Here is a list of all the documents required by Korean immigration to get an E2 Visa to teach English in Korea. First though be sure that you are a native speaker of English and graduate with an accredited degree from a university in a native speaking country. Right, now here is a list of all the documents you need to provide to your Employer so they can get you a visa issuance number and then you can apply to the Korean Consulate nearest you for an interview if it is your first time working in Korea or just send it to them if you’ve had an E2 Visa before and never over-stayed your visa or had other issues.
Documents you need to provide an Employer to get an E2 Visa:
- Original degree (BA, MA or PhD. diploma) or copy with a notary and apostilled notarization. (Canadians have the Korean Consulate notarize your degree)
- A Sealed transcript from your university. (One for Employer and one for the Korean Consulate in case they ask)
- Criminal background check or disclosure Scotland (state check for US) with notary and apostille (Canadians get it notarized by the Korean Consulate) California residents must go to Dept. of Justice to get criminal check.
- 3 passport pictures (Get at 2 extra so you have them ready for the medical check forms once you are in Korea)
- E2 Health statement (Original and signed)
Once you have all those required E2 visa documents send them by FedEx, UPS or DHL to your school in Korea or perhaps your recruiter, but be sure a solid offer and contract have been offered in writing for you to see first.
how about us who are a not from the native countries you’ve declared. Dont we get the chance to teach in Korea? That will be too sad, i love Korea.
Unfortunately until the government of Korea and immigration open up to the idea that non native English teachers are qualified it isn’t likely. Most I’ve heard about who are from other countries, like the Philippines for example usually are married to a Korean so their visa status allows them to work, but still not legally as an English teacher as far as immigration sees it.