When can I apply to extend my E-7-4 skilled worker stay, and what documents do I need?

For an E-7-4 extension, apply from 4 months before your stay period ends until the end date. If you apply before it ends, you can stay while you wait, even if the result comes late.

Just prepare these documents

The basic documents (application form, passport, registration card, fee) are needed for every application. You also need the documents below.

Your documents

• Standard employment contract (표준근로계약서): submit it as an E-7-4 contract
• Certificate of income amount (소득금액증명원): get it at the tax office. It shows your average income over the last 2 years
• Proof of Korean language ability: submit it only for your first extension after getting a Korean language requirement deferral

Employer documents

• List of workplace subscribers to the 4 major social insurances (4대보험 사업장 가입자 명부): for construction, submit proof of the construction contract amount (such as a construction capacity ranking certificate). For agriculture, the agricultural business registration can be used instead
• Employer recommendation letter and a copy of the recommender's ID: there is a set form for the employer recommendation letter
• Identity guarantee letter (신원보증서): the employer is the identity guarantor

If you prove your Korean with TOPIK, submit the score report. If you prove it by completing the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (사회통합프로그램) or its pre-assessment, you do not need to submit the completion certificate or the score report.

Steps to apply

1. Start preparing your documents 4 months before your stay ends. Get the certificate of income amount at the tax office.
2. Apply on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or at your local immigration office.
3. Pay the extension fee of 60,000 KRW. Online, you can pay by card, bank transfer, or mobile phone payment. For a visit, you usually pay with revenue stamps.

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• The Korean language requirement deferral lasts until 2026.12.31. If you do not meet the Korean requirement within 2 years after getting the deferral, you cannot invite your family. For the next extension, you will get a stay period of only 6 months. If you still do not meet it within those 6 months, you cannot extend further and your stay permit may be canceled.
• If you have unpaid health insurance premiums, your extension period may be shortened to 6 months or less. Pay in advance and keep the receipt.
• The Ministry of Justice is working to improve the system and greatly reduce the documents for extensions. Before you apply, check the latest document list in the HiKorea notices once more.

For the exact documents, please make a final check on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or at the Immigration Contact Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).