How to apply for a workplace change

A workplace change goes through the employment centre as a formal procedure.

The process (outline)

1. First confirm you have a valid ground. See change-workplace-e9. Consult 1350 or 1577-0071.
2. Apply for the change at your local employment centre, submitting the required documents.
3. You are registered as a jobseeker and the job-seeking period begins. See job-search-period.
4. The centre refers you to employers. Keep your phone reachable so you don't miss calls.
5. Sign an employment contract with the new workplace. Check the terms carefully.
6. Complete the employment permit and standard contract formalities.
7. File the residence status report. See workplace-report, and check with 1345.

What to prepare

• Passport and Alien Registration Card
• Your previous employment contract
• Evidence supporting the ground for change — payslips, bank records, texts, photos, medical records
• Documents relating to the previous workplace

Where to go

• Your local employment centre — Work24 www.work24.go.kr
• 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labour (with interpretation)
• 1577-0071 Foreign Workforce Support Centre
• Employment Permit System www.eps.go.kr
• Your nearest migrant workers' support centre
• 1345 for residence status questions

Questions people ask

I find it hard to explain in Korean. 1350 and 1577-0071 provide interpretation. Some migrant workers' support centres will accompany you.

Can I work during the job-seeking period? Working without authorisation is a violation. Always check with 1345.

I don't like the workplace I was referred to. Explain to the employment centre. But the job-seeking period is limited, so weigh it carefully.

I missed a referral because I didn't answer the phone. Contact the centre immediately and explain. If your number changed, tell them at once.

Take care

During the job-seeking period, always answer your phone, and tell the centre immediately if your number changes. Being unreachable until the period lapses creates residence status problems. Put the start and end dates in your calendar.

Related

change-workplace-e9 · job-search-period · job-centers · workplace-report

Source

Ministry of Employment and Labour, Employment Permit System www.eps.go.kr / As of 2026-08