Can I change from E-2 (Foreign Language Instructor) to another visa status?

Yes, you can. In principle, a change is allowed if you meet all the requirements and procedures for the new status, and there is no special reason to restrict it for national interest or immigration order. However, changes to E-9, H-1, D-3, and E-10 are restricted.

Requirements checklist

• Qualifications for the new status: You must meet that visa's standards, such as education, work experience, and employment contract.
• Get change approval first: For activities of a different status, you must get permission in advance.
• Stay legally: You must apply before your current stay expires.
• Not a restricted target: Changes to E-9, H-1, D-3, and E-10 are restricted.

Things to watch out for

• Do not start the new activity before approval. Doing activities of another status without permission leads to a fine. The fine ranges from 500,000 KRW (under 1 month) up to 30,000,000 KRW (7 years or more), depending on the period.
• Moving only to another hagwon (private academy) within E-2 is not a status change. It is a change of workplace. Report in person to your local immigration office within 15 days of the move.
• Commonly used change routes are usually as follows. Even in these cases, check the requirements of that visa separately.
• E-7 (Special Activities): You must meet the job type and employment contract requirements.
• F-6 (Marriage Immigrant): You must meet the marriage requirements.
• F-2 and F-5: Each has its own requirements, such as points or length of stay.

How to apply

1. Check the required documents for the visa you want. You can find them on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr).
2. Prepare the basic documents (application form, passport, registration card, fee) and the documents specific to that visa. The fee for a status change is 100,000 KRW (200,000 KRW for a change to permanent residence F-5).
3. Apply at the immigration office (출입국·외국인관서) with jurisdiction over your address. Make a reservation on HiKorea.

Tell me which visa you want to change to, and I will give you more specific guidance based on that visa. For accuracy, check again with HiKorea or 1345.