minute Korean language test specifically designed for EPS workers. It tests reading comprehension (25 questions) and listening (25 questions) at a basic-to-intermediate level. Most candidates study for 3–6 months using the official HRD Korea preparation materials. In Nepal, the test is administered in Kathmandu through the Korean Embassy in coordination with FEB.

How can a Nepali citizen apply for a Korea E-7 visa without going through E-9 first?

Direct E-7 sponsorship is possible without prior EPS/E-9 experience if you have a university degree, relevant work experience, and a Korean employer willing to sponsor you in an approved E-7 occupation (IT, engineering, nursing, and select technical roles are common for Nepali applicants). Your employer files the E-7 Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CVI) with the Ministry of Justice on your behalf; once approved, you apply for the E-7 visa at the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu with the CVI. TOPIK Level 3+ and a recognized degree significantly strengthen the application — E-7 has no EPS quota, but it does require employer sponsorship.