What is the E-7M (K-CORE) Visa? | Regional Employment-Linked Study Program in Korea

What is the K-CORE (E-7-M) Visa?

K-CORE stands for K-College to Regional Employment. It is a new E-7-M work visa available to international students who graduate from designated Korean junior colleges and meet specific eligibility requirements.

The program was introduced to address labor shortages in regional industries, including manufacturing, while helping international students build long-term careers and settle in Korea.

Key Benefits

1. Exemption from Financial Proof for Admission

Students admitted to designated K-CORE specialized technical departments who hold TOPIK Level 3 or higher are exempt from the financial proof requirement normally required for a D-2 student visa.

Previous Financial Requirements

Seoul Metropolitan Area Universities: KRW 20 million

Regional Universities: KRW 16 million

This exemption significantly reduces the initial financial burden of studying in Korea.

2. Extended Part-Time Work Hours

International students are allowed to work more hours while studying.

Previous: 30 hours per week

New: 35 hours per week

This allows students to earn more income while continuing their studies.

3. Eligibility to Apply for the E-7-M Work Visa After Graduation

Students who graduate from a designated K-CORE specialized technical department may apply for the K-CORE (E-7-M) Visa if they meet the following requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Graduate from a designated K-CORE specialized technical department

Complete Level 4 of the Korea Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP) or demonstrate equivalent Korean proficiency (TOPIK Level 5 accepted)

Sign an employment contract with a company related to their major

Starting annual salary of at least KRW 26 million

4. Opportunity to Apply for the F-2 Long-Term Residence Visa

After obtaining an E-7-M Visa, applicants may become eligible to apply for an F-2 Residence Visa if they meet one of the following conditions.

Work continuously for 5 years or more under the E-7-M Visa

Work for 3 years or more at the same company in a designated depopulation area

This provides greater opportunities for long-term residence in Korea.

What is a K-CORE Specialized Technical Department?

A K-CORE specialized technical department is a designated program at selected Korean junior colleges approved by the Ministry of Justice. These programs combine Korean language education with specialized technical training and are designed to connect graduates with employment opportunities in regional industries.

Pilot Participating Colleges

The following junior colleges have been selected for the K-CORE pilot program.

Geoje University

Gyeonggi College of Science and Technology

Kyungnam College of Information & Technology

Kyungbok University

Gumi University

Kunjang University

Daelim University

Dong-Eui Institute of Technology

Mokpo Science University

Busan Institute of Science and Technology

Bucheon University

Seoul Institute of the Arts

Seojeong University

Yeungjin University

Osan University

Yong-In Arts & Science University

Ulsan College

Inha Technical College

Vision College of Jeonju

Korea University of Media Arts

Hanyang Women's University

Hosan University

※ Only the departments officially designated as K-CORE specialized technical departments by the Ministry of Justice are eligible.

Who Should Apply?

This program is recommended for students who:

Want to study and work in Korea

Are interested in manufacturing or technical careers

Want to study in Korea without the financial proof requirement

Plan to build a long-term career and settle in Korea after graduation

INBAEM Support

INBAEM provides comprehensive support for the K-CORE (E-7-M) Program, including university guidance, admission consulting, document preparation, and visa assistance.

※ This information is based on official announcements from the Korean Ministry of Justice. Program details, eligibility requirements, and government policies may change. Please consult INBAEM for the latest information before applying.