Korean visa

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)

E-7-M (K-CORE) visa lets graduates of 16 designated Korean junior colleges work in manufacturing and reach F-2 residency in 5 years. Eligibility and school list.

Continue to the full E-7-M (K-CORE) guide

Other Korean visa codes

E-9

Non-Professional Employment Visa (EPS)

E-7

Skilled Professional Work Visa

E-2

Conversation Instructor Visa (English Teaching)

H-1

Working Holiday Visa

D-2

Student Visa (Degree Programs)

D-10

Job Seeker Visa

F-1-D

Digital Nomad (Workation) Visa

F-2

Korean Resident Visa

F-3

Dependent Visa

F-4

Overseas Korean Visa

F-5

Permanent Residence Visa

F-6

Marriage Migrant Visa

For the full reference on Korean visa categories, see all Seoulstart visa guides.