The E-7 (Specially Designated Activities) visa covers 94 permitted occupations organized into four tiers. Each occupation has a specific code, salary requirement, and hiring cap based on your employer's size. Before you can apply for an E-7 — or before your Korean employer can sponsor you — both parties need to identify the correct occupation code. Getting the code wrong is one of the most common reasons for E-7 rejections. This guide explains the full classification system.
Korea's E-7 system divides permitted occupations into four categories based on skill level:
E-7-1 (Professional / 전문직종): High-skill professional occupations requiring a degree and specialized knowledge. Typical examples: software engineers, data scientists, financial analysts, architects, designers, R&D researchers, university-level instructors, medical device specialists, international business managers. These roles generally face fewer hiring restrictions and the sponsoring employer has more flexibility on the number of E-7-1 holders.
E-7-2 (Quasi-Professional / 준전문직종): Roles that require vocational expertise and typically a relevant diploma or industry certificate. Examples: language interpreters/translators, IT system operators, specialized production technicians in certain manufacturing sectors.
E-7-3 (General Skilled / 일반기능직종): Skilled trade occupations including specific manufacturing, food production, and industrial process roles. E-7-3 applicants may include individuals who qualified through Korea's D-4-6 vocational training pathway or through prior E-9/H-2 experience with demonstrated skill certification.
E-7-4 (Semi-Skilled / 숙련기능직종): The points-based skilled worker category (E-7-4R for regional industry). E-7-4 is available to workers with a track record of E-9/H-2/E-10 employment in specific sectors (manufacturing, agriculture, construction, fisheries) who have accumulated sufficient points. This is sometimes called the 'blue-collar to E-7' pathway.
Each permitted E-7 occupation is identified by:
When your employer submits an E-7 sponsorship application, they specify the job code. The immigration officer evaluates whether your qualifications and the job description match the code. Mismatches — e.g., claiming software engineer (E-7-1) for a role that is actually data entry — are identified and rejected.
The full occupation list is published by the Ministry of Justice and updated periodically. Check the HiKorea website or consult your immigration specialist for the current version.
The salary requirement for E-7 is based on the previous year's per capita GNI (국민총소득), published annually by the Bank of Korea. As of the most recent data, per capita GNI is approximately KRW 48–52 million per year.
Standard threshold (most E-7-1 and E-7-2 positions):
Annual salary ≥ previous year's per capita GNI (currently ~KRW 48–52M/year)
Reduced threshold for specific employer categories:
For E-7-3 and E-7-4 specifically:
The salary floor is set per occupation. Certain manufacturing, food processing, and agricultural processing roles have lower stated minimums than professional tier roles. However, the salary must still be consistent with what a Korean worker in the same role would receive (non-discrimination principle).
Note: commission-based or heavily variable pay structures are problematic. Immigration evaluates the base salary on the employment contract, not expected total compensation.
Most E-7 categories have per-company hiring limits that prevent employers from over-relying on foreign workers. The cap is calculated as a percentage of total employees:
For E-7-4 specifically, the employer must already have at least 1 E-9, E-10, or H-2 worker currently employed at the company. The E-7-4 allotment is tied to the number of existing non-professional foreign workers at the establishment. Check the current E-7-4 guidelines on HiKorea for exact calculations.
Step 1: Look at the actual work you will be doing — not the job title on your contract. Korean immigration looks at the substance of duties.
Step 2: Search the current E-7 permitted occupation list (법무부 외국인력 정책위원회 고시) for the closest matching occupation code. If your role spans multiple codes, choose the one that most closely matches your primary activity and your credentials.
Step 3: Verify the qualification requirement for that code. If you don't meet the educational or certification requirement listed, you do not qualify for that code — regardless of your experience.
Step 4: Confirm with your employer that they can satisfy the salary threshold and per-company hiring cap for that code and their company size.
Step 5: If uncertain, consult a 행정사 (immigration administrative agent) or 변호사 (immigration lawyer) who specializes in E-7 applications. Getting the code right at the start is far cheaper than appealing a rejection.
While the full official code list should be consulted for your application, common E-7-1 occupations include:
For the specific code numbers and detailed qualification requirements for each, download the current E-7 occupation code list from the HiKorea portal (www.hikorea.go.kr) or contact the Korea Immigration Service.
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Our specialists handle e-7 occupation classification in korea: all 4 tiers, 94 jobs explained cases regularly and know exactly what Korean immigration officers look for.
Find a SpecialistMy job title is 'Marketing Manager' but I also write code. Which E-7 code applies?
Use the code that best describes your primary duty — the work you will spend the majority of time doing. If your primary role is marketing strategy and management, the marketing manager occupation code applies. If you primarily develop software and the marketing aspect is secondary, a technical code may be more appropriate. Misrepresenting your primary duty is a ground for rejection or visa cancellation.
My salary is below the GNI threshold. Can I still get E-7?
Possibly, if your employer qualifies for a reduced threshold (SME, venture company, or non-metropolitan employer exemption). The standard threshold can be reduced to 70–80% of GNI for qualifying employers. Check whether your employer qualifies for the reduction before concluding you cannot apply.
I currently hold E-9 status and want to apply for E-7-4. What do I need?
E-7-4 requires: 4+ years of E-9/E-10/H-2 experience in Korea (within the past 10 years), a qualifying points score under the E-7-4 points table, and an employer who already employs at least 1 E-9/E-10/H-2 worker. The employer also needs to demonstrate the hiring cap hasn't been exceeded. The points system evaluates age, Korean ability, work history, education, and other factors.
How often are new occupations added to the E-7 list?
The Ministry of Justice reviews and updates the E-7 permitted occupation list periodically — typically once or twice a year. In recent years, occupations in advanced technology sectors (AI, semiconductors, battery technology, biotech) have been added. If your occupation is not currently on the list, it may be added in a future revision, or you may qualify under a broader adjacent category.