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E-9 Non-professional employment (EPS)stay, re-employment and workplace changes under EPS

Foreign workers employed under the Employment Permit System in designated sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, fishing and construction.

Checked on 2026-10-17 · Facts and sources on this page: ↓

At a glance

Who it is forForeign workers employed under the Employment Permit System in designated sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, fishing and construction.
Can you work?Within set limitsOnly at the permitted workplace; changing workplaces goes through the Employment Center.E-9 workplace changes go through the Employment Center, limited to 3 times in the first 3 years and 2 times in the extended period (changes due to employer fault are not counted); reforms may be under way. Confirmed by official source
Length of stayThe working period and the re-employment extension are set by law.E-9 workers can work for 3 years from entry; if the employer's re-employment request is approved, 1 year 10 months more (up to 4 years 10 months). Confirmed by official source
ExtensionFor re-employment, the employer applies and, once the Ministry of Employment and Labor approves, the stay is extended at immigration.Apply for an extension from 4 months before your expiry date until the day before it expires. Applying after expiry leads to penalties. Needs checking (확인 필요)
Change of statusChanging to another status has strict requirements; check HiKorea for transition schemes such as skilled worker (E-7-4).
Alien registrationIf you will stay longer than 90 days, you must complete alien registration within 90 days of entry (Immigration Control Act Art. 31). Confirmed by official source
Re-entryRegistered foreigners who return within 1 year of departure are exempt from a re-entry permit; if less than a year of stay remains, only until that date. Confirmed by official source

Document checklist

Typical documents only. They vary by sub-type and office — check HiKorea's status manuals and the office (needs checking).

Fees

Where to apply

For applications that require an office visit, book a date and time on HiKorea in advance; some applications can be filed online via HiKorea e-application. Needs checking (확인 필요)

Common mistakes

Overstaying or working without permission violates the Immigration Control Act and can lead to fines, departure orders or deportation and later entry bans; employers can be punished too. Sources give different maximum penalties, so we do not list a figure. Needs checking (확인 필요) Sources differ

FAQ

Can I change workplaces?

Yes, through the Employment Center, for set reasons and within limits; changes caused by the employer's fault are reportedly not counted. Check EPS (eps.go.kr) or the Employment Center.

Facts and sources on this page

Anything we could not compare directly with an official page is marked "Needs checking". Always verify on the government websites below before applying.

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