South Korea Work and Family Visa: Visa Eligibility and Application Process

Imagine yourself in a stylish café in Seoul, enjoying a steaming cup of coffee while the city’s futuristic cityscape stretches out in front of you. During the day, you are a highly sought-after professional who thrives in a fast-paced workplace.

At night, you may go on stunning mountain hikes, see bustling markets, or indulge in Korea’s renowned culinary scene. It sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? The best aspect, though, is that South Korea desires you. You, indeed!

There is a greater need than ever for qualified experts due to South Korea’s rising sectors and quickening pace of technological innovation. South Korea is throwing open its arms to talent from all over the world, offering excellent earnings, a simplified work visa application process, and the chance to travel with your family. There are countless opportunities in fields including IT, engineering, healthcare, and research, and getting a work visa has never been easier.

We’ll walk you through the prospects presented by South Korea’s skill shortage in this post, as well as how to apply for a work visa quickly, bring your family, and begin living an exciting, innovative, and potentially highly lucrative life. Are you prepared to come? Now let’s get started!

Eligibility & Language Requirements for Skill Shortage Opportunities

Depending on the job and kind of visa, candidates must fulfill specific requirements to be eligible for a South Korean skill shortage work visa. The general prerequisites are listed below:

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must possess an offer of employment from a South Korean company in a field where there is a skills shortage.
• Qualifications and Experience: Generally speaking, two to five years of relevant job experience and a bachelor’s degree or higher are prerequisites. Certain licenses or certificates may be required for certain occupations.
• Clear Criminal History: A background investigation is necessary.
• Health Check: It is required to have a medical examination.
• Sufficient Funds: For your first visit, you might have to demonstrate your financial stability.

Language Requirements:

• In IT and engineering, English is frequently adequate; Korean is beneficial but not necessarily necessary.
• Proficiency in Korean is typically required for healthcare, finance, and legal professions to communicate effectively with patients or clients.
• Teaching: Fluency in Korean is not necessary for English teachers.

To prove language ability for jobs requiring knowledge of Korean, candidates often take the TOPIK exam.

Latest Skill Shortages in South Korea 2024

The technology-driven businesses and the healthcare sector in South Korea are severely affected by a lack of skilled workers. Below is a list of important professions:

1. Information Technology (IT) and Software Development

• Software engineers
• Data scientists
• AI specialists
• Blockchain developers
• Cybersecurity experts

2. Engineering

• Electrical engineers
• Mechanical engineers
• Automotive engineers
• Chemical engineers

3. Healthcare

• Nurses
• General practitioners
• Medical specialists
• Care workers

4. Teaching

• English teachers (especially in private academies known as hagwons)
• University lecturers

5. Finance and Accounting

• Accountants
• Auditors
• Financial analysts
• Investment managers

6. Research and Development (R&D)

• Scientists in pharmaceuticals
• Biotechnology
• Environmental science

7. Renewable Energy

• Environmental engineers
• Energy consultants
• Sustainability experts

8. Robotics and Automation

• Robotics engineers
• Process engineers
• Automation specialists

Where to Find South Korea’s Skill Shortage List?

Current information about skill shortages in South Korea can be found in reports from the sector and official government websites. Here are a few useful resources:

• Korea Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL): https://www.moel.go.kr/english/resources/survey.do is the government website that periodically posts a list of occupations that are in demand.
• KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency): https://www.kotra.or.kr/english/index.do offers job postings and reports on industries with talent shortages, particularly for foreign workers.

Applying for Skill Shortages in South Korea Work Permit

In 2024, you will be able to apply for a South Korean work visa with your family with ease if you follow these 5 steps:

1: Look for Work in an Industry with a Skill Shortage

• Use Job Portals: To look for jobs in industries where there are talent shortages, visit job portals like Saramin (https://www.saramin.co.kr/), Job Korea (https://www.jobkorea.co.kr/), and LinkedIn. There are filters for geography, industry, and job type.
• Speak with Recruiting Firms: Our list of specialized recruitment companies can assist you in matching your abilities with positions that are in demand.

2: Get a Job Offer

Use the recruiting agency or the corporate website to apply directly for jobs once you’ve discovered one that fits your experience and skill set. The company must be prepared to support your application for a work visa.

3: Submit an E-7 (Specially Designated Activities) Visa application

• Qualifications: You must have a job offer from a South Korean company in a field where there is a skills shortage. In addition, you need to fulfill the prerequisites for education and work experience.
• A valid passport, a contract of employment, degree certificates, and other relevant professional qualifications, the results of a criminal background check, health check results, and the visa application form are all required documents.

4: Take your family along

The E-7 Visa enables you to apply for your spouse’s and kids’ F-3 Dependent Visa. They are allowed to live with you in South Korea for the duration of your job with this visa. Your spouse may apply for their own E-7 visa or any other appropriate work visa if they find employment, even though they are not permitted to work under the F-3 visa.

5: Visit your local embassy to apply for a visa

After obtaining all required paperwork, submit your application to the South Korean embassy or consulate that is closest to you. Processing time takes about two to three months.

Top Recruitment Agencies in South Korea

The following is a list of leading placement firms that focus on introducing international workers to South Korean job openings:

• Robert Walters Korea: www.robertwalters.co.kr
• HRnet One: www.hrnetone.com
• Morgan Philips Korea: www.morganphilips.com
• JAC Recruitment Korea: www.jac-recruitment.kr
• Kelly Services Korea: https://www.persolkelly.kr/

These organizations engage directly with businesses seeking to hire qualified international professionals by providing them with a skilled worker visa for Korea. They have a thorough awareness of the South Korean labor market.