Professor

From the MOJ manual · as of 2026-07-31Who qualifies & how

Eligibility. Education or research guidance at a junior college or higher institution (or equivalent) by persons qualified under the Higher Education Act: presidents/deans, professors, associate and assistant professors, adjunct/honorary/visiting and exchange faculty, and research professors; also advanced science-technology personnel recommended by the Minister of Education (science/engineering PhD, or master's with 3+ years of R&D experience).

Work rights. Education and research at the appointing institution; E-1 holders may obtain extra-status permission for E-2 conversation teaching. Workplace change/addition follows the professional-status reporting rules.

Duration. Up to 5 years per grant.

Extension. Renewable while the appointment continues (registered legal residents on E-1~E-7 and D-5~D-9 use the standard extension procedure).

Pathways. E-1 → F-2-7 (professional category, 3 years, income-based waivers) → F-5; general F-5 after 5 years on D-7~E-7/F-2. E-1 is e-visa eligible (online issuance without consular interview).

ChecklistRequired documents

• Visa (or Confirmation of Visa Issuance) application form, passport, 1 standard photo, fee
• Career certificate and degree certificate (waived for appointees at assistant-professor rank or above, and for exchange/visiting professors invited by university letter)
• Employment contract or appointment-confirmation letter (exchange/visiting professors: university invitation letter accepted)
• Recognition route: school establishment documents

Fees: change of status ₩100,000. The full table with legal citations is on /fees.

Time on E-3 before changing to E-1 is combined when counting the 2-year residence points for F-2-7.

Who holds itE-1 holders by nationality

TrendMonthly arrivals on the E-1

In 2026-06, 218 people entered Korea on an E-1 visa, down 9.5% from a year earlier.