Visa Requirements for Teaching English in Korea
To work as a native English teacher in Korea, teachers must hold the appropriate visa. Most teachers qualify under the E-2 (Long-term Visa to teach a Foreign Language) Visa. If you are teaching English at a langauge academy or a non-EPIK private or public school, you will have to apply for the E-2-1 (Foreign Language Instructor) Visa.
| Note: Even if you are already in Korea, you must switch to an E-2 visa to teach unless you already hold the proper visa type to teach in Korea. (For instance, D-2, D-4 holders CANNOT teach FULL-TIME.) |
| Visa Type | Applicable Law(s) | Workplace (Place of Employment) | Visa Requirements |
| E-2-1 (Foreign Language Instructor) |
• Immigration Act • Act on Establishment and Operation of Private Teaching Institutes and Extracurricular Lessons (Private Teaching Institutes Act) |
• Language Academy • Public/Private School • International School (limited to foreign language teaching), etc. |
Citizenship Must be a citizen of one of the following 7 countries: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa
Education Must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in one of the 7 English-speaking countries (any major is acceptable)
Additional • Must have a clean criminal background check • Must pass a medical exam and not have any health condition that affects job performance |
| E-7-1 (Foreign National of Special Ability) |
• Immigration Act • Private Teaching Institutes Act |
Foreign School (selective) |
Citizenship Open to all nationalities.
Qualification Must have been invited by a public or private organization in Korea to carry out activities specially designated by the Minister of Justice. |
|
F-2 (Residence Type) F-4 (Overseas Korean) F-5 (Permanent Resident) F-6 (Spouse of Korean National) |
• Private Teaching Institutes Act |
• Language Academy • Public/Private School • International School (limited to foreign language teaching), etc. |
Citizenship Open to all nationalities
Education Bachelor’s degree holders (including those who have completed at least 80 academic credits) or Associate degree holders
Additional Must meet the hiring standards specified by the Private Teaching Institutes Act |
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As former native English teachers in Korea, we know exactly what it’s like to navigate teaching abroad. That’s why we’re committed to increasing transparency in schools and improving Korea’s ESL teaching industry. At Embark Recruiting, we provide full support to help you succeed. Our blogs offer guidance, tips, and insider knowledge for teaching in Korea.