E-9 & E-7 Visa and Korean Language Test (TOPIK) Requirements

 

E-9 & E-7 Visa and Korean Language Test (TOPIK) Requirements

1. E-9 Visa and Korean Language Test

The E-9 visa (Non-Professional Employment Visa) allows foreign workers to legally work in certain industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, fishing, and construction in South Korea. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must pass the EPS-TOPIK (Employment Permit System - Test of Proficiency in Korean), which is jointly administered by the Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor and the sending country’s government.

 1.1 EPS-TOPIK Overview

• Test Name: EPS-TOPIK (Employment Permit System - Test of Proficiency in Korean)
• Format: Listening + Reading (Multiple Choice, Total 200 points)
• Duration: Approximately 70 minutes
• Passing Score: Usually 80 points or higher (varies by country)
• Language: Questions are in Korean; instructions are given in native language

1.2  Application Process

1. Register at the EPS Center in the sending country
2. Take and pass the EPS-TOPIK exam
3. Be listed in the job seeker database
4. Selected by a Korean employer and sign a standard labor contract
5. Proceed with visa application

Countries that require EPS-TOPIK include Vietnam, Nepal, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Uzbekistan, among others.

2. E-7 Visa and Korean Language Test

The E-7 visa (Special Activity Visa) is granted to foreign nationals with specific skills, expertise, or qualifications to work in professional or technical fields in Korea. Common industries include IT, engineering, culinary arts, translation, beauty, and healthcare. While TOPIK is not mandatory for the E-7 visa, it can serve as a favorable factor or provide extra points during the visa evaluation process.

2.1 TOPIK Considerations

• Required? ❌ Not mandatory
• Recommended? ✅ Yes — TOPIK Level 2 or higher can enhance the application
• In some fields (e.g., cooking, beauty), TOPIK Level 3 or higher is strongly preferred
• TOPIK is conducted 5–6 times a year, both in Korea and abroad

Example: Culinary Arts Sector

For those applying as a chef (e.g., Chinese, Japanese, Western cuisine), holding a cooking license and work experience is essential. However, having TOPIK Level 2 or above significantly improves the chances of approval. Especially for employment in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Korean language proficiency is a key advantage.

3. Comparison: E-9 vs. E-7 Visa – Korean Language Test

Category	E-9 Visa	E-7 Visa
Is Korean language test required?	✅ Yes (EPS-TOPIK)	❌ No (TOPIK is optional)
Which test is used?	EPS-TOPIK	General TOPIK
Required level	Minimum passing score (typically 80+)	TOPIK Level 2 or higher (for preference)
Test frequency	Once or twice per year (varies by country)	5–6 times per year (globally)

4. Useful Links

• TOPIK Official Website
• EPS (Employment Permit System) Portal
• HiKorea – Immigration & Visa Information

In summary, the EPS-TOPIK is a mandatory requirement for the E-9 visa, while the E-7 visa does not require a Korean language certificate but benefits significantly from one. Applicants and employers should carefully consider these requirements depending on the visa type and job sector.