How to become an EPS worker in Korea: Philippine Edition
Employment Permit System (EPS)
The EPS program is an innovative temporary labor migration scheme for low-skilled workers from 16 countries with which Korea has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Applicants may work in the following industries: Manufacturing, Construction, Agriculture, Servicesm and Fisheries.
Jump to:
• Who can apply (Qualifications)
• Benefits of being an EPS/factory worker in Korea
• Schedule of Exams and Selection
• Steps on how to become an EPS worker in Korea
• How much do EPS/Factory workers in Korea earn?
Who can apply
- Aged between 18 and 38
- Deemed medically Fit according to the standards set by the Korean government
- No Criminal Record or commited serious offence punishable by imprisonment
- No previous record of deportation/eviction order from Korea
- Medically fit to work
- Educational Attainment not necessary
- No height requirements
Benefits of being an EPS/Factory Worker in Korea
• Free housing is usually provided by the company
• Free meals are usually provided during working days
• Higher salary compared to the Philippines
• More paid working hours (overtime, weekend work, night work)
• Can work in Korea for 3 years (can extend to 4 years 10 months)
Schedule of Exams and Selection
•The EPS-TOPIK is conducted 2-3 times in a year. The exam registration date is usually announced by the DMW on their facebook page 2-3 weeks in advance.
•Company Selection is conducted 4 times a year:
• March • July • October • December
How to become an EPS worker in Korea:
Step 1: Learn Korean
Foreigners who wish to work in Korea are required to know a certain level of Korean. It is necessary as they have to communicate with Korean colleagues and live in society. The applicant's korean language ability will be tested through the EPS TOPIK (see step 2).
You can choose to study on your own, or go to a language center and learn from certified teachers.
• Self Study: Low cost, but takes more time. There are several free resources online which could help you learn korean
• Korean Language Center: Going to a learning center is not a requirement, but it would still be a good option as there would be people who can guide you through the process and make it easier for the applicant.
Step 2: Registration
1. E-Reg: Visit the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) website to register for an account online (e-registration). This account hopes to streamline and simplify the registration process for OFWs.
2. Exam: Register for the EPS TOPIK Exam. Passing the EPS TOPIK (Test Of Proficiency In Korean) is one version of TOPIK, and a necessary job requirement for EPS aspirants. It is designed to assess the language proficiency of foreign workers who wish to work in Korea and ensure that they can communicate effectively with their Korean colleagues. The date of the exams will be announced by the DMW or HRD Korea.
Requirements:
• Passport size picture (scanned copy 15kb)
• Passport (scanned copy 1mb)
• Exam fee: $24
Tips:
• You can resize your pictures and passport for free using sites like img2go.com or adobe. Make sure that the photo is the right size and is not blurry
• Make sure that you are using a PC or a laptop with strong internet connection during the registration to avoid problems.
• Also be ready when the application for EPS TOPIK opens, as the slots are limited.
Step 3: Take the Exams
The exam is conducted in selected testing centers (such as POEA or DMW) and the exam is made up of 2 parts, Writen and Skills test.
• The written exam is made up of Listening (20 questions) and Reading Comprehension (20 questions). Total time for the exam is 50 minutes.
Tips:
• Here's an sample of the EPS TOPIK exam format
• The Skills test is made up of series of commands where the applicant would be asked to perform tasks.
Tips:
• Here's a list of the common commands for the skills test
TEST RESULTS
The results shall be announced through the designated EPS websites:
• http://eps.hrdkorea.or.kr
• http://epstopik.hrdkorea.or.kr
• http://epstopik.hrdkorea.or.kr
• If you have passed the exam, the EPS-TOPIK certificate is valid for 2 years.
• If you failed the exam, you can apply for the next EPS-TOPIK exam and try again.
Step 4: Pre-Medical
Visit the nearest Department of Health or DMW accredited clinic for Overseas Filipino Workers
The applicants have to be deemed fit to work overseas and pass the medical exams. This would cost around 1,000 PHP (price may vary). The most important tests are the ones for the Blood, Lungs, and Eyes. If you are deemed NOT fit during the medical exam, you can go for a re-examination.
• The applicant must have no amputations (complete fingers and limbs)
• Not be color blind (must pass Ishihara test)
• No Hepatitis
• No active lung scars
• No AIDS/HIV
• No Syphillis.
Basic Pre-employment medical examinations:
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) including
• Blood Typing
• ABO
• RH
• Chest X-ray (not smaller than 11'' x 14'')
• Visual Acuity for left and right eyes
• Stool Examination
• Urinalysis
• Psychometric evaluation
• Dental
Additional Medical Examinations:
• Liver Function Test
• SGOT
• SGPT
• Total Cholesterol
• VDRL
• HIV/AIDS test
• Hepatitis Antigen (HBs Ag)
• Ishihara Color Vision Test
• Audiometry
Step 5: Roster
Once the applicant has passed the EPS TOPIK exam, Skills test, and the Medical checkup, they should create an EPS account then would then be included in the Roster of qualified applicants. All you have to do is wait for futher instructions from DMW. They will contact you via email or by phone when a Korean company has selected you and the contract is ready.
• Approval - The application is ongoing
• Returned - Something is wrong with the applicant's documents and has to be corrected. This could be due to discrepancies in the information, missing results, blurry photos, etc.
• Re-sent - The corrected documents are sent again for approval. The applicant must wait if there are further corrections necessary.
• The roster is valid for 1 year. Upon expiration, the applicant shall coordinate with DMW for the renewal for another year.
Selection
The owner of the Korean company will select passers who will work in their company. The applicant will just have to wait for the results
Step 6: Hired Status
Once your status in the EPS website has changed to "Hired", it means that you are selected to go to Korea. A representative from DMW will then contact you via email, by phone, or even through facebook announcements and send you the contract for signing within 14 days. Once the contract has been accepted, the employer will apply for other documents necessary for your visa.
• Job Search Progress: Hired
It will also indicate the name of the company, link to their website, and photos of the company
• Employment Permit Issue: Issued
This means you have been selected by a company in Korea and they have applied for the employment permit
• Standard Labor Contract Forwarding: Contract Transfered
This means the contract has been sent by the company for you to sign
• Standard Labor Contract Signing: Signed
This means that the contract you have signed has been accepted
• CCVI Issuance: Issued
This means the company has received the CCVI necessary for the visa application
• Tentative Entry Date:
The temporary date set for your flight to Korea
• Actual Entry Date:
The finalized day for your flight to Korea
• Employment Training
• Work Assignment Date:
The date when you will start working will be determined
Step 7: Pre-departure Training/Briefing
You will be contacted by DMW or POEA. The training will last around 5 days. They will brief you on what to do in Korea and the next steps you have to take. The training will consist of the following:
• Korean Language Education
• Understanding Korean Culture
• Understanding EPS
• Basic Training (Industrial Safety)
• Education by Industry
Step 8: Visa Processing
DMW/POEA will be the ones to handle the visa application on behalf of the applicant. Once the Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI) has been issued, DMW shall then inform the applicants, and the applicants shall submit requested documents to the POEA or DMW:
• Valid Passport
• Valid NBI clearance
• Valid Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PEME) from any DOH accredited medical clinic for overseas employment
• Valid PSA issued Birth Certificate
• Tuberculosis (TB) Medical Certificate
• Vaccine Certificate
• Visa fee
Successful applicants will be given an E-9 visa.
Step 9: Set Entry date
Those who have been issued a visa shall now prepare to enter Korea on the scheduled date set by HRD Korea. DMW will also be the ones to handle the ticket booking on behalf of the applicants.
Step 10: Departure for Korea
This is when you will finally fly to Korea. The sucessfull applicants will be given the designated EPS uniforms and name tags, and be guided with the arrival process at the airport. Foreign workers shall complete a 20-hour Employent training after entering Korea.
Cost for the application
• Korean Language Study: Free ~ 10,000 PHP
• Transportation to take exams at DMW: Cost may vary
• EPS TOPIK: $24
• Training Cost: 729 PHP
• Processing Fee: $50
• Pre-Medical Checkup: 1,000 ~ 3,000 PHP
• Visa fee: 3,000 PHP
• Flight ticket to Korea: 10,000 ~ 30,000 PHP
Frequently Asked Questions:
- • Are there agents or brokers that can help me get a job in Korea as a factory worker?
• No, this is a government to government program and only the DMW/POEA are the only ones to handle applications.
• LGUs are responsible for Seasonal Workers.
• For Office Workers, they have to either be qualified for E1, E7, D7, D8, F2, F5 or other work visas. - • Do I need pass the EPS-TOPIK to work in Korea?
You need to pass the EPS-TOPIK in order to become an EPS/factory Worker in Korea. But you also have the option of working in Korea as a Seasonal Worker, or Skilled Worker without taking the EPS-TOPIK exam. You also have options to be directly hired or transferred to a Korean branch if you are qualified enough.
- • If I pass the EPS-TOPIK, does that mean that I will be hired in Korea?
No, passing the EPS-TOPIK is one step in the application process. The applicant still has to pass the other requirements and be selected by a Korean company.
- • Is it true that there is only a 1% chance that women would be selected?
No, while there are significantly more men selected for factory work, there are also many women selected as factory workers.
- • How much do EPS/Factory workers earn in Korea?
EPS workers are usually paid according to the minimum wage in Korea (2023: 9620 won per hour) and would depend on the number of working hours.
- • How long can I work in Korea as an EPS worker?
EPS workers are given 3 years to work in Korea, and this can be extended to 4 years 10 months. This can further be extended depending on your company. EPS workers can also change their visa from E9 to E7
- • Can I bring my family members to Korea?
• For work: No. They also have to go through the same procedure in order to come to Korea as an EPS worker
• For visit: It is adviced that families of EPS workers apply as tourists if they want to visit Korea
- • Can I still work in Korea as an EPS worker if I am colorblind?
Applicants for the EPS program have to pass the Ishihara test in order to be considered for work.
- • I am turning 38, am I still qualified to work in Korea?
The applicant must be within the qualified age range when taking the EPS-TOPIK exam
- • Do I need to attend a Korean Language Center to apply for the EPS-TOPIK?
No, you can do self-study as well. There are no requirements to attend a languge center in order to qualify for the exam
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