The Proposed E-4 Visa: Strengthening U.S.–Korea Ties Through Workforce Mobility [Immigration Law Series (3)]

Introduction

Immigration policy often reflects broader diplomatic and economic relationships. For the United States and South Korea, two nations bound by a strong alliance and the U.S.–Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), Congress is once again considering a new visa category designed to deepen cooperation. The “Partner with Korea Act” (H.R. 4687), introduced on July 24, 2025, seeks to establish an E-4 nonimmigrant visa for highly skilled Korean nationals. Although the bill is still pending, the proposed E-4 visa illustrates how immigration reform can serve both foreign policy and workforce needs.

Legislative Background

The concept of an E-4 visa is not entirely new. Versions of the proposal have circulated in Congress since the 113th Congress, reflecting long-standing bipartisan interest. In its latest form, H.R. 4687 was introduced by Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA-40) and Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37). If enacted, it would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to create a new visa pathway for Korean professionals working in specialty occupations, much like the existing E-3 visa for Australians or the H-1B1 for Singaporeans and Chileans.

What the E-4 Visa Would Do

The proposed E-4 visa would allow up to 15,000 Korean nationals each fiscal year to work in the United States in specialty occupations—jobs that require specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field. Importantly, spouses and children would be eligible for derivative status, without being counted against the cap.

To protect U.S. workers, the bill would require U.S. employers to submit a labor attestation to the Department of Labor (DOL). This attestation, modeled on the frameworks already in place for E-3 and H-1B1 visas, ensures that foreign workers are not used to undercut wages or working conditions for American employees.

Qualifications and Requirements

• For Korean Applicants (Beneficiaries): Must be nationals of South Korea and hired for a position meeting the definition of a “specialty occupation” under INA § 214(i).

• For U.S. Employers: Must file a labor attestation with the DOL covering wages, working conditions, and workplace notice requirements.

  
  

Terms of Stay

The bill leaves specific stay periods to implementing regulations, but practice may follow the two-year renewable increments used in other E-class visas. Historically, spouses of E-class visa holders have been authorized to work in the U.S., though final details would depend on future regulations.

Why It Matters

The proposed E-4 visa represents more than a new immigration category. It is a strategic move to:

• Strengthen the U.S.–Korea alliance through enhanced workforce exchange.

• Support economic collaboration between the two nations, particularly in fields like technology, engineering, and finance.

• Provide U.S. companies access to highly skilled Korean professionals, while ensuring protections for U.S. workers.

Conclusion

Although still pending, the Partner with Korea Act (H.R. 4687) reflects a sustained bipartisan effort to deepen ties between the United States and South Korea. If enacted, the E-4 visa would create new opportunities for skilled Korean workers while reinforcing economic and diplomatic bonds. For both nations, it represents a step toward greater partnership in a globalized economy.

Bibliography

• U.S. Congress, 119th Congress. H.R. 4687 – Partner with Korea Act. Introduced July 24, 2025.

• Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 101(a)(15), 8 U.S.C. § 1101.

• INA § 212(t), 8 U.S.C. § 1182(t).

• INA § 214(i), 8 U.S.C. § 1184(i).

• U.S. Department of State. E-3 Specialty Occupation Workers from Australia. Travel.state.gov.

• U.S. Department of Labor. Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) for E-3 and H-1B1 Programs. dol.gov.

• U.S. Trade Representative. KORUS Free Trade Agreement.