What can and can't I do with an E-7-4 (Skilled Worker) status?

E-7-4 is a status of stay that lets you work only at an approved company, in an approved skilled-trade occupation. If you want to do any other work, you must get permission first.

What you can do

• You can work in the approved skilled-trade occupation at the company where you signed an employment contract¹
• You can receive a stay period of up to 3 years at a time¹
• If you meet the requirements, you can get Permission for Activities Not Covered by Status of Sojourn (체류자격외 활동허가) and do technical guidance (E-4) or professional (E-5) work³
• If you meet the requirements, you may be able to invite your family to accompany you (F-3). However, you need to check the conditions separately.

What you can't do

• Do not change companies or work extra somewhere else without permission. Skilled workers cannot use the system of just reporting a workplace change afterward (post-report system, 사후 신고제). So you must get permission in advance¹
• Do not do work in other occupations that were not approved, and do not do part-time or side jobs. These are seen as work outside your status of stay.
• You also cannot be hired under conditions lower than the wage standard. The 2026 standard is at least 26,000,000 won per year. If your pay is lower than this, inviting or hiring you is generally restricted²

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• For skilled workers, the review is stricter when you extend your stay or change your status¹
• When you apply for an extension or a workplace change, you must submit your contract and the previous year's Certificate of Income Amount (소득금액증명) from the tax office²
• Working without permission is a violation of the Immigration Act (출입국관리법). You may receive a fine (administrative) or a criminal fine, and you may be ordered to leave Korea. If this has already happened to you, get a consultation with the K-VISA AI Administrative Agent (K-VISA AI 행정사) (Visa Service in the app).
• Permission is decided by individual review. For final confirmation, check HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Foreigner Information Center (외국인종합안내센터) (1345).