E-9 to E-7-4: How to Stay Long-Term in Korea (2026)
- What: a skilled-worker visa that lets long-serving E-9/E-10/H-2 workers stay long-term.
- How: a points system — income, experience, Korean ability, age, qualifications.
- When: after several years of qualifying work — you must apply before the 4 years 10 months E-9 maximum-stay deadline (a minimum of about 4 years of qualifying work).
- Why it matters: it allows family and opens the road to F-2 and F-5 (permanent).
- Selection is competitive and quota-limited; meeting the minimum does not guarantee approval.
What is E-7-4?
E-7-4 (“Skilled Worker”) is the visa that turns temporary EPS work into a long-term future. It lets workers who have spent years on E-9 (or E-10 seafaring, or H-2) upgrade to a skilled-worker status that allows family reunion and leads toward permanent residence. For most EPS workers, E-7-4 is the goal.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Currently on E-9, E-10 or H-2 with enough qualifying work time in Korea — E-9 workers must apply before the 4 years 10 months maximum-stay deadline (roughly 4+ years of qualifying work).
- Meet a minimum annual income threshold.
- Score enough points overall (see below).
- No serious legal/immigration violations.
- Often, a minimum Korean-language level or an exemption.
The points system explained
E-7-4 is decided on points, not a single rule. Points typically come from:
| Factor | Why it counts |
|---|---|
| Annual income | Higher, stable income scores strongly |
| Work experience in Korea | Years and skill level in your sector |
| Korean-language ability | TOPIK or a social-integration (KIIP) level |
| Age | Younger applicants often score higher |
| Qualifications / licences | Technical certificates add points |
| Assets / savings | Financial stability can add points |
The exact table and pass mark are set by immigration and are reviewed regularly — use the numbers below as a model, and confirm the live threshold on HiKorea.
A worked points example
Illustrative only. Suppose the pass mark is 200 out of 300 points (with minimum sub-scores required for income and Korean ability) and the mix looks like this:
- Income (stable, above threshold): strong score
- 4y10m manufacturing experience: strong score
- TOPIK level 3 or KIIP: medium-high score
- Age 30: medium score
- A technical licence: bonus
Add them and you clear the mark. Remove the Korean-language points, and many applicants fall short — which is why learning Korean is the single best investment for E-7-4. (Real thresholds and weights change; verify each year.)
Sector caps and quota
E-7-4 is quota-limited and split by sector. Even if you have the points, selection is competitive because the number of slots is capped and reviewed annually. Manufacturing, agriculture, fishing and shipbuilding are common qualifying sectors. Check the current-year quota before you assume a slot is available.
Korean-language requirement
Korean ability is usually required (a minimum TOPIK level or a KIIP social-integration stage), with limited exemptions for very high income or special cases. Practically, reaching TOPIK level 3 or completing KIIP dramatically improves your points and your daily life. Start early — language points are the hardest to earn at the last minute.
How to apply, step by step
- Track your qualifying time and keep every payslip and contract.
- Raise your income and Korean level in the years before you apply.
- Confirm the current points table and quota on HiKorea.
- Gather documents (income proof, tax records, TOPIK/KIIP, employment history, licences).
- Apply at immigration during an open window for your sector.
- If approved, your status changes to E-7-4 — family reunion and the F-2 path open up.
After E-7-4: F-2 and F-5
E-7-4 is not the end. After holding it and meeting residence, income and language conditions, you can move to F-2 (long-term residence) and eventually F-5 (permanent residence). This is how a worker who arrived on E-9 becomes a permanent resident — step by step, over years, with documentation.
What changed in 2026?
E-7-4 quotas and point thresholds are reviewed regularly and have generally widened to retain skilled workers, but the bar can move in either direction. The 2026 minimum wage (10,320 KRW/hour) affects the income you can show. None of the 2026 ethnic-Korean visa changes (H-2 → F-4) alter the E-9 → E-7-4 route. Confirm this year’s numbers on HiKorea.
FAQ
How long on E-9 before E-7-4?
You need several years of qualifying work and must apply before the 4-year-10-month E-9 maximum stay; points commonly need 200 of 300. Confirm the current rule.
Do I need Korean?
Usually yes — a minimum TOPIK/KIIP level, with limited exemptions. It is also the easiest way to gain points.
Does E-7-4 allow family?
Yes — this is one of its biggest advantages over E-9.
Is meeting the points enough?
No. It is quota-limited and competitive, so aim well above the minimum.
Which sectors qualify?
Manufacturing, agriculture, fishing, shipbuilding and others — check the current list.
Can I go straight to F-5?
Not usually. The realistic path is E-7-4 → F-2 → F-5.
What documents matter most?
Income/tax proof, Korean-language certificate, and a clean employment history.
Does income really matter that much?
Yes — stable, higher income is one of the strongest point sources.
What if I miss the quota this year?
You can apply again; use the time to raise income and Korean.
Where are the official rules?
HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) and the 1345 hotline.
Official sources
Related guides: E-9 / EPS hub · EPS-TOPIK · How to apply · Visa comparison · E-9 → E-7-4 · Wages & living · Find a job.
Official sources: EPS / HRD Korea, HiKorea, Ministry of Employment and Labor, National Pension, National Health Insurance. Information current as of 2026 and subject to change — verify before you act. After arriving in Korea, find jobs in English on 114114AI.