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Kang & Kriel Recruitment
Step-by-step guide to obtaining an E-2 teaching visa for South Korea, including requirements, documents, and processing times.
Apply for an E-2 visa through your nearest Korean consulate after securing a job offer. You need an apostilled degree, criminal background check, TEFL certificate, and visa issuance number from Korean immigration. Processing takes 2-4 weeks.
You need an apostilled (internationally authenticated) bachelor's degree, a national-level criminal background check with apostille, a TEFL/TESOL certificate, a valid passport, passport-size photos, and a Visa Issuance Number obtained by your Korean employer from immigration. Some consulates also require sealed university transcripts and a health certificate.
The E-2 visa requires specific documentation that must be properly authenticated. Your bachelor's degree needs an apostille from your country's designated authority. The criminal background check must be national-level (FBI for US citizens) and also apostilled. Some consulates require additional documents like health certificates or transcripts.
The E-2 visa process takes 4-8 weeks total: 2-3 weeks for document preparation, 1-2 weeks for employer processing, and 1-2 weeks for consulate processing.
Timeline varies by consulate and season. Peak hiring seasons (February-March and August-September) may experience longer processing times. Starting document preparation early is strongly recommended.
Receive and sign a contract with a Korean school or educational institution that will sponsor your E-2 visa.
Duration: 1-4 weeksObtain your apostilled degree, national criminal background check (apostilled), TEFL/TESOL certificate, and passport photos.
Duration: 2-4 weeksYour school submits your documents to Korean Immigration for a Certificate of Visa Issuance Number (CVIN).
Duration: 1-2 weeksSubmit your application with all documents to the nearest Korean consulate or embassy in your home country.
Duration: 5-10 business daysPick up your passport with E-2 visa stamp and book your flight to Korea. Register for your Residence Card (formerly ARC) within 90 days of arrival.
Duration: 1-2 weeksImmigration Specialist & HR Consultant
6+ years of experience
Yes, but you need a Letter of Release from your current employer and a new visa issuance number from your new employer. The transfer process typically takes 2-3 weeks.
Citizens of the following countries are eligible: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Some positions may accept citizens from other English-speaking nations.
E-2 visa holders can apply for permission to take on additional part-time work through immigration. Unauthorized employment outside your sponsored position is illegal.
Michael Park. (2026, February 10). E-2 Visa Guide for ESL Teachers in Korea. ESL365. https://esl365.com /knowledge-hub/visa-guide