Visa for Korea

E2 Visa | F4 Visa | Getting a Visa for Korea | Interview with Consulate | Documents for Private Schools | Documents for Public School |  Criminal Check

Types of Visas for Teaching English in Korea

English teachers are generally granted 2 types of visas that allow them to work and live in Korea: E-2 and F-4. In some cases, professors at universities and colleges will apply for an E-1 visa.

Downloads:

E2 Visa Application Form
E2 Visa Health Statement Form
Public School Health Form

E2 Visa – Foreign Language Teaching

The E-2 Visa allows you to teach in any registered educational institute in Korea. You can teach at a private school, public school or language school (hagwon). It is important to note that you can only teach for the school that sponsors your visa. In order to be eligible for an E-2 Visa you must be a native English speaker.

F-4 Visa - Overseas Koreans

The F-4 visa is for ethnic Koreans living overseas. This includes Korean nationals who have become citizens of a foreign country. In addition, if your parents or grandparents once held Korean citizenship, but are now citizens of another country you are also eligible. Overseas Adopted Koreans are also eligible for this type of visa. An F-4 visa provides much more employment flexibility than other visas as it essentially provides you the same opportunity as a Korean national.

E-1 Visa – Professor

The E-1 Visa is for foreigners who are qualified by the Higher Education Act and will be giving lectures at an educational facility. In order to apply for this you must:

• -be a professor at an academic organization (University or College such as KAIST)   
• -a full time lecturer or professor hired by a University or College
• -a professor who has University or College level specialization in a field which they will be teaching 

Getting Your Visa for Teaching in Korea

Securing the appropriate visa for teaching in Korea is a time sensitive process that requires close attention to detail. It is important to move quickly to ensure that your visa is ready in time for your departure.

Step 1 - Secure a teaching job in Korea

In order to begin the E-2 visa process, you need to secure an English teaching job with an employer in Korea that will sponsor your E2 visa application. While we are sorting out the details of your placement, it is important to gather the required documents to be sure you are ready to send them to Korea as soon as you receive an official offer. 

Step 2 - Sending required documents to Korea

Once you have secured an English teaching job in Korea, you must send your documents to Korea to begin the visa process. Please see the information below regarding the required documents. Please note that the process differs based on your home country. For example, Canadian candidates follow a different process than Americans candidates. 

Step 3 - Applying for a visa issuance number (done in Korea by your employer)

Once your documents arrive in Korea, the school will apply for your visa issuance number at the immigration office. This usually takes 5-15 business days. Once your issuance number is ready, it will be sent to you via email or post. 

Step 4 - Getting your visa stamped in your passport

As soon as you receive your visa issuance number from the school, you must take this to the nearest Korean Consulate immediately to get your visa stamped in your passport. You will need to take your:

1. visa issuance number   
2. visa application form (available at the consulate)   
3. one (1) official transcript sealed by your university   
4. one (1) recent passport sized photo  
5. visa processing fee (cash or money order)

 
Interview with the Korean Consular

Effective December 15th, 2007 all teachers applying for an E-2 Visa for Korea must have an interview with the Consular at the Korean Consulate closest to their home town. As consulates often have different procedures for visa processing and interviewing, please call the nearest Korean Consulate to arrange your interview and ensure you have all the documents and the appropriate fee required to get your visa stamped in your passport.

In cases where you do not live close to a Korean Consulate it may be possible to conduct the interview via telephone (please check with the local consulate).

Public school applicants through the EPIK program generally are not required to have an interview with the Consular.

Processing Time

Your visa will usually take 5 business days to process. If you plan to courier your passport and documents (transcript, visa application form, money order, and passport sized photo) to the consulate, please send them by express mail. Include a prepaid, self addressed envelope for the return of your documents. Please factor the courier time into the total processing time.

Please note that the Korean Consulate will not rush your visa for ANY reason. It is essential that you factor this into your plans and deliver your passport, processing fee (approximately $60 USD), transcript, visa application form, passport photo and issuance number promptly.

If you have any questions relating to this process, please contact Teach Away Support at info@teachaway.com. It is important to follow this guide closely and move quickly to ensure the prompt issuance of your visa.

Required Documents for Private Schools (Hagwons)

1. Original degree/diploma – Please note that it is illegal to submit a fake or forged degree. 
2. Two (2) official transcripts in separate sealed envelopes. One (1) is to be sent to Korea, and the other is for the Korean Consulate in your home country.
3. Colour photocopy of passport detail/picture page
4. Criminal Record Check with Notarization or Apostille. Please contact your local police department to find out the requirements for having a criminal record check completed in your area. Please refer to information below for completing your criminal record check and receiving the appropriate authentication for your country. 
5. A completed E-2 Visa Health Statement. Download here.
6. Four (4) colour passport size photos. Two (2) of these will be sent to Korea, and two (2) will be used when you pick up your visa in your home country.
7. Three (3) signed copies of the employment contract (to be forwarded with the official offer)

Required Documents for Public Schools

1. Original degree/diploma – Please note that it is illegal to submit a fake or forged degree.
2. Two (2) official transcripts in separate sealed envelopes. One (1) is to be sent to Korea, and the other is for the Korean Consulate in your home country. 
3. Colour photocopy of passport detail/picture page.
4. Four (4) colour passport size photos. Two (2) of these will be sent to Korea, and two (2) will be used when you pick up your visa in your home country.
5. Completed application form. Depending on which Ministry Education you are applying for, the form will be different. You will be sent this form during the application process.
6. Formal resume which lists your entire educational background and teaching experience, including your elementary, middle school, and high school details.
7. Criminal Record Check with Notarization or Apostille. Please contact your local police department to find out the requirements for having a criminal record check completed in your area. Please refer to information below for completing your criminal record check and receiving the appropriate authentication for your country.
8. A completed E-2 Visa Health Statement. Download here.
9. An official medical certificate. For all public school jobs in Korea you must have the following form completed by your doctor.Public School Health Form
10. One reference letter on official letterhead.
11. Employment proof (Experience verification letters - For experienced teachers ONLY)
12. Relevant TESL/TEFL/CELTA certificates (if applicable). You must provide the original or notarized copies of the originals. Please ensure that the number of hours completed for the TESL course is clearly visible.
13. Three signed copies of your employment contract (to be forwarded with the official offer).

Additional Criminal Record Check Information

As you will be working with children you need to ensure that you receive the appropriate type of criminal record check. For example, in Canada you can have a VULNERABLE SECTOR CHECK which shows if you have been arrested for any sexual offense. This may not be available in all countries, but please inquire about the possibility of receiving a criminal record check specifically for people who will be working with children.

Additional Authentication

Candidates from the USA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, UK, and SOUTH AFRICA must obtain an apostille certification for their criminal record check. Please see the attachment for more information about obtaining an apostille.

Candidates from CANADA must have their criminal record check notarized by the nearest Korean Consulate. This can be done by taking your criminal record check (VULNERABLE SECTOR CHECK) to the nearest Korean Consulate. The processing time is approximately 24hrs.

Candidates who do not live close to a Korean Consulate can send it by priority courier. Please include a money order for the appropriate amount and a self-addressed prepaid return.

Please call the Korean Consulate in advance of applying for notarization to ensure you have all the documents and fees required for notarization.