E-9 Non-professional Employment Visa
For eligible foreign workers employed in designated non-professional sectors under Korea’s Employment Permit System.
Visa Overview
The E-9 Visa is the principal non-professional employment status under the Employment Permit System. Eligibility and employment are governed by the approved sending-country or EPS framework, permitted industry, employer authorization, employment contract, and immigration requirements.
Processing Time
Varies by Application
Processing time depends on application type, case facts, and document review.
Stay Period
Up to 3 Years at a Time
This is the official status-of-stay ceiling. Separate EPS employment-period rules may apply.
Work Activity
Approved Non-professional Employment
Activities must remain within the approved scope.
Government Fee
Varies by Application Type
Confirm the current official fee for the exact immigration procedure before filing.
Important Notice
E-9 does not authorize unrestricted employment. Industry, employer, workplace changes, and employment periods are controlled under the Employment Permit System and immigration rules. The three-year ceiling is not a guaranteed grant.
Need E-9 information?
Our team helps you find public visa resources and arrange practical support within an agreed scope.
Eligibility
General Requirements
The exact requirements depend on the application route and the facts of each case. These are general points listed for this status.
- ✓Eligibility under the Employment Permit System and an applicable sending-country / recruitment route.
- ✓Employment by an authorized employer in an industry and workplace permitted for E-9 employment. E-9
- ✓A valid employment arrangement and compliance with immigration, labor, and EPS requirements.
Documents
Common Document Categories
Check the competent authority’s latest instructions for documents required for your specific application.
- ✓Application/visa documents and passport.
- ✓Employment permit, labor contract, or EPS-related documents as applicable.
- ✓Employer business and workplace documents.
- ✓Residence card and workplace-change documents for in-country procedures where applicable.
Process
General Application Steps
These general steps describe the applicant’s process, not a filing service provided by Modical.
- 1
Confirm EPS eligibility and the applicable E-9 industry.
- 2
Confirm employer authorization and employment conditions.
- 3
Complete the applicable EPS and visa procedures.
- 4
Enter Korea and complete registration/training procedures where required.
- 5
Maintain authorized employment and complete required reports/permissions for changes.
- 6
Review extension, re-entry, or status-change options under the applicable rules before expiry.
FAQ
Common questions
Can an E-9 worker change workplaces freely?+
No. Workplace changes are subject to the Employment Permit System and applicable immigration procedures.
Does E-9 always give three years of stay?+
No. Three years is the official status-of-stay ceiling; the actual authorized period and employment period depend on the applicable case and rules.