In short
- Most work visas are tied to a specific employer. Changing jobs isn't automatic — there's a process, and skipping it is a serious violation.
- For E-7: most occupations need only a report within 15 days; some (~19 codes) need pre-approval before you start.
- Line up the new job first. Have a signed contract before you resign — the new employer is re-evaluated like a fresh E-7 application.
- Lost your job? You have 15 days to report, and may be able to switch to D-10 (job-seeker) — but it's not automatic.
"I already have an E-7, so I can just start anywhere" is a costly myth. Your visa authorizes a specific employer and occupation — change either one and you must go through immigration first. Here's how to move jobs cleanly (and protect your path to residence).
Which visas let you change freely?
| Employer-bound | Free-to-work |
|---|---|
| Most E-series (E-2, E-7…), E-9. Changing employer needs approval/report; E-9 needs prior EPS approval. | F-2, F-4, F-5, F-6, H-2 — work for any employer, no per-job approval (notification may still apply). |
This is a big reason residence visas (F-2-7 → F-5) are so valuable — they free you from employer-tied status.
Changing jobs on E-7: two tracks
Your obligation depends on your occupation code:
- Post-reporting (most occupations): notify immigration within 15 days of the change. You file a workplace-change report (근무처변경/추가 신고) — usually an in-person visit.
- Pre-approval (~19 specific codes, e.g. certain skilled trades): you must get prior permission before starting the new job.
Either way, changing employer triggers a full re-evaluation — the new employer's business registration, financials, the occupation-code match, the 고용사유서, and your updated contract are all reviewed, just like the original application. The new salary must still meet the 2026 E-7 floor (see E-7 guide). The workplace-change fee is around ₩120,000.
The clean sequence
Get the new offer in writing first
Have a signed contract before you resign. Once you leave, a clock starts — you need to move fast.
New employer prepares documents
Same set as any E-7 application: business registration, insurance/employee list, tax certificates, financials, company profile, 고용사유서.
File the change at immigration
Report (or get pre-approval) at your local office / HiKorea within the deadline. Check whether you also need an extension at the same visit. Don't work during review.
Get your ARC updated, then start
Once approved, your ARC is updated with the new employer — now you can legally begin. Keep the stamped notification as proof.
The employer consent letter (이적동의서)
If you resign or are fired mid-contract due to your own fault, some situations require the original employer's consent letter to transfer — and without it, certain occupations can't change employer domestically (you'd have to leave and re-apply from home). Important nuances:
- Consent is waived if you worked until the contract end date or a mutually agreed date.
- If the employer closed, went bankrupt, or owed 3+ months of wages, that's not your fault — you can change without consent (report within 15 days with supporting evidence).
- A contract violation by the employer (e.g. forcing you into work outside your approved role) can also substitute for consent, but you'll need to document it.
If you lose your job
- Report within 15 days of resignation/termination — being late risks fines.
- D-10 (job-seeker) is not automatic. Whether you qualify depends on your cumulative work history, how long you held E-7, and other factors — and there are limits (e.g. restrictions if you've had multiple D-10 changes recently). Check with immigration immediately; don't assume. If eligible, D-10 lets you stay and search legally (see status & extensions).
- Company closure / wage arrears are recognized "no-fault" reasons that ease the transfer.
Job changes & your PR timeline
Frequent moves can affect the F-2-7 points path, which rewards stable, continuous employment — lots of short stints, gaps, or long spells on D-10 can lower points and delay residency. But one well-managed move to a higher-salary, more established employer can actually help (higher income score). The key is doing it correctly through immigration with no unauthorized gaps. See the residence guide.
Common questions
Can I start the new job the day I quit?
For most E-series, only if you've filed the change report (or it's pre-approved). File before starting or within 15 days depending on your code. E-9 needs prior EPS approval — you can't just start.
Do I always need my old employer's consent?
No — it's waived if you finished your contract term, or if the employer closed/owed wages. It's mainly required when you leave mid-contract by your own fault.
Will changing jobs hurt my chance at PR?
Not if managed well. Stability helps F-2-7 points, but a single upward move can raise your income score. Avoid unauthorized gaps.
What if I want to change my role at the same company?
If the new role has a different occupation code, you may still need to report/re-approve. Confirm with immigration.
Sources: Korea Immigration Service / Ministry of Justice (체류민원 자격별 안내 매뉴얼, March 2026), HiKorea, and current foreigner job-change guidance. 15-day report / pre-approval split and consent-letter rules per the 2026 manual.
Last verified: July 2026. Procedures vary by visa type, occupation code and circumstances, and officers have discretion — verify at hikorea.go.kr / 1345, and consult a licensed 행정사 for disputes or mid-term termination. General information, not immigration advice.
Thinking of switching jobs?
Ask others how their workplace-change report went — post in the community and tag it Jobs.