E-9 (Non-Professional Employment) Korea Visa Guide | 2026

1. What E-9 Is

E-9 is a work status for designated sectors under Employment Permit System frameworks. It is tightly controlled on occupation, employer linkage, and workplace-change conditions.

2. Eligibility Checklist

• Eligible under current EPS/non-professional employment channel.
• Employer/sector placement matches current E-9 operational scope.
• Required identity/health/training documents satisfy current standards.
• Contract terms align with E-9 compliance conditions.
• No unresolved immigration violations affecting eligibility.

3. Criteria Summary

• E-9 is not a points-based status.
• Review is channel-eligibility and compliance-condition based.
• Operational limits and sector handling can change via annual updates.
• Always verify current E-9 sector/workplace rules before filing.

4. Salary and Contract Rules

• E-9 is contract-bound with sector-specific labor compliance requirements.
• Compensation must align with lawful labor standards and filed contract terms.
• Contract mismatch with actual duties/location is a high-risk compliance issue.
• Long-term planning often considers E-7-4 transition pathways where eligible.

5. Employer and Workplace Change Rules

• E-9 is tightly tied to employer/sector scope.
• Workplace change is limited and requires specific qualifying reasons and procedures.
• Unauthorized changes or off-scope activity can cause penalties/status loss.
• Re-entry and continuity rules should be managed carefully in cycle planning.

6. Required Documents

• Application set (form, passport, photo, fee proof).
• EPS/channel-related placement and contract documents.
• Health/identity records required under current guidance.
• Employer and sector compliance documents where requested.
• Additional office-specific records requested during review.

7. Fees and Processing

• E-9 issuance/extension fees follow official schedules in manuals.
• Processing depends on channel procedures, office load, and verification needs.
• Workplace-change or re-entry-related cases frequently require supplemental proof.
• File early to avoid expiry-window risk in controlled timelines.

8. Common Rejection Reasons

• Channel/sector eligibility conditions not met.
• Employer/contract evidence is incomplete or inconsistent.
• Requested activity exceeds E-9 permitted scope.
• Workplace-change/re-entry conditions are not sufficiently proven.
• Prior immigration non-compliance issues remain unresolved.

9. FAQ