E-7 Visa for Foreign Welders: Step-by-Step Import Process (2025 Guide)

South Korea’s E-7-3 visa category allows domestic employers to hire foreign expert welders who possess proven technical skills and experience. This visa is part of Korea’s efforts to meet labor shortages in specific industrial sectors such as shipbuilding, steel, construction, and manufacturing.

 

If you’re an employer looking to bring in a foreign welding specialist legally, the following guide outlines the complete process from eligibility to final employment.

1.  What Is the E-7-3 Visa?

The E-7 visa is a “Designated Activities Visa” designed to allow foreign nationals with professional skills to work in specialized roles in South Korea. The E-7-3 subcategory specifically targets “skilled welders,” including MIG, TIG, ARC, and underwater welding professionals.

2. Step-by-Step Process for Hiring Foreign Welders under E-7 Visa

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

• Employer must be a legal business entity registered in Korea (with business registration and corporate license).
• Industry: Shipbuilding, construction, heavy industry, manufacturing, steelworks, or offshore engineering.
• Worker requirements:
• Must have a minimum of 2 years' experience in welding or hold a recognized welding certificate (e.g., AWS, ISO, IWS).
• High school diploma or higher is usually required.
• Proficiency in Korean is beneficial but not mandatory for E-7-3.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

Employer (Inviting Company) Documents:

• Business registration certificate (사업자등록증)
• Employment contract
• Company introduction (brochure or website printout)
• Explanation of necessity to hire a foreign welder
• Copy of the employer’s ID
• Certificate of tax payment
• Wage plan and working conditions

Employee (Welder) Documents:

• Valid passport + application form
• Welding-related vocational certificates (e.g., AWS, ISO)
• Resume with detailed welding experience
• Criminal background check (apostilled)
• Medical certificate (TB test + general health)
• Passport photo (white background)
• Diploma (with apostille or notarization)

Step 3: Submit Visa Issuance Application

The Korean employer applies for a “Visa Issuance Certificate (VIC)” at the Immigration Office. Once approved, the certificate is sent to the foreign worker, who then applies for the E-7 visa at the Korean embassy in their home country.

Processing time: Usually 2–4 weeks for VIC + 1–3 weeks for visa stamping at the consulate.

Step 4: Visa Issuance and Entry to Korea

Once the visa is granted, the welder can enter South Korea and begin work under the E-7 visa. Upon arrival, the worker must apply for a Foreign Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days at the local immigration office.

3. Duration and Renewal

• Initial visa validity: 1 to 2 years
• Renewable if employment continues and no violations occur
• After 5 years, possible to apply for F-2 or F-5 long-term visas (subject to conditions)

4. Benefits of E-7 Welders to Korean Employers

• Addressing skilled labor shortages in core industries
• Reducing downtime and training cost
• Enhancing productivity in shipbuilding and infrastructure
• Enabling multilingual and multicultural workforce integration

5. Countries Commonly Supplying Welders to Korea

• Philippines
• Vietnam
• Indonesia
• Uzbekistan
• Kyrgyzstan
• India
• Bangladesh

6. Helpful Tips for Employers

• Work with a certified manpower agency for smoother documentation.
• Ensure welding skills match Korean industry standards.
• Pre-arrange housing, orientation, and safety training for foreign workers.
• Maintain compliance with labor laws and immigration rules.

7. Summary Checklist

Task	Status
Confirm industry & visa eligibility	✅
Prepare employer/worker documents	✅
Apply for Visa Issuance Certificate (VIC)	✅
Worker applies for E-7 visa overseas	✅
Arrival in Korea and ARC registration	✅

8.  Need Help?

If you're unsure how to begin or want assistance preparing documents, it’s strongly recommended to consult with a certified immigration attorney or a labor dispatch agency licensed by the Ministry of Employment and Labor in Korea.

E-7 welders can make a major difference in your workforce—bring them in legally, safely, and successfully with the steps above!