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

Yes, you can. But you cannot change to just any status. You must meet the requirements of the status you want, and get permission in advance.

Basic rules

• To do activities of another status, you must first get permission to change status of stay from the Minister of Justice (법무부장관).⁴
• If an E-9 worker applies for a change, the application is reviewed according to the guidelines for the status you want to change to.¹
• If you start the activities of the new status before getting permission, it may be a violation of your stay.

Common cases

• Change to Other (G-1): This is for when you need long medical treatment because of an industrial accident or similar reason, and your employment contract has ended.³
• Returning to E-9: If you stay as G-1, you can go back to E-9. But this is only possible within the maximum stay period for E-9. The time you spent as G-1 counts toward the E-9 period.²
• Other changes: In general, changes to Skilled Worker (E-7-4) or changes because of a change in family status, such as marriage, are well known. Requirements and point criteria can change, so be sure to check the latest guidance.

⚠️ Things to be careful about

• You can receive treatment for an industrial accident even with E-9 status. So in some cases you do not need to change to G-1.¹
• If you apply for a status change to stay longer after your extension was denied, it is generally not approved and you may be told to leave the country. As an exception, if you need long treatment for something like cancer or cerebral hemorrhage, G-1-2 may be approved for humanitarian reasons.³
• If you were denied or your stay period is ending soon, try K-VISA AI administrative agent consultation (visa service in the app).

Approval is not guaranteed. For final confirmation, contact HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Foreigner Comprehensive Information Center (외국인종합안내센터) (1345).