E-7-2 (Semi-Professional Skilled Worker) Korea Visa Guide | 2026

1. What E-7-2 Is

E-7-2 (준전문인력) is the SEMI-PROFESSIONAL tier of the specific-activity (E-7) status. It draws on Korean Standard Classification of Occupations major categories 3 (clerical workers), 4 (service workers) and 5 (sales workers) at skill levels 2 and 3, and covers 10 occupations selected by the Minister of Justice — the narrowest of the four tiers.

2. Eligibility Checklist

• Role falls within one of the 10 occupations selected for the semi-professional tier — a deliberately narrow list, so confirm the occupation is on it before planning around this code.
• The occupation sits in KSCO major category 3 (clerical), 4 (service) or 5 (sales), at skill level 2 or 3.
• Has a Korean employer offer in an eligible E-7-2 occupation category.
• Applicant profile matches the practical qualification/experience requirements for that category.
• Contract terms satisfy current wage and labor-condition standards.
• Employer sponsorship package supports genuine necessity and compliance.
• No unresolved immigration violations that undermine case credibility.

3. Criteria Summary

• E-7-2 is not a K-point residency status.
• Practical review emphasizes occupation eligibility, role necessity, and contract feasibility.
• Operational updates can add/modify E-7-2 eligible occupation scope over time.
• Always verify current occupation tables and guidance notes before submission.

4. Salary and Contract Rules

• E-7-2 salary handling differs from strict E-7-1 professional threshold structure.
• Contract wage/hours/duties must remain consistent across filing documents.
• Weak or unrealistic compensation packages can trigger deeper scrutiny.
• Any mismatch between job description and compensation evidence is a common supplement point.

5. Employer and Workplace Change Rules

• E-7-2 is tied to approved employer and occupation scope.
• Workplace changes generally require immigration reporting/permission procedures.
• Material duty changes outside approved scope can affect extension and status stability.
• Employer compliance quality and documentation discipline matter in close cases.

6. Required Documents

• Application form + passport + ARC/entry docs + photo + fee proof.
• Employment contract and duty statement mapped to E-7-2 occupation criteria.
• Applicant qualification/experience evidence relevant to semi-professional role.
• Employer business/compliance documents supporting sponsorship legitimacy.
• Any additional case documents requested by consulate/immigration office.

7. Fees and Processing

• Fees follow official issuance/change/extension schedules.
• Processing times vary by occupation complexity and office load.
• Occupation-fit ambiguity commonly leads to supplement requests.
• Pre-validating occupation mapping and contract consistency reduces delay risk.

8. Common Rejection Reasons

• Job role does not clearly fit current E-7-2 eligible occupation scope.
• Applicant qualification evidence is insufficient for the claimed role.
• Contract terms are inconsistent, weak, or noncompliant.
• Employer necessity/compliance documents are incomplete or contradictory.
• Prior unauthorized work/reporting issues in stay history.

9. FAQ