Changing Your Status (Visa Change)
The process to switch from your current visa to another (e.g., student D-2 → work E-7, E-9 → skilled E-7-4). Once you meet the requirements, you can often apply domestically without leaving Korea. Requirements and documents differ greatly by target status, and you should apply while your current stay is still valid.
What to prepare
- Passport and ARC
- Integrated application form (status change application)
- Documents for the target status (job contract, degree, income, points, etc. — defined per status in the Immigration Act rules)
- Proof of residence/address (if required)
- Fee
How to proceed
- 1Check the target visa’s requirements and allowed occupations (and its document list)
- 2Prepare proof you meet them (job contract, degree, income, etc.)
- 3Book a visit via Hi Korea (Apply → Reservation; online eligibility varies by status)
- 4Apply at your local immigration office
- 5After review and approval, your ARC is updated to the new status
Tips
- For E-7-4 (skilled worker), check your transition score in advance with the app’s K-Point calculator.
- ⚠️ Eligibility, requirements, and allowed jobs change often — always verify with ☎1345 or an administrative agent before applying (a wrong guess risks denial or a status gap).
- ⚠️ Apply while your current stay is still valid — after expiry a change is hard and you may fall out of legal status.
- If you can’t meet requirements yet and expiry is near, first check whether an ‘extension’ is possible.
Key contacts
- Immigration Contact Center ☎1345 (weekdays, multilingual)
- Hi Korea www.hikorea.go.kr (reservations and document info)
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Related guides
This is general information and has no legal force. Residence rules differ by visa, nationality, and situation and change often — always verify with official sources (Immigration Contact Center ☎1345, Hi Korea, an administrative agent).
Last updated: 2026-06-09