South Korea Eases Visa Rules for Foreign Workers and Students: What’s Changing

Last updated: May 5, 2026

South Korea is overhauling its visa rules to attract more foreign workers and keep international students in the country after graduation.

The Ministry of Justice adopted eight new visa proposals in May 2026, the latest in a series of changes rolling out since late 2025.

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What’s Changing for Foreign Workers

Skilled foreign workers now face fewer hurdles to getting employment visas in South Korea. The changes cover new visa categories, dropped requirements, and expanded eligibility for the country’s premium talent visa.

Work experience requirements dropped

Science and engineering majors applying for the special occupation visa (E-7-1) will no longer need one year of work experience — as long as they complete an education programme offered by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

New visa for technical college graduates

The government launched the E-7-M visa (also called “K-CORE”) for foreign nationals who graduate from designated Korean junior-college technical programmes in manufacturing-related fields. It offers a work-visa pathway and a route to long-term residence.

New visa for agriculture and fisheries workers

A dedicated skilled-worker visa now covers agriculture and fisheries roles, encouraging longer-term employment in both industries.

Mold-making added as an eligible skilled occupation

The Ministry of Justice launched a pilot programme under the E-7-3 skilled worker visa that covers mold-making in the foundry industry, with an initial annual quota of 150 workers.

Top-Tier Visa expanded

South Korea’s premium visa for exceptional talent — which comes with a 50% income tax cut for up to 10 years and the right to bring family — now covers STEM professors and researchers, alongside corporate personnel in eight cutting-edge industries including semiconductors and AI.

The E-9 visa for low-skilled workers quota dropped

The annual quota dropped from 165,000 in 2024 to 130,000 in 2025, and falls further to 80,000 for 2026, a cut of nearly 40%. The government says demand for low-skilled foreign labour has returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Benefit for remote workers in Jeju

Jeju Island is getting a “workcation” visa extension. Foreign nationals who enter Jeju visa-free will be able to stay for up to 90 days — triple the previous 30-day limit — if they receive a recommendation from the Jeju governor. The idea is to attract remote workers to the island.

What’s Changing for Foreign Students

Foreign students in South Korea now have more ways to stay and work after graduation.

These changes are aimed at keeping international graduates in the country rather than losing them to other job markets.

Job-seeker visa extended to 3 years

The D-10 visa, which lets eligible graduates stay in South Korea to look for work, now runs for up to 3 years — up from the previous 2-year limit. This took effect in October 2025.

Longer internships allowed

Under the same D-10 changes, a single-company internship can now last up to 1 year (previously 6 months), and the overall cap on internships has been removed entirely.

No work experience needed for junior college graduates

Foreign students who graduate from Korean junior colleges and complete work-study training programmes can now apply for employment visas (E-7) without needing prior work experience — regardless of their major.

Graduates of certified foreign higher education institutions get equal treatment

Students graduating from five Education Ministry-approved foreign higher education institutions now receive the same visa benefits as Korean university graduates when applying for professional (E-7) and job-seeking (D-10) visas.

More part-time work hours

Students enrolled in the 16 newly designated vocational programmes can now work up to 35 hours per week during the semester, up from 30 hours.

Gap year visas for OECD nationals

High school graduates from OECD member countries will be able to get visas for gap year programmes at Korean universities before entering university.

Easier access for aspiring chefs

The D-4 Korean culinary trainee visa is also getting relaxed experience and language requirements, making it easier for aspiring chefs to train in South Korea.

Benefits for students in Jeju

D-4 student visas will now be issued to high school students enrolling in international schools inside Jeju Global Education City.

Visa System Simplification

Beyond individual rule changes, South Korea is overhauling how its entire work-visa system is structured.

The Ministry of Justice announced in March 2026 that the current 39 types of employment visas across 10 categories will be simplified into just three tiers: high-skilled, medium-skilled, and low-skilled.

The government is also building an online immigration services platform with AI-powered screening, so applicants can file applications through an e-visa portal and reduce in-person immigration office visits.

A special exception will also let small businesses in areas with declining populations hire foreign staff, a targeted fix for rural regions struggling to find workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do these visa changes take effect?

The changes have rolled out in stages. The D-10 job-seeker visa extension took effect in October 2025, vocational programme changes in late 2025, the 2030 immigration strategy was announced in March 2026, and the latest round of eight visa proposals was adopted in May 2026.

Does the E-9 visa cut affect skilled workers?

No — the E-9 quota cut only applies to low-skilled, non-professional roles. South Korea is simultaneously making it easier for skilled and highly educated workers to get visas while reducing intake for unskilled positions.

Can I apply for these new visas online?

South Korea is building an online e-visa portal with AI screening, but it is not fully launched yet. For now, check the Korea Immigration Service website or contact your nearest Korean embassy for current application procedures.

I’m a foreign student in Korea — what should I do now?

Check whether your programme qualifies for the new vocational pathways or extended D-10 visa. If you’re graduating soon, you may be eligible for a 3-year job-seeker stay or the new E-7-M work-visa pathway — speak to your university’s international office for guidance specific to your situation.