Potential 'E-4' U.S. visa for Korean workers discussed at Amcham seminar

The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea hosted a seminar on U.S. work visas, addressing Korean investment in the U.S. and providing insights into the visa process.

Amcham Chairman & CEO James Kim speaks at a seminar on the U.S. work visa process Wednesday at the IFC Mall in Yeouido, western Seoul.[AMCHAM]

The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (Amcham) hosted a seminar on the U.S. work visa process on Wednesday at the IFC Mall in Yeouido, western Seoul.

The seminar provided a comprehensive overview of U.S. work visas, addressing both individual and corporate needs by going through various visa types and, their specific requirements and permissible business activities.

“For the past three years, we have witnessed an unprecedented level of Korean investment in the U.S., totaling more than $140 billion, in strategic industries such as semiconductors, EV batteries and renewable energy,” Amcham Chairman and CEO James Kim said at the event.

“As an organization bridging U.S.-Korea commerce, Amcham recognizes the strong momentum in bilateral industrial collaboration. I believe today’s session will provide valuable insights into the U.S. work visa process, helping Korean companies and their employees navigate it more effectively.”

The seminar featured a panel discussion in which law experts offered insights into the U.S. work visa system, addressing critical legal considerations and common applicant challenges.

They also examined a potential E-4 visa category specifically for Korean workers and discussed collaborative steps to streamline the visa process, underscoring the need for comprehensive education on U.S. work visa regulations to improve compliance and success rates among Korean applicants.

BY YOON SEUNG-JIN [yoon.seungjin@joongang.co.kr]