Development-Track Technical Personnel E-7-M (K-CORE)

It is a new category of the Specific Activities (E-7) visa for international students who have learned Korean and technical skills at a Korean junior college and take jobs with regional manufacturers. K-CORE stands for 'K-College to Regional Employment', and M refers to the middle-skill level between professional and non-professional workers. The Ministry of Justice states that the visa was created in March 2026.

Only graduates, or expected graduates, of the 'development-track technical departments' designated by the Ministry of Justice in February 2026 at 16 junior colleges (one department per college) are eligible. These are manufacturing-related departments such as mechanical, automotive, electrical, textile, and agri-food; other departments at the same college and graduates of other junior colleges are not covered.

At admission, one of the following is required: TOPIK Level 3 or higher, completion of Social Integration Program Level 3 (or a pre-assessment score of 61 or higher), or King Sejong Institute Intermediate 1 or higher. To obtain E-7-M after graduation, the student must complete Social Integration Program Level 4 or higher; TOPIK Level 5 is also accepted.

When all three conditions are met — graduation from a designated department, the Korean-language requirement, and a contract with a major-related employer at a starting annual salary of KRW 26 million or more for at least one year — the E-7 'employment necessity' requirement is deemed satisfied. Companies that hire these graduates also receive relief from the 20% quota on foreign employees relative to Korean employees. In the final semester, students may intern at a major-related company with prior permission from the head of the immigration office.

Holders who work continuously on E-7-M for five years or more, or who work for the same company in a depopulation area for three years or more, may apply for residence (F-2) status.

No. The scheme is currently a pilot that runs until December 31, 2027, and the Ministry of Justice will decide on an extension or full adoption after a performance review before the period ends. The salary threshold may also be adjusted, so the latest notices should be checked at the time of admission and hiring.