Pathway Guide · EPS Program (MOE + MOJ)

E-9 → E-7 Upgrade Path

Start in Korea on an E-9 employment permit, build skills and Korean proficiency, then transition to a professional E-7 visa. The longest but most accessible route for workers without a degree.

✓ No degree required for E-9✓ Earn while you buildEPS 16 countries only

Who Can Use This Path?

E-9 (Employment Permit System) is available only to nationals of these 16 countries:

VietnamIndonesiaPhilippinesSri LankaMongoliaThailandUzbekistanPakistanCambodiaChinaBangladeshKyrgyzstanTimor-LesteLaosMyanmarNepal

Source: Korea Employment Permit System (EPS), Ministry of Employment & Labor.

Timeline (7–8 Years to Permanent Residency)

1

Pass EPS-TOPIK Test

3–6 months prep

Korean language test required for E-9 admission. Pass threshold varies by country.

2

Enter Korea on E-9

Up to 4yr 10mo

Work in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, or fisheries. Maximum stay: 4 years 10 months.

3

Build skills + TOPIK

2–3 years

Obtain a technical qualification (기능자격증), reach TOPIK 4+, stay with same employer in same industry.

4

Apply for E-7-4 (Skilled Technician)

Review: 1–3 months

Requires 4+ years of E-9/H-2 experience in the same industry + employer recommendation.

5

Work on E-7-4

5 years

Minimum salary: ₩26,000,000/year (2026). Continue building toward F-5 income requirements.

6

Apply for F-5 Permanent Residency

Review: 3–6 months

5 years on E-7 + average income ≥ ₩43,000,000/year (3-year average) + TOPIK + 80-point score.

E-9 Eligible Work Sectors

🏭Manufacturing
🏗️Construction
🌾Agriculture
🐟Fisheries
🛎️Services (limited)

⚠️ E-9 workers cannot freely change jobs or regions — changes require employer and government approval.

E-7-4 Upgrade Requirements

  • ✓4+ years of E-9 or H-2 experience in the same industry
  • ✓Must remain with the same employer or in the same industry sector
  • ✓Technical qualification certificate (기능자격증) strongly recommended
  • ✓TOPIK 4+ gives significant bonus points in the review
  • ✓Employer recommendation letter required
  • ✓Minimum salary: ₩26,000,000/year (2026)

⚠️ Key Risks

  • → E-9 maximum stay is 4 years 10 months — you must apply for E-7-4 before expiry
  • → Industry or job change restrictions make this path inflexible
  • → E-7-4 minimum salary (₩26,000,000) is well below the F-5 income requirement (₩43,000,000 avg) — plan for salary growth
  • → Working conditions in E-9 sectors can be physically demanding
Check My Score →E-7 Visa Details →

Based on Ministry of Employment & Labor EPS guidelines and Ministry of Justice E-7-4 requirements (2026).