E-7-M (K-CORE) Visa Korea: Manufacturing-track Skilled Visa (2026)
Korea's E-7-M (K-CORE) visa, launched in 2026, lets foreign graduates of 16 designated Korean junior colleges work in manufacturing and qualify for long-term residence in 5 years. Designed to fill skilled-trade gaps in Korean SMEs.
Reviewed by the Seoulstart Visa Desk
Who this visa is for
Foreign graduates of 16 specific Korean junior colleges (전문대학) entering manufacturing roles via the K-CORE pathway.
E-7-M (K-CORE) visa key facts
- →E-7-M is the manufacturing sub-track of E-7, formally launched in February 2026 under the K-CORE pathway
- →Eligible institutions are 16 designated Korean junior colleges (전문대학) with manufacturing-aligned programs
- →The pathway promises a 5-year route to F-2 residency (vs. the standard 7-10 year E-7 path)
- →Salary requirement matches standard E-7 thresholds (~31,120,000 KRW/year minimum for 2026)
- →Employer must be a registered manufacturing SME with a Korean Employment Information Service certification
Read the full guide
Korea's E-7-M (K-CORE) Visa: The Manufacturing Track from Junior College to Residence (2026)
Korea's new E-7-M (K-CORE) visa lets foreign graduates of 16 designated junior colleges work in manufacturing and qualify for long-term residence in 5 years. Full eligibility criteria, school list, application steps, and F-2 pathway.
Continue to the full E-7-M (K-CORE) guideOther Korean visa codes
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