Complete Guide to E-7-Y Visa | Comprehensive summary of conditions and benefits

The E-7-Y visa is a work visa that helps foreign youth who grew up in Korea become employed and independent without going to college. Application requirements, targets, benefits, and even the possibility of F-2-R conversion are summarized at a glance.

What is an E-7-Y visa?

The E-7-Y visa is a work visa exclusively for domestic workers designed to allow foreign youth who have grown up in Korea for a long period of time to legally work and become independent even if they do not go to college.
The key feature is that qualifications are recognized based on stay history and degree of adaptation to the country, breaking away from the existing work visa system centered on education and experience.

Background and purpose of introduction

• Securing a path to society for foreign youth who have lived and received education in Korea since childhood

• Even if it is difficult to enter college, legal employment and stable stay are guaranteed.

• Policy alternatives to the problem of youth manpower shortage and regional population decline

Scope of employment

• Employment is possible in all industries except those that are against social order.

• A wide range of employment is permitted, from simple labor to service, manufacturing, and field jobs.

• No specific major, degree, or experience requirements required

Requirements for application

You must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Ages 18 to 24 as of application date

2. Residence in the country for more than 7 years before the age of 18

3. DomesticElementary, middle, and high school graduates or equivalent educational background
   (including GED)

4. Some students who have not completed the course
   → Can be replaced by completing level 5 of the Social Integration Program (KIIP)

Summary of key benefits

• You can change your status of residence to a work visa (E-7-Y) without going to college.

• Without asking about education or experience requirementsDomestic employment permitted

• Even when unemployed
  → D-10 (job seeking) visa can stay for up to 3 years

• In areas with declining population

  • As an E-7-Y or D-10When living for more than 4 years

  • Regionally specialized talent (F-2-R) visa can be converted

• pastChildren with a history of illegal residence
  → You can apply for E-7-Y after obtaining legal residency status.

Application method and procedure

• Applicable only by applying for a change in domestic residence status (no new applications from overseas)

• Main documents to be submitted

  • employment contract

  • passport

  • Educational background and proof of residence in the country

  • Other immigration requirements

※ Detailed documents may vary depending on the individual’s residence history and employment type.

Why the E-7-Y Visa is Important

The E-7-Y visa is not just a work visa,
This is a system designed to help foreign youth who have grown up in Korea settle down as members of Korean society without ‘anxiety about their stay.’
It is especially meaningful in that it is the starting point for a mid- to long-term stay path that may lead to **F-2-R → F-5 (permanent residency)** in the future.

WorkOn Visa Hub Information

At WorkOn Visa Hub
Information on D-10, F-2-R, and E-7 series visas, including E-7-Y visas.Organized according to policy standardsdo,
Depending on personal circumstancesInformational content that helps understand the path to stay and employmentprovides.