Can I change from E-3 (research) to another visa status?

Yes, you can change from E-3 to another visa status. However, the general rule is to leave Korea, get the new visa, and enter again. A change inside Korea is allowed only in limited cases after a strict review, and only if you meet all the requirements for that status in Korea. Approval is not guaranteed.

What to know before you change

• You must get change approval before you start the activities of the new status.
• You usually apply at the immigration office (출입국·외국인관서) that covers your home address. You or your agent can apply.
• The requirements and documents are completely different depending on which status you change to.

Requirements checklist

• You must be staying legally on E-3 now.
• You must meet all the requirements of the new status while in Korea.
• For a work status, you need workplace documents such as an employment contract.
• For a status based on family ties or investment, such as marriage immigrant (F-6) or investment (D-8), you need the documents for that status.
• You must apply within your period of stay.

Common cases

1. If you move to a new job within the same professional field, it is not a change of status. It is a report of change or addition of workplace. You must meet the requirements for the new workplace. Report to the local immigration office within 15 days of the date the reason arises. There is no fee. If you were dismissed or quit because of your own fault and could not get your original employer's consent to transfer, this report does not apply. In that case, you must get approval for a change of workplace.
2. Lecturing at the same university or research institute is allowed without permission for activities outside your status. If it is at another university or institution, you must get consent from the head of your original workplace and get permission for activities outside your status. If the lecturing becomes larger than your original working hours or pay, you will be told to change your status.
3. Other professional statuses such as E-1, E-2, E-4, E-5, E-6, and E-7 require you to meet the requirements of each status and have an employment contract. The basic fee for a change is 100,000 KRW.
4. Family statuses such as accompanying spouse (F-3) have different requirements, so the result depends on your personal situation.

⚠️ Warnings

• If you start the new activity before approval, it may be a violation.
• If you miss the reporting deadline, you may get a fine. If you change workplaces and work without permission, you may be punished or even ordered to leave Korea.

Tell me which status you want to change to, and I will explain the exact requirements and documents for it. For final confirmation, check HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Immigration Contact Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).