In recent years, many companies in Korea have been actively seeking to hire foreign talent. These businesses aim to leverage the unique expertise and skills that may be difficult to source locally. However, just because a company wants to employ a foreign professional does not mean the Korean immigration office will automatically approve the visa.
When assessing E-7 visa applications for local hires, immigration officials carefully evaluate two main factors: 1.The applicant’s level of expertise 2.The availability of a qualified Korean candidate to fill the role To make this determination, immigration requires two critical documents from the foreign applicant: a Degree Certificate and a Career Certificate. Without these, an application will not move forward — no matter how strong the other documents are.
1. Degree Certificate
The degree certificate verifies the applicant’s academic qualifications. It must clearly state the applicant’s name, the type of degree, and the field of study.
Key points to note:
• While immigration guidelines state that the degree certificate is not necessary if the applicant has more than five years of relevant work experience, in practice, officers often request it regardless.
• If the certificate is not in English, it must be professionally translated.
• It must be authenticated:
– Apostille: If the issuing country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. – Legalization by the Korean Embassy/Consulate: If the country is not a member of the Convention.
Since March 2019, Korean immigration requires the Apostille or embassy legalization — not just a copy — for degree certificates.
2. Career Certificate
The career certificate (also known as an employment verification letter) confirms the applicant’s work history and professional experience. It is typically issued by a current or former employer and should include: job title/role, employment period, and a description of responsibilities.
Important considerations:
• The job title and responsibilities listed must align with the position being offered in Korea.
• If the certificate is not in English, it must be translated.
• Authentication is required (Apostille or Korean embassy/consulate legalization).
Why These Documents Matter
Even if the Korean hiring company provides all necessary corporate documents, immigration will not review the application if the applicant’s degree and career certificates are missing or improperly prepared. These two documents are the foundation upon which the rest of the application is evaluated.
If you are preparing for an E-7 visa application as a local hire — or you are a company planning to employ a foreign professional — it is crucial to prepare these documents correctly from the start.
When assessing E-7 visa applications for local hires, immigration officials carefully evaluate two main factors: 1.The applicant’s level of expertise 2.The availability of a qualified Korean candidate to fill the role To make this determination, immigration requires two critical documents from the foreign applicant: a Degree Certificate and a Career Certificate. Without these, an application will not move forward — no matter how strong the other documents are.
1. Degree Certificate
The degree certificate verifies the applicant’s academic qualifications. It must clearly state the applicant’s name, the type of degree, and the field of study.
Key points to note:
• While immigration guidelines state that the degree certificate is not necessary if the applicant has more than five years of relevant work experience, in practice, officers often request it regardless.
• If the certificate is not in English, it must be professionally translated.
• It must be authenticated:
– Apostille: If the issuing country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. – Legalization by the Korean Embassy/Consulate: If the country is not a member of the Convention.
Since March 2019, Korean immigration requires the Apostille or embassy legalization — not just a copy — for degree certificates.
2. Career Certificate
The career certificate (also known as an employment verification letter) confirms the applicant’s work history and professional experience. It is typically issued by a current or former employer and should include: job title/role, employment period, and a description of responsibilities.
Important considerations:
• The job title and responsibilities listed must align with the position being offered in Korea.
• If the certificate is not in English, it must be translated.
• Authentication is required (Apostille or Korean embassy/consulate legalization).
Why These Documents Matter
Even if the Korean hiring company provides all necessary corporate documents, immigration will not review the application if the applicant’s degree and career certificates are missing or improperly prepared. These two documents are the foundation upon which the rest of the application is evaluated.
If you are preparing for an E-7 visa application as a local hire — or you are a company planning to employ a foreign professional — it is crucial to prepare these documents correctly from the start.
