What is the deadline for changing workplaces on an E-9 visa?

To change workplaces on an E-9 visa, you must apply at the Employment Center (고용센터) within 1 month from the day your employment contract ends. You must also get permission to change your workplace from Immigration within 3 months from the day you applied.

If you miss either deadline, you may have to leave Korea.

Follow these steps

1. Apply for a workplace change at your local Employment Center within 1 month from the day your employment contract ends.
2. Get permission to change your workplace from your local Immigration Office (출입국·외국인청, 사무소·출장소) within 3 months from the day you applied.
3. Start work at the new workplace only after you get permission.

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• If you cannot apply or get permission because of a work accident, illness, pregnancy, childbirth, or similar reasons, the period is counted from the day the reason ends.
• In this case, before your stay period ends, submit the 'Workplace Change Application Period Extension Receipt Confirmation' (사업장변경신청기간 연장접수확인서) from the Employment Center and documents such as a medical certificate, and apply to extend your stay. The extension fee is waived.
• Do not work before you get permission.
• You can change workplaces up to 3 times during your first employment period and up to 2 times during the period extended by re-employment. Reasons that are not your fault, such as business suspension or closure, are not counted.
• The reasons you can change workplaces are set by rule. They include business suspension or closure, unpaid wages, unfair working conditions, the employer's justified contract termination or refusal to renew, and injury.

If the deadline has already passed or your situation is complicated, get a consultation with the K-VISA AI administrative agent (행정사) (Visa Service in the app). For exact details, check again with the Employment Center, the Foreigner Information Center (외국인종합안내센터) (1345), or HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr).