How do I apply for an E-9 employment period extension (re-employment)?

For an E-9 employment period extension (re-employment), the employer applies first at the Employment Center (고용센터). After approval, the worker must separately get a stay period extension permit at Immigration (출입국).

Follow these steps in order

1. Employer → Employment Center: Apply from 90 days before to 7 days before the employment period ends. At least 1 month of the labor contract must remain until the expiry date.
2. Print the confirmation: When processing is done, the employer prints the 'Confirmation of Extension of Employment Activity Period for Those Whose Employment Period Is Expiring' from EPS and gives it to the worker.
3. Worker → Immigration: Apply for the extension permit before the stay period ends. You can apply from 4 months before expiry until the expiry date. If you apply before expiry, you can stay while you wait, even if the result is late.

Just prepare these documents

Documents the employer submits to the Employment Center

• Application for Extension of Employment Activity Period for Those Whose Employment Period Is Expiring — the employer fills it out.
• Copy of Alien Registration Card, copy of passport — to confirm the worker's identity.
• Copy of Standard Labor Contract — to check the renewed labor contract terms.
• The Employment Center checks the business registration certificate electronically. If the employer does not consent, submit a copy.

Documents the worker submits to Immigration

• Confirmation of Extension of Employment Activity Period for Those Whose Employment Period Is Expiring — print it from EPS after the Employment Center processes the case.
• Copy of Employment Permit, copy of Standard Labor Contract, copy of business registration certificate — get these from the employer.
• Proof of place of residence
• Also submit the basic documents (application form, passport, registration card, fee). The fee for a stay period extension is 60,000 KRW, but it is waived for an E-9 extension made because the labor contract period changed.

Permit period and where to apply

• Immigration looks at the extension period on the confirmation and the workplace's past violations or unauthorized absences, among other things. It permits up to 1 year 10 months.
• For E-9 extensions, you can apply not only at the Immigration office for your home address, but also at the one that covers your place of residence or workplace, or at a nearby Immigration office.

⚠️ Points to note

• The Employment Center's processing alone does not extend your stay period. You must get the Immigration extension permit separately. If you do not, your health insurance may be suspended.
• If you have unpaid health insurance premiums, the permit period may be shortened to within 6 months. Pay in advance and keep the receipt.

Check the exact documents and where to apply once more at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Foreigner Helpline (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).