E-9 to E-7-4 Points Calculator (2026 K-point)
If you are working in Korea on an E-9, E-10 or H-2 visa, the realistic route to changing your status without leaving the country is not the professional E-7-1 visa but the points-based Skilled Worker visa, E-7-4. This guide lists the 2026 K-point requirements and includes a calculator so you can estimate your score before applying.
4 requirements you must meet apart from your score
- You are a currently registered foreign resident who has stayed in Korea for at least 4 years in total on E-9, E-10 or H-2 status within the last 10 years, and you are working normally at your current workplace.
- You have an E-7-4 employment contract with your current workplace for an annual salary of at least KRW 26 million and a term of at least 2 more years.
- You have worked at your current company for at least 1 year and the company recommends you.
- You score at least 200 points including bonus points, with at least 50 points each in income and Korean language.
E-7-4 K-point calculator
Enter your income, Korean level, age and bonus items below to estimate your 2026 K-point score.
A reference calculator for switching from E-9, E-10 or H-2 to E-7-4. It follows the Ministry of Justice K-point table in the government notice of January 30, 2026; HiKorea's selection plan for the year takes precedence.
The threshold is 200 points including bonuses, with at least 50 points each in income and Korean. A contract salary of KRW 26 million, 4 years of stay within the last 10 years and 1 year at your current company are required separately from the score. This calculation is not legal advice.
2026 K-point scoring table
Annual income
| Annual income | Points |
|---|---|
| KRW 25 million to under KRW 30 million | 50 |
| KRW 30 million to under KRW 35 million | 65 |
| KRW 35 million to under KRW 40 million | 80 |
| KRW 40 million to under KRW 45 million | 95 |
| KRW 45 million to under KRW 50 million | 110 |
| KRW 50 million or more | 120 |
Korean language
| Korean level | Points |
|---|---|
| Level 2, Stage 2, or pre-assessment score 41–60 | 50 |
| Level 3, Stage 3, or pre-assessment score 61–80 | 80 |
| Level 4 or higher, Stage 4, or pre-assessment score 81 or higher | 120 |
Age
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| 19–26 | 40 |
| 27–33 | 60 |
| 34–40 | 30 |
| 41 or older | 10 |
Bonus points
| Bonus item | Points |
|---|---|
| Company recommendation | 50 |
| Central government ministry recommendation | 30 |
| Metropolitan/provincial government recommendation | 30 |
| 3 years at current workplace | 20 |
| 3 years in a depopulating area or an eup/myeon (town/township) | 20 |
| Certificate or Korean degree | 20 |
| Driver’s license, Class 2 Ordinary or higher | 10 |
Deductions
| Reason | Deduction (points) |
|---|---|
| Fine of less than KRW 1 million | 5 / 10 / 20 |
| Stay restricted due to tax arrears | 5 / 10 / 15 |
| Immigration Act violations, 3 or fewer | 5 / 10 / 15 |
Disqualifications
- A fine of KRW 1 million or more
- Unpaid tax arrears
- 4 or more Immigration Act violations
- Illegal stay of 3 months or more
The fine amount may have changed in the revised version HiKorea posted on June 1, 2026, so check the current criteria before you submit.
Korean language deferral
Until December 31, 2026, if you have at least 50 income points and at least 150 points excluding Korean language, the Korean language requirement can be deferred on condition that you meet it before your first extension. Family invitation is restricted during the deferral period.
How to apply and official sources
Applications are made through HiKorea’s online e-application (전자민원) service. The reference documents are HiKorea’s “2026 Skilled Worker (E-7-4) Operation Plan” (2026년 숙련기능인력(E-7-4) 운영계획) and Ministry of SMEs and Startups Notice No. 2026-52 (January 30, 2026).
Disclaimer: This article and calculator are for reference only. They are not legal advice and do not guarantee that any visa or status change will be approved.