"Quickly Where Talent Is Needed"... Korea SMEs and Startups Agency Operates E-7-1 Employment Recommendation System

Applications Accepted Year-Round

The Korea SMEs and Startups Agency announced on the 23rd that it is operating the 'Employment Recommendation System for Foreign Professionals (E-7-1 Visa)' year-round to address the labor shortage faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to support the employment of foreign students in Korea.

The E-7-1 Visa Employment Recommendation System is promoted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and operated by the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency. It targets foreign students (holders of D-2 or D-10 visas) who have graduated or are expected to graduate with an associate degree or higher from a domestic institution.

After these students sign an employment contract with a domestic SME, they can apply for an employment recommendation from the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency. An external review by industry experts will comprehensively examine their qualifications and the necessity of employment. Based on this review, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups will decide whether to grant the employment recommendation, usually within approximately two weeks.

Foreign students who receive an employment recommendation have a greater chance of being issued an E-7-1 visa, as the necessity of their employment is institutionally verified during the visa screening process. SMEs can also hire outstanding talent more quickly and securely.

There are a total of 24 eligible occupations for employment recommendation, including metal and materials engineering technicians, computer hardware engineers, and technical sales representatives.

The results of the E-7-1 Visa Employment Recommendation System are already visible in the field. Jeonseong, an automotive parts company located in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province, hired two foreign students through the K-Work platform and quickly obtained E-7-1 visas for them through the employment recommendation from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. Yeon Kyungseop, CEO of Jeonseong, said, "We are highly satisfied with hiring talent who have a strong understanding of the work and great passion," and added, "We will continue to actively utilize foreign professionals to respond to changes in the global market."

Applications for the E-7-1 Visa Employment Recommendation can be submitted by email at any time throughout the year. For more details, please refer to the K-Work platform website or the Human Resources Support Office of the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency.