Korea Visa & Immigration Guide 2026
A plain-language, verified guide to every visa category, status-change pathway, and eligibility requirement — written specifically for Sri Lankans moving to or already living in South Korea.
Korean Visa Categories at a Glance
Click any category below to jump directly to its detailed requirements, eligibility, and pathway information — all verified against 2026 official sources.
The Worker's Journey: E-9 Visa
The E-9 is the primary visa for Sri Lankan workers entering South Korea through the Employment Permit System (EPS). It covers non-professional sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, construction, fisheries, and — newly added in 2026 — restaurants/food service, hotel/accommodation and forestry.
Critical: Beware of EPS Scams
EPS is strictly a government-to-government program. There are NO private agents authorized to "buy" or speed up your job placement.
Never pay third parties. Only pay the official fees published by the SLBFE. The only legitimate registration portal is slbfe.lk.
How to Apply for E-9 from Sri Lanka
Register via SLBFE
Monitor the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (slbfe.lk) for EPS-TOPIK exam announcements and register online.
Pass EPS-TOPIK + Skills Test
Sit the Korean language proficiency test and any required sector-specific skills tests (manufacturing, construction, agriculture, or fisheries).
Enter the Job-Seeker Roster
Once you pass, your profile is placed on a roster. Korean employers select workers from this roster — you cannot choose your employer.
Sign Standard Labor Contract
When a Korean employer selects you, a standard government-issued labor contract is signed by both parties.
Employer Applies for CCVI
Your Korean employer applies for a Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI) in Korea on your behalf.
Visa + Pre-Departure Training
Apply for the E-9 visa at the Korean embassy. Complete mandatory SLBFE pre-departure training and medical checks before flying.
Upgrade to E-7-4 Skilled Worker
E-7-4 is the points-based skilled worker visa for E-9, E-10, or H-2 holders who have accumulated work experience in Korea. It is the most popular pathway to secure your long-term future in Korea with family sponsorship rights.
2026 Temporary Measure
If your score excluding Korean language is ≥ 150 points, you may defer the Korean language requirement until your first visa extension (through December 31, 2026).
Key Requirements at a Glance
The full scoring tables, eligibility requirements, bonus points and exclusion rules are available on the K-Point Calculator page.
The Student Journey to Professional Work
Studying in Korea is one of the most reliable pathways to long-term residency. The typical route is Language Training (D-4) → Degree (D-2) → Job Seeker (D-10) → Professional (E-7).
Invest in Your Education
Korean university degrees offer massive advantages in points-based visa applications later on.
International Student Visa
For full-time degree programs (associate, bachelor, master, doctoral) at accredited Korean universities.
Key Requirements (2026)
- Certificate of Admission from a recognized Korean university
- Financial proof: approximately ₩20,000,000 or USD 20,000–25,000
- Detailed, honest study plan (scrutinized in 2026)
- University must not be on the 2026 restricted list (20 barred)
- Part-time work with permit: up to 25–30 hours (based on TOPIK level)
Language Training Visa
For Korean language training programs at approved institutes. Often a stepping stone before D-2.
Key Requirements (2026)
- Enrollment in a Ministry-approved Korean language institute
- Proof of financial capacity for tuition and living expenses
- Clear plan to transition to D-2 or return after completion
Job Seeker Visa
A bridge visa for graduates to find professional employment in Korea. Points-based.
Key Requirements (2026)
- Minimum 60 points (out of 190) based on age, education, Korean ability, etc.
- Recent graduates (within 3 years) from Korean or top global universities may be exempt
- Month-by-month job-seeking plan required
- Financial capacity: ≥ ₩5,000,000
- Register internships within 14 days of starting
Employer-Sponsored: E-7 Professional Visa
The E-7 visa is designed for foreign professionals with specific knowledge or skills in 87+ designated occupations. Unlike E-9 or E-7-4, this visa requires a high level of academic or professional background and direct employer sponsorship from the start.
CONVERSION NOTE
You can apply to switch from D-2 to E-7 or D-10 to E-7 without leaving Korea. The process heavily scrutinizes whether the job offer matches your academic background or professional experience.
E-7 Core Requirements (2026)
87+ designated roles
Employer must sponsor and justify the hire
₩31,120,000 / year (E-7-1)
Bachelor's + 1yr exp, or Master's/higher
3× per-capita GNI can waive education requirement
E-7-1 (professional), E-7-2, E-7-3, E-7-4 (skilled)
Path to Stability: F-2 Long-Term Resident
F-2 is a premium long-term resident visa that grants freedom to choose your employer, start a business, and invite your family. The most common pathways for Sri Lankans are the F-2-7 points system and the new F-2-R regional visa.
For highly qualified foreign professionals who meet the Ministry of Justice scoring criteria.
Key Requirements
- Minimum 80 points on the official scoring table
- Held an eligible visa (E-1 to E-7, D-5 to D-10) for 3+ consecutive years
- Income requirements are strictly tied to Korea's per-capita GNI (Gross National Income)
- KIIP (Social Integration Program) completion is highly recommended for significant bonus points
- Exceptions: ₩40M+ annual income, Korean Master's degree, or Ministerial recognition can bypass the 3-year rule
- Benefits: Free employment choice, business activities allowed, path to F-5
Designed to encourage settlement in designated population-decline regions across Korea. Highly promoted by the government for 2026.
Key Requirements
- Live and work in one of 89 designated population-decline regions
- Mandatory: Must agree to reside and work in the designated region for 5 years
- Mandatory: Formal recommendation letter from local government
- Academic track: Associate degree or higher from a Korean institution
- Professional track: Valid work visa + local living wage requirement
- 2026 update: Manufacturing/restaurant/retail relaxed (3yr operation + ₩100M revenue)
For foreign nationals who have established significant duration of stay in Korea.
Key Requirements
- 5 consecutive years of legal residence on eligible visa
- Must meet income and employment criteria
- Korean proficiency: KIIP Level 4 completion or pre-assessment score 81+
- Continuous presence required — extended absences (>30 days) may reset the clock
The Ultimate Goal:
F-5 Permanent Residency
Permanent Residency (F-5) is the highest visa tier for foreign nationals. It grants permanent stay without visa renewals, full employment freedom, voting rights in local elections (after 3 years), and absolute stability in South Korea.
General Pathway (F-5-1) Requirements
5+ years on a qualifying visa (including F-2)
Annual income tied to per-capita GNI (e.g., GNI x 1 or GNI x 2 depending on track)
KIIP (Social Integration Program) Level 5 completion is a mandatory prerequisite for most F-5 tracks
Minimum 183 days/year in Korea during qualifying period
Clean criminal record in both Korea and home country
Approximately 6 – 10 months
Note: There are over 20 different sub-categories of F-5 visas. Consulting an immigration attorney is highly recommended before applying.
Bringing Family: Marriage & Dependents
F-6 Marriage Migrant (결혼이민)
For foreign nationals married to a Korean citizen. Provides excellent employment rights and a fast track to F-5 Permanent Residency (often in just 2 years).
F-6 General Requirements
- Legal marriage registered in both your home country and South Korea
- Korean spouse must meet annual household income threshold (see table)
- Both parties must demonstrate communication ability (shared language / TOPIK)
- Proof of adequate housing for the couple
- Criminal background check and medical certificates (as required)
- Sincerity of marriage will be assessed by immigration officers
2026 F-6 Income Thresholds
Based on household size
Income / Language Exemptions
- Couple has a biological child together
- Couple has lived abroad together for 1+ year with no domestic income
- Foreign spouse previously held F-6 status in Korea
F-3 Dependent Family (동반)
동반For the spouse and underage children of eligible visa holders (e.g., D-2, E-7, E-7-4, F-2). F-3 holders generally cannot work without special permission.
Key Restrictions
Generally not permitted to work in Korea. Unauthorized employment is a strict violation.
Duration of stay is tied to the principal visa holder.
Remember for E-9
The E-9 (EPS) visa does not allow you to sponsor family members for an F-3 visa. You must upgrade to E-7-4 or F-2 first.
Your Pathway to Permanent Residency
How does each visa journey end at F-5? Click any pathway to see the steps.
Click any visa stamp to jump directly to its detailed requirements.
Everything You Need in One Place
Downloads, tools, classes, community support, and verified help centers —
everything a Sri Lankan needs for life in South Korea.
TOPIK past papers
Free exam papers, listening audio, and study materials for every year
Korean Language Classes
TOPIK and KIIP prep at Bantiya School — taught in Sinhala
Application Form Assistant
Fill the official Korean Immigration integrated application form step by step
E-7-4 K-Point Calculator
Check your score against the official 200-point threshold
Retirement Pay Calculator
Estimate your retirement pay severance by Korean labour law
Community Blog
Labour law updates, housing tips, and community stories
Help Centers Directory
Embassies, hospital translators, legal aid, and more
Contact Bantiya
Get direct, personal help from our team
Important Disclaimer
Bantiya provides this guide to help Sri Lankans understand their options in South Korea. While we work hard to keep it accurate for 2026, immigration rules can change without notice. Always confirm the latest requirements directly with official sources before making any immigration decision.
