I am currently in Korea on a D-4 student visa but I got a job offer?
I am currently in Korea on a D-4 student visa but I got a job offer. Can I change my visa to an E-7 work visa without leaving the country? How does the process work?
Note: This is an editorial persona question created from common experiences of foreign residents in Korea.
1 Answer
Yes, you can usually change from D-4 to E-7 without leaving Korea, applying for the status change at immigration. The catch is you must meet the E-7 requirements: a job in an eligible skilled occupation, an employer willing to sponsor, and the education or experience the role requires (often a relevant degree or several years of experience). You file at immigration (book on HiKorea) with the employment contract, company documents, your credentials, and the fee, and you should not start working until the change is approved. Processing takes a few weeks, so coordinate timing with your employer, and confirm your specific occupation qualifies via 1345.