Attention international students at Korean Colleges! What is the E-7-M (K-CORE) Visa?

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Are you familiar with the newly introduced E-7-M visa this year? Also known as the “K-CORE visa,” this visa is currently being piloted and is designed as a work visa for international students who have acquired Korean language skills and technical training at designated junior colleges in Korea. The pilot program is scheduled to run from January to December 2026. However, it has recently gained renewed attention after the Ministry of Justice officially announced plans for this visa as part of its “2030 Immigration Policy Future Strategy” in March. Today, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the E-7-M (Specialized Skilled Workforce Development Program) visa.

What is the E-7-M Visa?

The E-7-M visa is a work visa granted to international students who have acquired Korean language skills and technical training at designated junior colleges in Korea. It is also known as the “K-CORE (Korea College-to-Regional Employment) visa” and is designed for middle-skilled workers, positioned between highly skilled and non-skilled labor.

The E-7-M visa was introduced to address two key issues: the chronic labor shortage in regional small and medium-sized manufacturing companies, and the limited employment pathways available to international graduates from junior colleges. This is because the existing E-7-1 (Specialty Occupation) visa generally requires at least a bachelor’s degree, making it difficult for associate degree graduates to qualify.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

• Education: Must graduate (or be expected to graduate) from a designated “Specialized Technical Program” at one of the 16 junior colleges selected by the Ministry of Justice

• Korean Proficiency: Upon graduation, must have completed KIIP Level 4 or higher or achieved TOPIK Level 5 or higher
• Employment Contract: Must secure a job related to the major field with a starting annual salary of at least KRW 26 million

Are There Benefits While Enrolled in a Specialized Technical Program?

1. Flexible Academic Transfers
   • Allows transfers between departments or institutions, and status change from language trainees (D-4 visa)
2. Exemption from Financial Requirements (D-2 visa)
   • Normally required:
     • KRW 20 million (Seoul metropolitan area)
     • KRW 16 million (regional universities)
   • These requirements are waived during the pilot program for visa issuance, change, and extension
3. Extended Part-Time Work Hours
   • Current limit: up to 30 hours on weekdays
   • Extended to up to 35 hours on weekdays
4. Simplified Visa Process After Graduation
   • If all requirements are met, applicants can directly obtain the E-7-M visa
5. Pathway to F-2 (Resident Visa)
   • Eligible if:
     • Employed for 5+ years under E-7-M, or
     • Worked for 3+ years at the same company in a depopulation region

Comparison: E-7-1 vs. E-7-M Visa

The key difference is that the E-7-1 visa is designed for general university graduates and can be issued even without a specific major, whereas the E-7-M visa requires graduation from designated colleges and specific programs. Therefore, alignment between one’s major and job role is much more important for the E-7-M visa.

Since the E-7-M visa is currently in a pilot phase, details such as long-term residency options and specific criteria after the program ends are not yet fully defined. However, the Korean government is actively working to address regional labor shortages and create a system that helps international students settle as key members of local communities. If you are an international student looking to build a stable future in Korea, it is highly recommended to stay updated on future developments of this visa.

If you have any questions about working or visas in Korea, feel free to reach out anytime. ☺️