Today, I would like to share a case which successfully applied for a change of status from D-8 visa to E-7 visa within Korea.
The applicant in this case is a U.S. national (Korean-American) who was working at the Korean branch of a global automotive brand (a foreign-invested corporation) on a D-8 visa (dispatched worker). However, the company decided to directly employ him and switch his status from D-8 to E-7. The application was approved.
The company had formulated a financing strategy to offer more convenient and affordable financial services to vehicle buyers in response to the explosive demand for their brand's vehicles in Korea. Since the domestic financing strategy was being carried out in collaboration with the German headquarters, they needed a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) who could liaise with the German headquarters, formulate financial product-related strategies, and provide overall direction and coordination.
To find a Korean CFO with a deep understanding of the company's corporate culture, extensive knowledge about their vehicles, familiarity with the financial services policies of the German headquarters, and experience in similar projects proved to be quite challenging. Despite efforts made through various headhunting agencies and partner companies, they couldn't find a suitable candidate
In the end, the German headquarters dispatched the applicant, who had been working as a manager at the U.S. branch, to the Korean branch in the form of a D-8 visa holder, entrusting him with the role of CFO.
From a long-term perspective and in order to secure a domestic workforce that could be utilized for an extended period, the Korean branch continued its personnel search efforts, conducting multiple meetings with various applicants.
However, as all the applicants fell significantly short in terms of job competency compared to the applicant currently serving as CFO, the company ultimately failed to find a Korean CFO who met their requirements.
As a result, after discussions and negotiations with the applicant who was currently on dispatched duty (holding a D-8 visa), the Korean branch decided to directly employ the applicant as a CFO under an E-7 visa
※ Applicant was registered as an internal director in the company's business registration certificate.
This case illustrates the key difference between D-8 and E-7 visas. Working for a foreign-invested corporation does not automatically result in a D-8 visa. In the case of dispatched work, it is natural that it falls under the D-8 visa category but if a foreign-invested corporation (a domestic corporation that serves as a Korean branch of a foreign company) chooses to directly employ someone, they become eligible for an E-7 visa.
※ In cases where the change of status from D-8 to E-7 is based on direct employment, it is necessary to submit the employment contract along with the company's consent for direct employment within the branch office of the applicant under the D-8 visa (stating that they agree to the applicant's direct employment within the branch office).
Now, let's take a closer look at the applicant's occupation under the E-7 visa, which is categorized as a Management Manager.
※ Please note that the salary requirements apply to the Management Manager since it is among the 15 categories of manager positions.
I do not recommend applying for this visa if the annual salary is less than KRW 40 million (KRW 50 million for more stable applications).
In this case, the applicant's annual salary was approximately six times the GNI.
※ If the annual salary is more than three times the GNI (KRW 120 million or more), there is no requirement for apostille or local verification of documents issued overseas.
This means you can apply for an E-7 visa with documents such as degrees and employment certificates issued abroad without requiring notarization or verification by the Korean consulate.
E-7 Visa - Management Manager
❍ (Occupation Description)
- Individuals who plan, direct, and coordinate activities related to supporting management, personnel, and production under the comprehensive command of management. This includes planning, directing, and coordinating tasks related to business management, personnel, and production in consultation with other department managers under the overall direction of management.
❍ (Examples of Possible Jobs)
- General Affairs and Human Resources Manager, Planning, Promotion, and Advertising Manager, Finance Manager, Materials and Purchasing Manager, and other managers in the management department.
❍ (Qualifications, Visa Issuance, and Residence Management) - General criteria apply.