Changing Your Visa to E-9 While in Korea: Is It Possible?
If you’re already living in Korea and are wondering if it’s possible to change your current visa to an E-9 visa, here’s what you need to know. The answer is, generally, no. The E-9 visa, known as the Non-professional Employment visa, is primarily intended for foreign workers to enter Korea for specific job sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, or construction. This visa is usually obtained before entering Korea, not while residing in the country.
Why Can’t You Change to E-9 Visa in Korea?
Here are the main reasons why switching to an E-9 visa while you’re in Korea is generally not allowed:
- Visa Issuance Process: The E-9 visa is issued based on an employment contract established between the foreign worker and a Korean employer. This process requires approval from the Ministry of Employment and Labor in Korea. The visa is typically granted to individuals who are still in their home country and have been recruited to work in Korea.
- Entry Process: Foreign workers with an E-9 visa enter Korea specifically to work in designated sectors. If you’re already in Korea under a different visa type, changing directly to an E-9 visa is not permitted. You would need to leave Korea and reapply from your home country.
- Employment Approval: Korean employers must obtain a labor permit to hire foreign workers under the E-9 visa category. This approval is part of the Employment Permit System (EPS) and is intended for foreign nationals outside Korea.
Although there may be exceptional cases where a special labor permit is granted, these are rare and do not apply to most individuals.
Conclusion
To sum up, while it’s possible to meet the qualifications for an E-9 visa, switching to this visa type while already in Korea is not typically an option. If you’re already residing in Korea on a different visa and wish to switch to an E-9, you would generally need to exit Korea and apply from abroad.
Note: This information is accurate as of August 2024 and is subject to change according to Korean visa policy updates.