HiKorea (Korea's official immigration portal)

HiKorea is South Korea's official immigration portal, run by the Ministry of Justice's immigration service. It is where foreigners read visa and stay guides, submit e-applications, book visits to immigration offices and use the Visa Navigator, a customised stay guide. Parts of it are in English; some detailed manuals are only in Korean.

Who it is for

A CS graduate or developer from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria or elsewhere who is considering a job in South Korea, or who already has an offer and wants to understand the visa side.

E-7 in general terms

Most foreign professionals in Korea work on an E-7 status, often called "specially designated activities" or "Foreign National of Special Ability". The immigration service's own Visa Navigator describes E-7 as for people with a contract with a public or private organisation in Korea whose work is specially designated by the Minister of Justice.

We could not fetch an official English page with the full E-7 conditions, so we are deliberately keeping this general. The detailed rules (which occupations qualify, and the education, experience and salary conditions for each) are set out in the immigration service's manuals and change from time to time. Check them on HiKorea, or call the helpline, before you rely on anything you read elsewhere.

How it usually works

HiKorea's visa issuance page explains that you normally apply for a visa at a Korean embassy or consulate. In some cases, a Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance is first obtained from an immigration office in Korea, typically by the inviting employer, and you then submit it with your visa application abroad.

How to use the portal

• Start with the Visa Navigator to see which status fits your situation.
• Read the stay guide for what you can and cannot do on each status.
• Use the immigration contact centre on 1345 (Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 22:00, excluding public holidays, call charges apply) if something is unclear.
• Once in Korea, use HiKorea to book immigration office visits instead of queuing.

Common mistakes and scams

• Paying a broker for an E-7 visa or a job. Employers sponsor the process. Paying for a "visa slot" is a scam or worse.
• Working on a status that does not allow it. Tourist or study status does not let you take a full-time job.
• Relying on old forum posts. E-7 rules are updated. Read the official guide when you apply.
• Using lookalike sites. The official portal is hikorea.go.kr.

Where to go next on Sefism

• Plan the move step by step with the Tech jobs abroad roadmap and keep its cheat sheet open while you apply.
• Read Work abroad or work remotely from home? and How to find companies that sponsor visas.