E-2 visa requiremwnt for working in Korea

E-2 visa requirementsfor working in Korea

The E-2 visa is a visa for foreign nationals who wish to teach English in South Korea. The main requirements include:

1. Nationality Requirement
   You must be a citizen of a native English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa).
2. Educational Requirement
   A bachelor’s degree from a 4-year accredited university is required (any major is acceptable).
3. Criminal Background Check
   You need to submit a national-level criminal background check, which must be apostilled (or notarized by the Korean Embassy if from a non-apostille country).
4. Health Check
   After arriving in Korea, you must undergo a medical examination at a public health center, including a drug test.
5. Employment Contract
   You must have a signed employment contract with a school or language institute in Korea and obtain a formal invitation

E-2Visa applicationprocess

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Step 1: Secure a Job Offer

Obtain a teaching position at a Korean school or language institute. Your employer will provide a signed employment contract and initiate the visa process.

Step 2: Submit Required Documents to Employer

Send the following documents to your employer in Korea:

• Apostilled copy of your bachelor’s degree
• Apostilled national-level criminal background check
• Copy of your passport’s information page
• Resume
• Passport-sized photo
• Signed employment contract 

Your employer will submit these to the Korean Immigration Office to obtain a Visa Issuance Number (VIN).

Step 3: Receive Visa Issuance Number (VIN)

The Immigration Office will issue a VIN, which your employer will forward to you.

Step 4: Apply for E-2 Visa at Korean Consulate

With the VIN, apply for the E-2 visa at the Korean consulate or embassy in your home country. Required documents include:

• Printed visa application form from the Korea Visa Portal (with barcode)
• Original passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Passport-sized photo (2x2 inches, taken within the last 6 months)
• Visa fee (e.g., $45 for U.S. citizens; fees vary by nationality)
• Signed employment contract
• Letter of appointment
• Additional documents as required by the specific consulate 

Processing times vary but generally take 5–10 business days.

Step 5: Enter Korea and Complete Post-Arrival Procedures

Upon arrival in Korea:

• Undergo a medical examination at a designated hospital or public health center, including drug testing.
• Apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) at the local immigration office within 90 days of arrival.