Incheon Songdo, as an administrative agent, I consistently receive inquiries from foreign workers and residents. There have been several noticeable changes in the immigration and foreign workforce sector over the past two weeks, so I’ve compiled only the parts directly related to practical application.
## 1. The Application Deadline for Regional Specialized Visa Recommendation Letters Has Been Extended
The Regional Specialized Visa program helps foreign talented individuals and skilled workers settle in regions with declining populations. It is broadly divided into two categories:
- F-2-R (Regional Talented Individuals) — A type where foreigners with certain income and education requirements obtain resident status on the condition of residing and working in a specific region.
- E-7-4R (Regional Specialized Skilled Workforce) — A type where individuals who have accumulated skills at a regional company transition to long-term employment status.
What’s Changed — The deadline for submitting a recommendation letter from local governments has been extended from September 30th to December 31st. The recommendation letter is the first hurdle for this visa, so it gives those who were struggling to prepare some extra time.
In addition, the Korean language requirement for F-2-R has been eased, allowing it to be met by achieving TOPIK Level 3 or completing Level 3 of the Integration Program for Foreigners (KIIP). The Korean language requirement for E-7-4R will be suspended until the end of the year.
⚠️ The above information is compiled based on articles released by local governments, so it is essential to check the original Ministry of Justice guidelines and the specific regions and industries actually applied in Incheon. Incheon may be excluded from the program depending on the region, so we recommend checking the applicability with the relevant Immigration Office before applying.
## 2. Seasonal Workers in 2027: Farm Applications to Be Submitted Once a Year
There’s a change in the seasonal worker (E-8) system, which fills short-term labor needs in agricultural and fishing villages. Starting in 2027, farm applications will change from twice a year to once a year. The city and county will receive applications in September, so farms planning for next year’s workforce need to be careful not to miss the application period.
Since the number of application submissions has decreased, it’s safer to prepare a generous amount of personnel and timing when applying.
## To Summarize
- Application deadline for Regional Specialized Visa (F-2-R & E-7-4R) recommendation letters: Extended to December 31st
- F-2-R Korean language requirement eased (TOPIK Level 3 or KIIP Level 3), E-7-4R Korean language requirement suspended until the end of the year.
- 2027 Seasonal Worker Farm Applications: From twice a year → Once a year (City/County applications in September)
The applicability of the program and the details of the requirements vary depending on the region and industry, and guidelines may change after publication. We recommend double-checking with the relevant official guidance from the authorities before actual application.
*This article is an administrative trend guide compiled by Hwang Yun-sang Administrative Agent’s Office based on publicly available information. The applicability to individual cases requires confirmation from the relevant authorities.*