E-7 Visa Requirements for Skilled Workers (Filipino Guide, 2025)
E-7 Visa Requirements for Skilled Workers (Filipino Guide, 2025)
Looking to work full-time in Korea? The E-7 visa is one of the best long-term work options for Filipinos.
This 2025 guide explains everything you need to prepare as a skilled worker.
This 2025 guide explains everything you need to prepare as a skilled worker.
1. What is the E-7 Visa?
The E-7 visa is a long-term work visa in Korea, officially titled “Special Activity Visa.” It is designed for foreigners with specific skills or professional experience in fields where Korean labor supply is limited. Common E-7 fields include: - IT & Engineering - Culinary arts (Filipino chefs are in demand!) - Manufacturing / Skilled trade - Education / Childcare - Hotel, tourism, and service industry With this visa, you can: - Work full-time in Korea - Stay 1–2 years (renewable) - Bring family (after conditions met) - Transition later to F-2 (residence) or F-5 (permanent)2. Who Can Apply (Eligibility for Filipinos)
To apply for an E-7 visa, you must meet the following: ✅ **Education** - A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a field related to your job - College diploma accepted for some skilled categories (e.g. cooking, mechanics) ✅ **Experience** - At least 1–2 years of professional work experience in your field - More experience = better chance of approval ✅ **Job Offer** - A job contract from a Korean company - The employer must be eligible to hire foreign workers ✅ **Other helpful points** - Certificate of skill or training (TESDA, NC II, etc.) - TOPIK certificate (optional, but adds visa points)3. Required Documents
From the Applicant: - Valid passport - Visa application form - Resume / CV - Diploma and transcript (with notarized English or Korean translation) - Certificate of career/employment history - Skill certificate (optional) - ID photo - Proof of no criminal record (sometimes required) From the Employer: - Employment contract - Company registration documents - Letter of guarantee - Business license and tax documents4. Application Process
Step 1: Get a job offer from a Korean company willing to sponsor you. Step 2: Collect all your personal and employer documents. Step 3: Submit application to the Korean Embassy (in the Philippines) or Korea Immigration Service (if changing visa). Step 4: Wait 1–4 weeks for processing. π‘ Tip: Apply 2–3 months before your intended start date.5. Job Fields Allowed Under E-7
The Ministry of Justice defines specific job codes for E-7. Some examples include: | Job Field | Example Positions | |------------------------|-------------------------------------| | IT | Developer, Programmer, QA Tester | | Culinary | Chef, Baker, Specialty Cook | | Engineering | Mechanical, Electrical, Civil | | Education | Daycare teacher, English instructor| | Manufacturing | Welding, Machinery, Electronics | | Design & Media | Graphic Designer, Animator | Check the updated E-7 job list via the Korean immigration website.6. Salary and Working Conditions
- Most E-7 jobs offer a monthly salary of ₩2.5M–₩4M - Full-time hours: 40–48 hrs/week - Contracts often include housing or allowance - Some include airfare, bonuses, and paid vacation ---7. Common Reasons for Rejection
❌ Job not related to degree or experience ❌ No proof of employment history ❌ Fake or poorly translated documents ❌ Company has no quota to sponsor foreign workers Always prepare original and translated versions. Be honest and accurate.8. Can You Bring Your Family?
Yes, but not immediately. - After working in Korea for a certain period (usually 1–2 years), you may apply to bring your spouse and children under a **F-3 Dependent Visa** - Must meet salary and housing conditions9. What's Next After E-7?
✅ After a few years on an E-7 visa, you may become eligible to apply for: - **F-2 (Residency Visa)** – based on points system - **F-5 (Permanent Residency)** – after 5+ years in Korea with clean record and stable income These visas give you more freedom and stability in Korea. ---10. Final Tips
If you're a skilled Filipino worker dreaming of working in Korea, the E-7 visa is your ticket.
Prepare your documents carefully, choose a real job match, and apply through a trusted agency or employer.
