E-9 Non-professional employment visa guide

Question 1

When can I apply to extend my E-9 Non-professional Employment stay, and what documents do I need?

Accepted Answer

You can apply to extend your E-9 stay from 4 months before your stay period ends until the end date. If you apply before it expires, you can stay while you wait, even if the result comes late. Just prepare these documents Basic documents (application form, passport, Alien Regist…

Question 2

Can I change from E-9 (Non-professional Employment) to another visa status?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are ways to change from E-9 to another status. But you cannot change to just any status. Only statuses with set requirements are possible. Main cases where you can change Skilled Worker (E-7-4): If you qualify under the points system, you generally apply as a change of

Question 3

What work can you do and not do with an E-9 Non-professional Employment visa?

Accepted Answer

With an E-9, you can only do work in the permitted industry, at the workplace that received the employment permit. You cannot take a side job elsewhere or change companies on your own. Work you can do Manufacturing (E-9-1): companies with fewer than 300 regular workers or capita…

Question 4

Do I need a re-entry permit when I go home for a short visit on an E-9 visa?

Accepted Answer

No, usually you do not need a re-entry permit. If you have an E-9 alien registration, you can come back without a permit within 1 year of the day you leave Korea. If your remaining stay period is shorter than 1 year, you must return within that remaining period. Most short trips…

Question 5

What should I do if my E-9 company closes down or does not pay my salary?

Accepted Answer

Closure and unpaid wages are not your fault. So you can apply to change workplaces without your employer's consent. A change made this way does not count toward the change limit (3 times in the first employment period, 2 times in the extended period). Prepare these first Pay sli…

Question 6

Can I bring my family (spouse and children) to Korea on an E-9 (Non-professional Employment) visa?

Accepted Answer

No. With an E-9 (Non-professional Employment) visa, your spouse and children cannot get an accompanying family visa (F-3). The accompanying visa (F-3) is open only to family members of people with certain statuses, from Culture and Arts (D-1) to Specific Activities (E-7). I coul…