E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS)
Workers from EPS partner countries filling low-skilled jobs in manufacturing, agriculture, fishing and more.
The E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS) is a South Korean work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~₩80,000 / US$60 plus EPS programme costs) and processing time (~several months (after EPS roster matching)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS) is for
Workers from EPS partner countries filling low-skilled jobs in manufacturing, agriculture, fishing and more.
Limited; high-skilled E-9 workers may transition to E-7-4 and onward to F-2/F-5.
E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS) - eligibility criteria
- Be a national of an EPS Memorandum-of-Understanding country
- Pass the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test
- Pass the required health check
- Be matched with an approved Korean employer
- Within the EPS age limits
E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS) (South Korea) is ~₩80,000 / US$60 plus EPS programme costs, with an indicative processing time of ~several months (after EPS roster matching). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at HiKorea (Korea Immigration).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside Korea via the Employment Permit System (EPS) of the partner country |
| Length of stay | Up to 4 years 10 months (extendable to ~9 years 8 months) |
| Work rights | Work only in the assigned sector for the matched employer |
| Study rights | No formal study |
| Government fee | ~₩80,000 / US$60 plus EPS programme costs |
| Processing time | ~several months (after EPS roster matching) |
| Route to PR | Limited; high-skilled E-9 workers may transition to E-7-4 and onward to F-2/F-5. |
Pathway & next steps
Limited; high-skilled E-9 workers may transition to E-7-4 and onward to F-2/F-5.
Many applicants also compare E-7 · E-7 Special Occupation (Skilled / Designated Activities), C-4 · C-4 Short-Term Employment, F-2 · F-2 Long-Term Residence. Run a free VisaChief check to see which South Korean route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS) pitfalls we fix
E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS) - frequently asked questions
How much does the E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS) cost?
The E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS) government fee is ~₩80,000 / US$60 plus EPS programme costs. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at HiKorea (Korea Immigration) before applying.
How long does the E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~several months (after EPS roster matching). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS) lead to permanent residence?
Limited; high-skilled E-9 workers may transition to E-7-4 and onward to F-2/F-5.
Can I work on the E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS)?
Work rights: Work only in the assigned sector for the matched employer.
Who can apply for the E-9 Non-Professional Employment (EPS)?
Workers from EPS partner countries filling low-skilled jobs in manufacturing, agriculture, fishing and more.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official South Korea government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- HiKorea (Korea Immigration) - official South Korea immigration authority