E-7 Job Change: Report or Permit? Check First! 🔀

🧭 What's different? Two methods

An E-7 workplace change is either a 'post-move report' or a 'pre-move permit.' A post-move report is a report you make within 15 days after starting work at the new company. A pre-move permit is a method where you must get permission before you move.

The reference material says the post-move reporting system has applied since November 15, 2010. It was a change that lets skilled professionals switch workplaces with just a post-move report, without prior permission. So this notice isn't a newly created rule. It's a reminder to check. 💡

🙋

E-7 worker

Did the system just change this time?

Kevi

No. The post-move reporting system has applied since November 15, 2010. The key point of this notice is to check first whether your occupation requires a report or a permit.

📄 If you need to report, do it like this

If you're in the reporting category, report within 15 days after starting work at the new company. You can do it at the competent Immigration Office (immigration office/branch office) (출입국·외국인청(사무소·출장소)), and an agent can also report on your behalf.

The reference material says an in-person visit is the rule, because the workplace change/addition report sticker must be attached to your passport or the reporter's seal/entry must be made. So it's a good idea to book your visit date in advance so you don't go past 15 days. ✅

🙋

E-7 worker

Can I report online only?

Kevi

The reference material says in-person reporting is the rule. Reporting by an agent is also allowed. Check the original text or 1345 for specific methods.

⛔ If you need a permit, the order matters

If your occupation requires a permit, you must apply for and receive workplace change permission before you move. The reference material lists occupations such as Mechanical Engineer (2351), Draftsperson (제도사) (2395), Designer (285), Sales Clerk (31215), and Head Chef and Cook (441) as subject to prior management. That's because they need prior management due to things like limits on the number of people allowed.

Be sure to check the full list, and whether your occupation is on it, in the original text or with 1345. If you start work before getting permission, it may be treated as working without permission. 😮

🙋

E-7 worker

Can I just start work before the permit comes through?

Kevi

No. If your occupation requires a permit and you start work before getting it, it may be treated as working without permission. The specific penalty standards aren't in the provided material, so check the original text or 1345.

🔍 Where do I check my occupation?

First, find your occupation code in your new company's contract or job description. Then compare it with the list of occupations requiring a permit, and you can tell whether it's a report or a permit.

Even if occupation names look similar, the codes can differ, so don't go by the name alone. Check the code too. Even if your duties at the new company differ from those at your old one, go by the new duties. If you're confused, asking 1345 is the safest option. 🙂

🙋

E-7 worker

Where do I find my occupation code?

Kevi

Check your new company's contract or job description. Then compare that code with the list of occupations requiring a permit. If you're still confused, contact 1345.

🗂️ Documents to prepare for a permit application

When a permit is required, the reference material lists three kinds of documents. First, one of the following: a certificate of temporary or permanent business closure (휴·폐업사실증명서), official proof related to unpaid wages, a VAT return, and so on. Second, the original employer's consent to transfer (이적동의서). Third, documents for reviewing the qualification requirements of the newly contracted company.

However, the original employer's consent to transfer is waived if you worked until the contract period ended, or if there was a closure, wrongdoing such as unpaid wages, or a breach of employment contract terms. Be careful: if you were dismissed for your own fault or left midway, you're excluded from coverage without the original employer's consent. Required documents differ by situation, so check the original text or 1345 for exact details. 📄

🙋

E-7 worker

Is the original employer's consent form absolutely required?

Kevi

If you worked until the contract period ended, or there was a closure, unpaid wages, etc., it may be waived or replaced with supporting documents. If you left due to your own fault, you may be excluded from coverage without consent. Check the original text or 1345 for detailed standards.

✅ What to do now, step by step

1. 1Check your occupation code in your new company's contract or job description.
2. 2Compare the code with the list of occupations requiring a permit to decide whether it's a report or a permit.
3. 3If it's a report, visit the competent Immigration Office (immigration office/branch office) (출입국·외국인청(사무소·출장소)) within 15 days after starting work and report the workplace change.
4. 4If it's a permit, apply for and receive workplace change permission before you start work.
5. 5Prepare the required documents, such as the original employer's consent to transfer, in advance.
6. 6If you're confused, contact 1345.