What can and can't I do with an E-3 research visa?

With an E-3 (Research) visa, you can only do research and R&D work at an approved research institution. Most other work needs separate permission.

What you can do

• Research in natural science, social science, the humanities, and arts and sports, and R&D in advanced industrial technology
• Research at government-funded research institutes, national or public research institutes, corporate research centers, universities, and similar places
• Teaching at the same university or research institution is allowed without Professor (E-1) permission.
• Studying at a regular educational institution (elementary, middle, high school, or university) is allowed without separate permission, as long as it does not interfere with your original purpose of stay.

What needs permission or a report

• If you change or add a workplace, report it to the competent Immigration Office (immigration office, branch office) (출입국·외국인청(사무소·출장소)) within 15 days of the date the reason arose. There is no fee. However, if you were dismissed or left your job early through your own fault and your original employer did not consent to your transfer, this is not a report case. You must get permission to change your workplace (근무처변경허가).
• If you teach or work at another university or research institution, you need the consent of the head of your original workplace and you must get permission for activities outside your status of stay (체류자격 외 활동허가).
• Teaching at a university for 90 days or less falls under permission for activities outside your status of stay, using the Short-term Employment (C-4-5) status. To teach regularly for more than 90 days, there is a separate approval process.

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• If you work somewhere else without permission, you may receive a fine or a notice of disposition (통고처분). If you have 2 or more violations within the last 2 years, you may in principle be ordered to leave Korea.
• If extra activities such as teaching go beyond the working hours or pay of your original research job, you may be told to change your status of stay.
• You cannot do non-research work (such as simple labor) with an E-3.
• The spouse of an E-3 holder can work in most occupations except simple labor, with permission for activities outside their status of stay. This applies when the spouse meets the conditions for spouses of skilled professionals.

If you plan to teach or take a second job at another institution, check with your local immigration office or 1345 before you start to see whether permission is needed.