A new E-7-M (K-CORE) visa has been established to address both regional labor shortages and international students’ settlement concerns at the same time. The core of this program is to ease hiring shortages in regional manufacturing and to utilize high-performing international students trained at domestic junior colleges as key regional talent.
It is a new employment visa granted to international students who learned Korean language and technical skills at designated domestic junior colleges. It is called the K-CORE (Korea College-to-Regional Employment) visa and is designed for middle-skill workers positioned between professional and non-professional labor.
• Exemption from proof of financial capacity The financial capacity requirement (KRW 16–20 million) needed for issuance and extension of the study (D-2) visa is waived.
• Expanded part-time work hours During enrollment, permitted part-time work hours increase from 30 hours/week to 35 hours/week.
• Long-term residence benefits After graduation, you may apply for F-2 if you work under E-7-M for 5+ years, or if you work 3+ years at the same company in a population-decline area. |
| Education | Graduated (or expected to graduate) from a “cultivated professional-technical” major at one of the 16 pilot-designated junior colleges selected by the Ministry of Justice |
| Korean proficiency | KIIP Level 4+ or or TOPIK Level 5+ |
| Employment | Sign a 1+ year employment contract with a company related to the major, with an annual salary of KRW 26 million+Sign a 1+ year employment contract with a company related to the major, with an annual salary of KRW 26 million+ |
📆 Pilot program period
Operating period: Jan 2026 – Dec 31, 2027
Before the pilot ends, the program will be evaluated based on employment rate, illegal stay rate, impact on domestic employment, etc., to determine whether it will be converted into a regular program.
🌟Closing
This program aims to build a system in which international students can settle as key members of regional communities. We look forward to strong interest from both companies seeking high-quality talent and students planning their future in Korea.
💼Related information
The 16 designated schools and departments (2026)
Region | University | Major |
Gyeonggi | Gyeonggi University of Science and Technology | Future Electric Vehicle |
| Daelim University College | Future Automotive Engineering | |
| Bucheon University | Textile & Fashion Business | |
| Seojung University | Global Textile & Fashion Business | |
| Osan University | Electrical Engineering | |
| Yongin University of Arts and Science | Automotive Machinery | |
Daegu | Youngjin University | Smart CAD/CAM |
Gyeongbuk | Gumi University | Special Construction Machinery Engineering |
Busan | Kyungnam College of Information & Technology | Mechanical Engineering |
| Dong-eui Institute of Technology | Mechanical Engineering | |
| Busan University of Science and Technology | Automotive Engineering | |
Gyeongnam | Koje University | Mechanical Engineering |
Ulsan | Ulsan College | Mechanical Engineering |
Jeonbuk | Gunjang University | Smart Agri-Food |
| Jeonju Vision University | Future Mobility | |
Jeonnam | Mokpo Science University | New & Renewable Energy Electrical |
