System software developer (occupation code 2222) is a representative IT occupation that can issue an E-7 (Professional) visa for foreign professionals. In particular, OS development, firmware, embedded system, and kernel development are classified as advanced technical positions, and D-10 (Job Seeking) residents can also change to E-7 if they meet the legal requirements.
In this article, we will organize the range of jobs available for employment, key permit requirements, procedures for changing residency status, and even cases of frequent rejection in practice.
Operating system (OS) design and kernel development
Firmware and embedded system programming
Device driver development
Real-time operating system (RTOS) development
System performance optimization and low-level code design
Hardware-Software Interface Design
✔ Simple web publishing and maintainable simple coding work may not be recognized as an E-7 professional occupation.
division | Judging Items | Checklist |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's degree or higher in related major | Requires matching major such as computer engineering, electronic engineering, etc. |
| personal history | Educational qualifications can be substituted | If major does not match, prove with experience |
| Job suitability | Match major/experience with work | Specific technologies such as kernel/firmware specified |
| wage requirements | Meets notification standards | Above a certain percentage of GNI |
| corporate requirements | Demonstrate need for employment | Reasons for not being able to replace Korean nationals |
| Employment type | Full-time principle | Clear subscription structure for the 4 major insurance policies |
※ The key to wages is not simply the amount of annual salary, but whether the ratio to GNI is met.
step | main procedures | key checkpoints |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Conclusion of employment contract | Job description clearly stated as ‘System SW Development’ |
| Step 2 | Preparation of employment company documents | Business registration, tax payment, and 4 major insurance data |
| Step 3 | Proof of qualifications | Translation and notarization of degrees and career certificates |
| Step 4 | Application for immigration | Application required within the period of stay |
| Step 5 | Screening response | Preparation of detailed job technical data |
If you include specific skills such as “Firmware architecture design” and “Kernel module development” in English in your job description, your persuasiveness will increase.
When the job is at simple maintenance level
→ Approval is only possible if it is proven to be an advanced system design task.
Mismatch in major + lack of experience
→ Project performance history and technical contribution must be proven for approval.
Wage is below standard
→ Approval is possible only after proving that the standards are met compared to GNI.
Lack of need for companies to hire foreigners
→ Approval is possible only after concrete proof of non-substitutability of domestic workers.
System software developer (2222) is an occupation with a high possibility of E-7 (Professional) approval. However, the key is to structure and prove through documentation that you are an ‘advanced system technician’ rather than a simple developer.
D-10 (Job Seeking) residents must complete the employment contract and requirements within the period of stay, and must simultaneously meet the three elements of wage, job, and company requirements.
If you need to establish an accurate strategy, we recommend consulting with WorkOn VisaHub experts.
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