Can I change from E-1 Professor to another visa status?

Yes, you can change from E-1 Professor to another status. You must meet the requirements of the new status. You must also get permission for a change of status from the immigration office before you start the new activity.

Requirements checklist

• You are staying legally and are registered as an E-1 foreigner.
• You meet the requirements of the new status (education, career, employment contract, etc. differ by status).
• You do not start the activities of the new status before you get permission for the change.

It depends on the case

• Change to E-3 (Research): This applies if you want to work at a college-level or higher educational institution or a research institution. The qualification standard is a master's degree or higher plus 3 years of experience in the field, or a doctoral degree. A change between E-1 and E-3 is judged by the same standard.
• Change to another professional status (E-5, E-7, etc.): You need to meet the requirements of that status and have an employment contract.
• Move to Religion (D-6): If the institution belongs to the same religious foundation, activities outside your status are allowed between Religion (D-6) and Professor (E-1). In this case, you need documents proving the foundation, a consent form from your original workplace, and the establishment permit of the organization.
• Moving only to another school within E-1: This is a change of workplace, not a change of status. For skilled workers, you report after the change. You must report to the immigration office with jurisdiction within 15 days from the day the reason arises. A sticker must be attached to your passport, so reporting in person is the rule.

Application steps

1. Check the requirements and required documents for the new status on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr).
2. Prepare the documents. You usually need an application form, passport, alien registration card, employment contract, degree certificate and career certificate, and business registration certificate.
3. Apply at the immigration office (branch) with jurisdiction. The fee is 100,000 KRW.
4. Start the new activity only after you get permission.

⚠️ Points to note

If you are dismissed because of your own fault, or you quit midway and cannot get your original employer's consent to transfer, changing your workplace may be restricted. The consent form from your original workplace is waived if you worked until the end of your contract period.

If you have already decided on a new status, your personal situation matters a lot. Please get a consultation with the K-VISA AI administrative agent (the app's visa service). For final confirmation, check HiKorea or call 1345.