How to Get an E-7 Visa as a Social Science Researcher

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If you are an economist, policy analyst, or social data researcher planning to work in Korea, your visa category will likely be:

👉 E-7-1 (Specialty Occupation) – Social Science Researcher (2122)

1️⃣ Who Qualifies?

According to the Immigration Manual:

A person who applies knowledge in economics and related social sciences to conduct research, improve theoretical frameworks and operational methods, and produce academic papers or reports

Typical Roles:

• Econometrician

• Public Finance Researcher

• Labor/Financial Economist

• Industrial/Sociology Researcher

2️⃣ Eligibility Checklist

Requirement	Details
Visa Type	E-7-1
Job Code	2122
Degree	Bachelor’s or higher (field-related)
Experience	General E-7 standards apply
Employment Contract	Required
Salary	Must meet E-7 minimum threshold
Government Recommendation	Required if applicable

3️⃣ D-10 to E-7 (2122) Change Process

How to change D-10 to E-7

① Secure employment contract
→ ② Confirm job classification (2122)
→ ③ Obtain recommendation (if required)
→ ④ Apply for change of status
→ ⑤ Approval → Begin employment

4️⃣ E-7 vs E-3 (Research)

If working at a national or public research institute, E-3 may apply .
Private-sector think tanks and corporate research roles typically fall under E-7 (2122).

The E-7 (2122) visa is intended for professional-level research roles in economics, policy, and social data analysis.

Proper job classification and documentation are critical for approval.

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