Visa Type | Non-Professional Employment (Simple Labor) | Skilled Employment (Overseas Invitation) | Skilled Employment (In-Country Conversion) |
Eligible Applicants | Workers from EPS-participating countries (EPS-TOPIK passers, manufacturing & root industries, etc.) | Overseas university graduates with relevant major & experience | International students in Korea (D-2), job seekers after graduation (D-10), and job-seeking graduates |
Education & Experience | No education or experience required (EPS-TOPIK only) | Relevant major + 3+ years experience or related degree | Bachelor’s degree or higher in related major, limited experience required |
Salary | Minimum wage level (KRW 2.1M+) | KRW 2.4M+ per month (varies by occupation) | KRW 2.4M+ per month (based on major & experience) |
Hiring Procedure | Government-to-government allocation via Employment Center (approx. 4 months) | Employer invitation → Immigration review | Employer hires first → In-country status change application |
Processing Time | Approx. 4–6 months | Varies by immigration review (3–30 weeks) | Approx. 3–5 weeks |
Quota System / TO | Industry- and country-based quotas | Occupation-based quota (Korean employee ratio required) | Occupation-based quota (Korean employee ratio required) |
Stay Period | 3 years + 1 year 10 months (max 4 years 10 months) | 1 year + extensions in 2-year units (PR possible after 5 years) | Same as overseas type |
Family Invitation(F-3) | Not allowed | Allowed (adult family members may work in simple jobs) | Allowed (adult family members may work in simple jobs) |
Permanent Residency (F-2/F-5) | Limited (E-7-4 conversion required) | Eligible after 5 years | Same |
Employer Cost (Administrative) | Low (training fee approx. KRW 380K / partial sending-country support) | Medium (visa fee + agency fee approx. KRW 500K–800K) | KRW 150K per month × 12 months (not paid if employee resigns) |
Language & Adaptation Level | Low (training required after entry) | Medium (Korean language training needed) | High (graduates of Korean colleges/universities) |
Job Change Restriction | Limited (up to 3 changes allowed) | Immigration approval required for employer change | Practically transferable |
Employer Advantages | Lower labor cost / simple process / easy to fill simple labor positions | Secure skilled workers / long-term employment / family accompaniment | Immediate interview & hiring / strong Korean skills / simple process |
Employer Disadvantages | Random assignment / frequent turnover / low skill level / language barriers | TO limits / complex qualification review / strict documentation / initial admin cost | TO limits / not eligible if major mismatch |
Worker Advantages | Clear procedure / stable work period / sending-country government support | Professional recognition / family accompaniment / PR pathway | Can use major & degree / easier settlement / fast employment |
Worker Disadvantages | Occupation Restrictions / Poor Working Conditions / Low Wages / Low Job Skill Level / Mandatory Departure After 4 Years and 10 Months | Strict Visa Screening / University Major Relevance Requirement / Initial Cost Burden | Application Rejection if Major & Company Industry Do Not Match / Mismatch Between Foreign Workers’ Expectations and the Reality of Working in Korea |
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