E-2 vs E-7 Visa — English Teacher or Skilled Worker?

Q: Can I work as an English teacher on an E-7 visa?

Yes — the E-7 includes education-related occupations. However, E-7 for teaching roles typically requires a higher qualification than E-2 (e.g., TESOL certification, relevant degree, prior teaching experience) and the job description must match an eligible E-7 occupation code.

Q: Can I switch from E-2 to E-7 without leaving Korea?

Yes. With a new employer sponsor and an E-7-eligible job offer, you can apply for an in-country status change. You don't need to return to your home country.

Q: Are E-2 holders eligible for the F-2-7 points-based visa?

Yes — time spent on E-2 counts as Korean work experience toward the K-Point score for F-2-7. A TOPIK score and a degree from a Korean university can further boost your points.

Q: I'm Canadian but not an English teacher — can I get E-2?

E-2 is specifically for English language instruction. If you want to work in another field, the E-7 or other visa categories would be the appropriate route.

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E-2 vs E-7 — side-by-side comparison

	E-2	E-7
Who can apply	Citizens of 7 native-English countries (US, UK, CA, AU, NZ, SA, IE)	✓ Any nationality — if the employer sponsors you
Eligible jobs	English language instruction only	✓ 94 professional occupations (engineers, IT, healthcare, arts, education, etc.)
Education required	Bachelor's degree (any field)	Bachelor's + 1 yr experience, or Master's in field
Criminal background check	Required from home country

Which should you choose?

E-2is right for you if…

You are a citizen of one of the 7 eligible English-speaking countries
You want to teach English at a school or hagwon in Korea
You have a bachelor's degree in any field and a clean background
You're new to Korea and want a straightforward route with a clear employer

E-7is right for you if…

Frequently asked questions

Can I work as an English teacher on an E-7 visa?

Yes — the includes education-related occupations. However, E-7 for teaching roles typically requires a higher qualification than (e.g., TESOL certification, relevant degree, prior teaching experience) and the job description must match an eligible E-7 occupation code.

Can I switch from E-2 to E-7 without leaving Korea?

Yes. With a new employer sponsor and an -eligible job offer, you can apply for an in-country status change. You don't need to return to your home country.

Are E-2 holders eligible for the F-2-7 points-based visa?

Yes — time spent on counts as Korean work experience toward the K-Point score for F-2-7. A TOPIK score and a degree from a Korean university can further boost your points.

I'm Canadian but not an English teacher — can I get E-2?

is specifically for English language instruction. If you want to work in another field, the or other visa categories would be the appropriate route.

E-2 vs E-7 Visa — English Teacher or Skilled Worker?

E-2 vs E-7 — side-by-side comparison

Which should you choose?

Frequently asked questions

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