The E-7-3 is a sub-category of the E-7 (Specific Activities) visa designed for semi-skilled workers who fall between the professional E-7-1/E-7-2 and the unskilled E-9 EPS tiers. Unlike E-9, E-7-3 does not require going through the EPS system and can be applied for directly through employer sponsorship. The occupation list has expanded significantly in 2025 and 2026, with new additions in maritime industries, food processing, aquaculture, and roots industries. This guide covers every current E-7-3 category and what each requires.
E-9 (Non-Professional Employment) is the EPS manufacturing/agriculture worker visa — it requires going through the government-managed EPS system (language test, skills test, and employer matching by HRD Korea). It is tied to specific EPS partner countries and limits job changes.
E-7-1/E-7-2 are the professional and specialist E-7 tiers — they require a university degree and significant professional experience, with salary minimums at GNI level.
E-7-3 occupies the middle ground: it covers specific designated semi-skilled occupations, allows direct employer sponsorship without the EPS process, has a lower salary floor (minimum wage level, not GNI), and is open to all nationalities. The trade-off: occupational specificity — you must work in one of the designated E-7-3 occupation codes. The full list is maintained by KIS and updated annually.
The following occupation categories are currently eligible for E-7-3 as of early 2026:
Manufacturing & Industry:
Maritime & Shipbuilding:
Food & Agriculture:
This list is updated by KIS — check the latest E-7 occupation codes at hikorea.go.kr before submitting any application, as additions and removals occur throughout the year.
The roots industry (뿌리산업) program deserves special attention. Introduced formally in January 2025, the S740 Roots Industry Skilled Worker classification was created to address chronic labor shortages in Korea's foundational manufacturing processes — the industries that underpin the entire manufacturing supply chain but struggle to attract domestic workers.
Key features of the S740 program:
E-7-3 has a lower salary threshold than professional E-7 categories. The salary must meet or exceed the Korean minimum wage (최저임금) for the contracted hours — there is no GNI-based minimum for E-7-3. However, the contract salary must be stated in the employment contract and verified by immigration. Key employer obligations:
The E-7-3 application process follows the standard E-7 employer-sponsored route:
Yes. E-7-3 work time counts toward the residency accumulation needed for both E-7-4 and F-2-7:
Confirm that your specific employer is registered in the eligible sector (뿌리기업 certification, food processing license, etc.) before accepting a job offer — the employer's registration status is verified by immigration.
For roots industry (S740) applications, ask your employer whether they have already applied for E-7-3 workers before — experienced employers know the documentation requirements and can accelerate the process.
The Transmission Electrician (76231) category has been on a pilot extension — verify current status before applying, as pilot extensions may require re-confirmation.
Aquaculture technicians: confirm your specific aquaculture product is on the current eligible list. Aquaculture of sea cucumber (해삼) is currently excluded from certain pathways.
Criminal background checks from some countries take 6–10 weeks to obtain. Start this process as soon as your employer confirms the E-7-3 application will proceed.
TOPIK is not required for E-7-3 applications, but earning TOPIK Level 2+ significantly improves your long-term F-2-7 K-Point accumulation and should be pursued while working in Korea.
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전문가 찾기Can I switch employers on E-7-3?
Yes, but with restrictions. E-7-3 holders can change employers within the same designated occupation/sector by filing a workplace change notification (근무처 변경신고) with immigration. Moving to a completely different occupation code would require a new E-7-3 application for the new employer and occupation. Unlike E-9 (which heavily restricts employer changes), E-7-3 allows more flexibility within the designated sector. Always notify immigration within the prescribed window — typically within 15 days of the employment change.
Is E-7-3 available to all nationalities?
Yes. Unlike E-9 (which is restricted to citizens of EPS partner countries), E-7-3 is open to all nationalities. This makes it particularly valuable for workers from countries that are not EPS partners but whose nationals work in Korean manufacturing, maritime, or food processing sectors. The application is made through direct employer sponsorship, not through a government-to-government EPS system.
What qualifications do I need for roots industry (S740)?
For S740 Roots Industry Skilled Worker, one of the following typically qualifies: ① Relevant Korean technical certificate (국가기술자격) in welding, machining, casting, forging, heat treatment, or surface treatment ② Graduate of a 뿌리산업양성학과 (roots industry training program) at a designated Korean technical institute ③ Documented work experience of 2+ years in one of the 6 roots industry processes, verified by prior employer certificates. The employer's application must specify which roots industry process applies — mixing process categories in a single application is not permitted.
Can my family join me in Korea on E-7-3?
Yes. E-7-3 holders can sponsor spouse and children on F-3 (companion/dependent) visas, subject to meeting the income and housing requirements. The F-3 application is processed at immigration after you have established your E-7-3 status and can demonstrate stable income and suitable accommodation. F-3 dependents do not have automatic work rights — they must obtain a separate part-time work permit if they wish to work in Korea.