visa & immigration

• The E-9 visa is South Korea’s Non-Professional Employment Visa, issued to foreign workers in sectors like manufacturing, construction, agriculture, fisheries, and services. It is mainly for workers from specific countries under the Employment Permit System (EPS).

1. Eligibility for E-9 Visa

1. Age: Usually 18-39 years.

2. Must be from an EPS-approved country (e.g., Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Indonesia, Vietnam, etc.).

3. Must pass the EPS-TOPIK (Korean language test) and a skills test.

4. Good health (no serious medical conditions like TB, hepatitis, HIV, etc.).

5. No criminal record.

6. No history of illegal stay in Korea.

2. Application Process

1. Pass the EPS-TOPIK Exam

   • Conducted by HRD Korea in EPS partner countries.
   • Basic Korean language proficiency test.
   • After passing, candidates get listed in the EPS job roster.

2. Job Matching & Contract Signing

   • Selected by a Korean employer through the EPS system.
   • Sign an employment contract.

3. Medical Check-up

   • Must pass a health examination in the home country.

4. Visa Issuance

   • Employer applies for a Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI).
   • Submit documents to the South Korean embassy for visa stamping.

5. Travel to Korea & Training

   • Attend mandatory training in Korea before starting work.

• Initial validity: 3 years (can be extended up to 4 years and 10 months).
• If the worker returns home after 4 years and 10 months, they can reapply.

4. Work Sectors Under E-9

• Manufacturing
• Agriculture & livestock
• Fisheries
• Construction
• Services (limited)

5. Important Points

• No family visa sponsorship (workers must come alone).
• Changing jobs is restricted unless under special conditions.
• EPS workers cannot apply for permanent residency (F-5 visa).
• Salary and benefits depend on Korean labor laws.