E-1 (Professor) Korea Visa Guide | 2026

1. What E-1 Is

E-1 covers foreign nationals who meet the qualification requirements under the Higher Education Act and teach or supervise research at a junior-college-level or higher educational institution, or an institution equivalent to one. It also covers professors at academic institutions such as KAIST, full-time-lecturer-or-higher faculty appointed at junior-college-level-or-higher institutions, special-field research professors at universities or university-affiliated research institutes, and high-level science/technology personnel. A separate track exists for people engaged in education or research-guidance activities in science/technology fields at junior-college-level-or-higher institutions who hold an employment recommendation from the Minister of Education.

2. Eligibility Checklist

• Role fits current E-1 professor scope.
• Sponsoring institution records and appointment evidence are valid.
• Academic/career credentials are complete and verifiable.
• Contract period and requested stay period are aligned.
• No unresolved record conflicts affecting qualification review.

3. Criteria Summary

• E-1 is not points-based.
• Review is qualification and institution-document driven.
• Role fit and credential integrity are key review factors.
• Credential mismatch or weak appointment records increase refusal risk.

4. Salary and Contract Rules

• E-1 does not use E-7 salary-point framework.
• Compensation terms should align across appointment documents.
• Workload/term/remuneration records should remain consistent.
• Contract inconsistencies often trigger supplement requests.

5. Employer and Workplace Change Rules

• E-1 is institution-linked in ordinary handling.
• Institution changes generally require immigration procedures.
• Some additional activities may require separate authorization.
• Maintain updated records for appointment renewals/changes.

6. Required Documents

• Application form, passport, ARC (if applicable), photo, and fee proof.
• Institution appointment/contract records.
• Academic degree/career evidence.
• Sponsor institution supporting records as requested.
• Additional office-requested case documents.

7. Fees and Processing

• Fees follow current issuance/change/extension schedules.
• Credential verification may lengthen processing.
• Supplements are common in cross-border credential cases.
• File early with complete appointment evidence.

8. Common Rejection Reasons

• Role does not satisfy E-1 scope.
• Institution or appointment records are weak/incomplete.
• Credential evidence is insufficient or inconsistent.
• Change-reporting/compliance obligations were missed.
• Reviewer cannot verify core qualification facts.

9. FAQ