When and with what documents do I apply to extend my E-7 specific activity stay period?

You apply to extend your E-7 stay from 4 months before your stay period ends until the expiration date. If you apply before it expires, you can stay while you wait, even if the result comes late.

Just prepare these documents

• Basic documents (application form, passport, registration card, fee)
• Employment contract: it confirms your current working conditions
• Proof of personal income (required): either a certificate of income amount (소득금액증명원) issued by the tax office, or a withholding record of earned income (근로소득원천징수부) issued by your employer
• Copy of the business registration certificate (사업자등록증) or the corporate registry certificate (법인등기부등본): to confirm your employer
• Original letter of identity guarantee (신원보증서): only for the jobs below

The jobs that need a letter of identity guarantee are:

• Mechanical engineering technician, draftsperson, overseas online product seller among overseas sales staff
• Designer, sales office worker, head chef and cook, customer service office worker
• Hotel reception clerk, medical coordinator, Western-food technician, shipbuilding welder
• Workers under the skilled worker points system (skilled workers in root industries, skilled workers in agriculture, forestry, livestock and fishery, skilled workers in general manufacturing and construction)

Steps to apply

1. Prepare the application form (Attached Form No. 34) on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr).
2. Gather the documents above. Get the certificate of income amount at the tax office.
3. Before the expiration date, visit the immigration office (출입국·외국인청, office or branch) for your address. For tasks that allow it, you can apply online on HiKorea.
4. The fee for a stay period extension is 60,000 KRW. For a visit, you usually pay with a revenue stamp or by card on site.

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• If your job has changed, first check with immigration whether you need permission before you start the new job. With an E-7, you can only work within the job you were permitted to do.
• If you have unpaid health insurance premiums, your permitted period may be shortened to 6 months or less. Pay in advance and keep the receipt.
• You may be asked for extra documents depending on your job. Skilled workers (E-7-4) have separate guidelines.

Check the exact documents once more on HiKorea or by calling 1345.