Worked 4 Years on an E-9? Here's Your Path to E-7-4 🚀

🧭 What is changing?

The Ministry of Justice (법무부) said it will improve the E-7-4 system. First, it plans to pilot the "Employment Visa Guide" (「취업비자 안내 길잡이」) on HiKorea. You can check the required documents and procedures in advance, and even calculate your points yourself.

To reward people who stay longer, bonus points for long service will be expanded, and the plan also includes shortening the stay period needed later to switch to Residence (F-2). The steps from E-9/E-10 to E-7-4, F-2, and Permanent Residence (F-5) become clearer. The documents needed when extending your stay will also drop from 12 or more types to 7 or fewer. 💡

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E-9 worker

They say documents will be reduced. Does that apply right now?

Kevi

The original text only says documents will be cut from 12 or more types to 7 or fewer. It does not give a specific start date. Please check the original text or 1345 for details.

👤 Who is eligible?

The basic requirement in the Ministry of Justice manual is a registered foreigner who has stayed 4 years or more in the last 10 years under E-9, E-10, or H-2 status. You must have completed alien registration at your current workplace and be working there normally and legally. You may also qualify if you have stayed 3 years or more outside the capital area (excluding Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon) and have a recommendation from a metropolitan local government.

You also need a recommendation from the company where you have worked for 1 year or more. This recommendation is both a required condition and a bonus-point item. Each company has a limit on how many people it can recommend, so it's a good idea to talk to your employer early. 📄

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E-9 worker

If I haven't completed 1 year at my company, can't I apply?

Kevi

The rule is a recommendation from a company where you currently have worked 1 year or more. However, if the company closed or you moved for reasons that were not your fault, such as assault or unpaid wages, the text says your work periods before and after may be combined with objective evidence. Please check with 1345 on whether this applies to you.

💰 How much is the salary requirement?

At your current workplace, you need an annual salary of 2,600만원 or more and must sign an E-7-4 employment contract for at least the next 2 years. For agriculture and livestock, and for fishing and coastal merchant vessels, it is 2,589만원 or more. The total amount paid, including base pay and allowances, is what counts.

So if your monthly pay falls a little short of the standard, check your pay structure with your employer before signing the contract. This standard means the contract must be based on the annual pay you will receive going forward. ✅

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E-9 worker

Can I include allowances?

Kevi

Yes, the original text says the total amount paid, including base pay and allowances, is counted. For details on which allowances are recognized, please check the original text or 1345.

📊 How does the points system work?

The points system has a maximum of 300 points. Your average annual income over the last 2 years and your Korean language ability must each score at least 50 points, and your total must be 200 points or more. For those eligible for the temporary Korean language exemption, you need 50 or more points for income and a total of 150 or more.

Long service, recommendations, and certifications earn bonus points. On the other hand, fines, unpaid taxes, and violations of the Immigration Act lead to deductions. You can calculate your points in advance with HiKorea's self-assessment sheet or the guide. 😮

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E-9 worker

If my Korean score is low, is there no way?

Kevi

You need at least 50 points for Korean language ability. Those eligible for the temporary exemption need 50 or more points for income and a total of 150 or more. Please check the original text or 1345 to see who qualifies for the exemption.

📅 How do I apply?

The rule is to apply online through HiKorea. Your application day is set by the last digit of your birth year. Digits 1 and 6 are Monday, 2 and 7 are Tuesday, 3 and 8 are Wednesday, 4 and 9 are Thursday, and 5 and 0 are Friday.

In-person applications are allowed only as an exception, when the head of the responsible office decides, such as for elderly people, people living in remote areas, or cases with a very large number of documents. If someone else will apply on your behalf, check with 1345 first. 🙂

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E-9 worker

What day does someone born in 1990 apply?

Kevi

The last digit of the birth year is 0, so it's Friday. The manual also gives 1990 births as an example for Friday.

✅ What to do now, step by step

1. 1Check your work period and the last 2 years of income using your pay slips and employment contract.
2. 2Check your Korean test score or whether you have completed a Korean course.
3. 3Calculate your points on HiKorea with the points system self-assessment sheet.
4. 4Ask your company for the recommendation letter, the 4 major social insurance roster, the guarantee letter, and the employment contract.
5. 5Apply for the status change on HiKorea on the day matching the last digit of your birth year.
6. 6Call 1345 if you have any questions.