Recently, a domestic research institution inquired about inviting a master's degree holder in science and engineering from an overseas university as a foreign researcher. The inviting organization met the guidelines as an applicable research institution without issue, but the invitee had not long acquired their master's degree, falling short of the qualification requirements, thus making an invitation on an E-3 researcher visa impossible.
However, an invitation as an E7 visa electronic engineering technician was possible after explaining the situation, leading to the issuance of the visa.
Today, let's learn about the E-3 visa (Research).
E-3 (Research) Eligibility
1. Research in natural science, social science, humanities, arts, and advanced industrial technology research and development
- Individuals engaged in research or advanced industrial technology development in natural science, social science, humanities, arts at research institutions established and operated under laws such as the Special Act for the Promotion of Specific Research Institutions, the Act on the Establishment, Operation, and Fostering of Government-funded Research Institutes in Science and Technology, etc.
2. Research activity at a research institution under the Defense Acquisition Program Act
- Scientists and technologists engaged in research activities at research institutions under the Defense Acquisition Program Act.
3. Research activity in natural science or advanced industrial technology development
- Scientists and technologists who have contracted with the following institutions or organizations to develop advanced industrial technology in the field of natural science or advanced industrial technology, according to related laws such as the Industrial Technology Innovation Promotion Act.
① Corporate-affiliated research institutes
② Industrial Technology Research Consortia under the Industrial Technology Research Consortium Promotion Act
③ Universities or colleges under the Higher Education Act
④ Industry-academic cooperation groups under the Industry-Academic Cooperation Act
⑤ National or public research institutions
⑥ Technical support public institutions under the Industrial Technology Innovation Promotion Act
⑦ Non-profit research institutions in the field of science and technology established under the Civil Code or other laws
⑧ Other research institutions or organizations and corporations aiming for profit in the field of science and technology
4. Advanced science and technology personnel
- Individuals wishing to engage in research or the development of advanced industrial technology in natural science at research institutions like government-contributed research institutes, national/public research institutes, corporate-affiliated research institutes, etc., who have an employment recommendation from the Minister of Science and ICT.
5. Other research personnel in social science, humanities, and arts
- Individuals intending to conduct research in social science, humanities, and arts at educational institutions of college level or above, or other academic research institutions.
※ The inviting organization must belong to one of the research institutions listed above to invite on an E-3 researcher visa.
E-3 (Research) Invitee Qualification Requirements
Common : Doctorate holders (or expected) or master's degree holders with at least 3 years of experience (however, domestic master's degree holders are exempt from the experience requirement).
※ For 4. advanced science and technology personnel: Holders of master's degree or above in science and engineering with at least 3 years of experience in R&D in the relevant field, or individuals expecting to obtain a doctorate in science and engineering.
《 Note 》
- Visa issuance, change of status, extension, etc., are restricted if the field of study and the field of employment differ, or if it is judged that the person is being excessively utilized for low wages despite formally meeting the requirements.
- Doctorate candidates can be conditionally issued a visa within a stay period of 6 months if they provide documentation confirming the definite completion of their degree.
E-3 (Research) Researcher Invitation (Visa Issuance Authorization Application) Required Documents
① Visa issuance authorization application, passport copy, one standard-size photo
② Documentation related to the establishment of the employment organization (business registration certificate, corporate registry certificate, research institution proof, etc.)
③ Master's degree or higher diploma, career certificate (if applicable)
④ Employment contract or appointment letter
⑤ Graduation certificate/letter issued by a university representative and certificates verifying the date of degree award (if applicable)
⑥ Employment recommendation letter (if applicable)
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