How to Apply for an E-7 Visa (Employer Sponsorship)
How to apply for an E-7 visa step by step: securing a qualifying offer, employer sponsorship, documents, filing, and changing status from inside Korea.
Applying for an E-7 visa is a team effort between you and a sponsoring employer. This guide walks the process end to end — from securing a qualifying offer to filing, including how to change status from inside Korea.
If you have an offer in hand, you can ask a consultant to run the process.
Before you start
Make sure the fundamentals are in place:
- a qualifying job offer from a Korean employer,
- a role that maps to an approved occupation code, and
- credentials and salary that fit that code.
If any of these is shaky, fix it before filing — see our guide on E-7 requirements.
Step by step
- Secure the offer and confirm the occupation code with your employer.
- Prepare documents on both sides:
- You: passport & photo, degree + transcripts, experience certificates, application form.
- Employer: employment contract, business registration, documents proving the role and need.
- Legalize foreign documents (apostille/consular) early.
- File — apply at the embassy abroad, or change status at an immigration office if you're already in Korea (e.g., from D-10 or D-2).
- Respond quickly to any request for additional evidence.
- Receive the E-7, then get your Alien Registration Card (ARC) after arrival/approval.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Filing before confirming the occupation code fit.
- A salary below the current guideline.
- Missing or un-legalized academic documents.
- Letting your current status lapse during a change of status.
How Langle can help
Langle's consultants coordinate the employer and applicant documents, confirm the code/salary fit, and time the change of status so you don't fall out of status. Start free on our visa consulting page.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change; verify on HiKorea or with a consultant before applying.
Frequently asked questions
- Who applies for the E-7 — me or my employer?
- Both play a part. The employer sponsors and provides company documents (and often initiates part of the filing in Korea); you provide your personal and credential documents.
- Can I apply for the E-7 inside Korea?
- Yes. If you're already on another status (like D-10 or D-2), you can often change to an E-7 at an immigration office once you have a qualifying offer.
- How long does the E-7 take?
- It varies by case and office. Build in time for document preparation on both sides and for any requests for additional evidence.
- What if my occupation isn't clearly on the list?
- Get the role assessed first. Sometimes it can be matched to a code with the right framing and evidence; sometimes another visa is a better fit.
- Do I need my degree apostilled?
- Often yes. Foreign academic documents commonly need apostille or consular legalization — start this early as it can take time.