How can an international student change to a work visa (E-7) after graduation?

D-2 students can also change to E-7. But you must meet all the requirements for the job type (education, experience, salary) and the company requirements. Approval is not guaranteed.

Requirements checklist

• Get a job in an allowed occupation — With E-7, you can only work in set occupations (professional, semi-professional, skilled workers, etc.)
• Education and experience for the job type — These differ by job (e.g., a degree or related experience)
• Salary standard — For professionals, the wage requirement announced by the Ministry of Justice (법무부) applies. For semi-professional, general skilled and skilled workers, the minimum wage or higher applies. Some jobs have separate standards
• Whether the company can hire foreigners — In principle, it is allowed within 20% of the number of Korean employees. In principle, domestic-market companies with fewer than 5 Korean employees are not allowed
• Employment recommendation letter — Required depending on the job type. It is waived for universities, public institutions, and manager hires at large companies

Documents (usually prepared like this)

• Basic documents (application form, passport, registration card, fee)
• Employment contract — You must write the total monthly pay (annual salary) and the daily and monthly working hours
• Proof of qualifications — Degree certificate, career certificate, licenses, etc. Documents issued abroad need a translation and an apostille or consular confirmation
• Company documents — Documents on the company's establishment, a letter of invitation reason showing the need to hire, a tax payment certificate (national taxes fully paid), and a local tax payment certificate

Steps

1. Get a confirmed job offer from a company that fits the allowed occupation and requirements.
2. Prepare the documents together with the company (get the employment recommendation first if it is needed).
3. Apply for permission to change status of stay through HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or by visiting the immigration office (출입국) that covers your address. The fee is 100,000 KRW.

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• You must apply before your D-2 period of stay ends. If you apply before it expires, you can stay while waiting for the result.
• Do not work full-time before approval. Part-time work is allowed only within the scope of your part-time work permit.
• If you graduated from Work-Study Study Abroad (D-2-7) as a government-invited scholarship student, the Korean employment ratio does not apply.

If you want to know whether your job is an allowed E-7 occupation, tell me the job title. Check the exact requirements once more with HiKorea or 1345.