E-7-4 Visa: How Many Points Do You Need? 8 Common Questions

Common questions

Q. How many points do I need to change my visa? A. 200 points or more. However, until December 31, 2026, you can apply if you meet the requirements other than Korean language and have 150 points or more without counting Korean language. In this case, you must meet the Korean language requirement by your first extension of stay. If the yearly quota is full, applications are not accepted, even before December 31. Please see E-7-4 requirements and point system.

Q. I changed companies. Do I have to work another 1 year at the new company? A. In principle, yes. However, if you show with documents that you moved for a reason that was not your fault, such as a temporary shutdown, company closure, verbal abuse, violence or unpaid wages, your time at the previous company is added. Please see E-7-4 after changing companies.

Q. If I change companies, do the 4 years start again? A. No. The 4 years is your period of stay, and all time within the last 10 years is added together.

Q. My boss will not give me a recommendation. A. The recommendation from your employer is required. The boss's refusal alone is unlikely to count as a reason for changing workplace. If you want to move, first ask for advice at 고용센터 (Job Center, the government employment office) or call 1577-0071. Other options are in If your boss refuses to recommend you.

Q. If my income is too low, can I not apply? A. You need at least 50 points for income. Please check your income points in the point table in the official notice. A calculator is at E-7-4 point calculator. The regional E-7-4R uses the same point system, so it also needs at least 50 points for income. You cannot change directly from E-9 or E-10 to F-2-R. For details, please see F-2-R and E-7-4R.

Q. My period of stay ends soon. Can I change companies now and change my visa? A. If your period of stay ends before you complete 1 year at the new company, it may be difficult to apply this time. While you are looking for a new company, you cannot apply for the regular E-7-4. To change companies, you need one of the set reasons, and 고용센터 makes the decision. In principle, you must apply for a workplace change within 1 month from the day your contract ended, at the 고용센터 in charge of the address of the workplace where you worked. You must also get 근무처 변경허가 (permission to change workplace) within 3 months from the application date. If you miss these deadlines, you become subject to leaving Korea. If you could not do this because of a work-related accident, illness, pregnancy or childbirth, the time counts from the day that reason ended. The fee for 근무처 변경허가 is 12만 원 (120,000 won), and you start work after the permission is given. Add this time for changing companies to the 1 year at the new company. Then calculate whether you can apply for E-7-4 before your period of stay ends. The regional E-7-4R is different. If you stayed on E-9, E-10 or H-2 for 2 years or more in the last 10 years and apply by moving to a company in 인구감소지역 (a population decline area), the 1-year limit does not apply. You need a recommendation from 시·도지사 (the mayor or provincial governor) and a recommendation from the company you are moving to. Please first check with 1345 or 시·도청 (the city or provincial government office) whether recruitment is open and what the order of steps is. Please see When your 4 years and 10 months end.

Q. A company or person says they will get me an E-7-4. A. Be careful. A recommendation letter cannot be bought with money. With a recommendation given for money, the person who recommended, the company and you can all face penalties, and you can receive criminal punishment. Do not work at another company without permission just because you trust a promise. If someone asks for money, ask 1345 before you pay.

Q. Can I go from E-7 to F-2? A. If you stay on E-7-4R for 3 years or more, there is a way to change to F-2-R in 인구감소지역. You separately need a recommendation letter from 시·도지사, plus requirements for a degree or income, and for Korean language. Please see F-2-R and E-7-4R. We could not confirm other routes from regular E-7-4 to F-2 here. Please ask 1345 about your own stay history.

Where to get help

• 외국인종합안내센터 (Immigration Contact Center) 1345 (Nepali: Monday to Friday, 09:00-18:00)
• 외국인력상담센터 (Foreign Workforce Counseling Center) 1577-0071 (Nepali available, 365 days, 09:00-18:00. On Saturdays and public holidays, only duty staff work, so there may be no Nepali counselor)
• 고용노동부 (Ministry of Employment and Labor) customer counseling 1350 (Korean, weekdays 09:00-18:00)