From 2026 the E-7 (Specific Activities) visa changes in four places at once: the salary floor, the points system, the length of stay, and which jobs qualify. If you hold an E-7 or are preparing to change to one, these are the four to check.
1. The salary floor rises
From 80% of the previous year's GNI to 100%. Holders of a master's degree or above are assessed at 90%. If your contract salary sits near the line, this is the first thing to check before a renewal or a job change.
2. The points system is revised
- Korean language (TOPIK) bonus widened — TOPIK level 4 and above goes from 20 to 25 points
- 10 extra points for a degree earned in Korea
3. Stay periods get longer
- First grant moves from one year to two
- Extensions of up to three years become possible
4. More occupations qualify
- Additional roles open in IT, bio and semiconductors
- A separate assessment track for people joining startups
Applying
Applications go through HiKorea online, and processing takes roughly 30 to 45 days. If your current stay is close to expiring, count that window backwards from the expiry date.
What to check now
- Whether your contract salary clears the floor — the GNI figure changes yearly, so check it for the year you apply
- Whether your TOPIK level and your degree are counted in the points
- The date 45 days before your current permission ends
The figures above summarise the announced changes. The rules that decide your case are the ones in force on the day you apply, so confirm them on HiKorea before you submit.