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Posts : Visa and Immigration Guide (14)

All Country-Specific Visa Information (14) About Embark (4) Embark Services (6) Teaching in Korea (4) Visa and Immigration Guide (14) Tax and Labor Rights (4) Life in Korea (11) Resources and Forms (30)

by Embark Recruiting

Visa and Immigration Guide (12/14)

D-4 to E-2 Visa Transfer

Can You Change Your D-4 Visa Status to an E-2 While in Korea? If you are already in Korea on a language trainee (D-4) visa and want to teach English full-time, here’s good news: switching to an E-2 is possible without leaving Korea for the designated countries. Before you let your D-4 expire, you must sign a contract with a school and apply for the E-2-1 visa while in Korea. Korean Language Trainee Visa (D-4-1) Holders D-4-1 Korean Language Trainee Visa The D-4-1 visa is for those studying Korean at a language institute affiliated with a recognized higher education institution. After 6 months of study, part-time work may be allowed, but only with permission from the language institute and the immigration office. TOPIK Level 2 proficiency 90% attendance at the language program Note: Warning: Working without approval from the university and the immigration office is illegal and can result in fines or deportation. Can I apply while my D-4 Visa is about to expire? If your D-4 is about to expire while your E-2-1 is still processing, immigration may provide a temporary extension. However, if your D-4 expires before you can submit your E-2-1 application, you will need to go back to your home country and apply for the E-2-1 or go on a visa run (leave Korea and re-enter).*We do not advise going on a "visa run," unless strictly necessary. Note: While it is possible for holders of the D-4-1 (Korean Language Trainee) visa in most of the designated native English countries (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States) to transfer to an E-2-1 visa within Korea, please check with your Korean embassy, consulate, or KVAC (for the U.K.) in your home country regarding applying for your E-2-1 visa application by post/mail, as some require that the applicant apply in person. How to Transfer from a D-4 to an E-2 Visa To transfer from a D-4 visa to an E-2 visa, ensure you meet the following requirements: Must hold a valid D-4-1 visa in South Korea Must be eligible for an E-2-1 Visa E-2-1 Eligibility Requirements: Be a citizen of a country where English is the primary language. (U.S.A., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, U.K., Ireland, and South Africa) Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in one of the 7 native English-speaking countries. Be a native speaker or have completed junior high school (7th grade) and lived for at least 10 years in a native English-speaking country Must have a signed contract from a registered educational institution in Korea The position must meet E-2-1 visa requirements Required documents must be submitted and approved (see below) Once you sign a contract with a new school, you can begin your visa transfer process. Visa Application The school does not need to apply for a VIN; you simply need to book an appointment and visit your local immigration office to apply for the E-2-1 visa. The processing time at Korean consulates and embassies varies by region and season, but it generally takes 5–15 business days. If you want to know how to check the visa application progress, see our guide on how to navigate the Korea Visa Portal. Related article: E-2 Visa General Documents and Timeline Note: Once your visa application has been submitted, you must remain in Korea. Immigration officials process extensions or changes to your visa on the assumption that you are still in the country. If you travel abroad during this period, your application will be automatically cancelled. Documents to Prepare for an E-2-1 Visa General Documents Notarized and Apostilled Bachelor's Degree Apostilled Criminal Background Check VIN Application Form E-2 Visa Health Statement 4-6 Passport Photos Copy of Passport Resume Employee Contract Signed by both the teacher and the school Proof of Residence School housing (if it is provided by the school) Your housing (if you are organising your own housing) Your Residence Card (RC) Fee Payment: Pay the visa transfer fee (KRW 130,000) Once the visa is processed, you will receive an updated residence card (RC) that reflects your new visa status.

How to Check Your Visa or VIN Application Status in Korea

by Embark Recruiting

Visa and Immigration Guide (11/14)

How to Check Your Visa or VIN Application Status in Korea

What is the Korea Visa Portal? The Korea Visa Portal is the official government website for visa applications and access visa information for applicants applying from overseas. For E-2 visa applicants, this site becomes useful once your school submits your visa application. You can log in to track your progress, verify your Visa Issuance Number (VIN), and later print your Visa Grant Notice before entering Korea. In short, the portal lets you monitor each stage of your visa process before you arrive to Korea. How to Navigate the Korea Visa Portal There are two main points you will use the portal during your visa application process: 1. Receiving your Confirmation of Visa Issuance Number (VIN) 2. Printing Your Visa Grant Notice after your Visa is Approved (E-2-1 Visa) Below are step-by-step guides for both. 1. How to Receive Your Confirmation of Visa Issuance Number (VIN) To apply for an E-2-1 visa, you must first obtain a Visa Issuance Number (VIN). To get this number, you’ll need to prepare documents to send to your school. Your school will submit both your documents and its own to the Korean immigration office. Once the application is processed, you will receive your Confirmation of Visa Issuance Number (CVI No.) or simply a confirmation number, which you will use to apply for your visa at the Korean consulate/embassy or KVAC (for the U.K.) in your country. 1. Go to the Korea Visa Portal site. Click the language option in the top right and select English. Source: Korea Visa Portal On the left menu, hover over “Check Application Status” and click “Check Application Status & Print.” Source: Korea Visa Portal You will be directed to a form page. For “Type of applications,” choose “Confirmation of Visa Issuance.” For “Select,” choose “Receipt No.” and enter the number we provided. Next, enter your passport number, your name in English (as it appears on your passport), and your date of birth. For your name, please make sure to follow this format: 1. Last Name 2. First Name 3. Middle Name(s) After clicking “Search,” you will see your application status, which includes your ”Confirmation Number.” This confirmation number is your CVI No., which you will need to proceed. You can also print your visa issuance certificate by clicking the button in the bottom right, "Print Visa issue certificate. Source: Korea Visa Portal 2. How to Print Your Visa Grant Notice Please proceed with this step once your E-2-1 visa application is submitted and processed by your country's Korean consulate/embassy or KVAC (for the U.K.). 1. Go to the Korea Visa Portal site. Click the language option in the top right and select English. 2. On the left menu, hover over “Check Application Status” and click “Check Application Status & Print.” Source: Korea Visa Portal 3. You will be redirected to a form page. For the Type of applications, choose “Diplomatic Office.” For Select, choose “Passport No.” and input your information. Enter your full name in English (as it appears in your passport) and your date of birth. After you fill out all required fields, click “Search.” 4. On your search results, you will be able to view details, such as your application number, the date of submission, your visa type, the status of your application, your length of stay, and your visa’s expiration date. 5. A ”Certificate” button is located at the bottom right of the page. Click this button to download and print your Visa Grant Notice. You must bring the printed “Visa Grant Notice” with you when entering Korea. Source: Korea Visa Portal

How to Book an Immigration Appointment in Korea

by Embark Recruiting

Visa and Immigration Guide (10/14)

How to Book an Immigration Appointment in Korea

All teachers are required to schedule an immigration appointment in Korea. Teachers currently in Korea who hold a Residence Card (formerly ARC) must submit their employment information and book their immigration appointment on their own. For teachers applying from overseas, the Embark team can schedule the appointment on your behalf. This guide explains both processes for: • Teachers with a Residence Card (formerly ARC) • Teachers without a Residence Card (formerly ARC) What is Hi Korea? Hi, Korea is the official online portal used by Korea’s immigration services for foreign residents in Korea. Through the site, foreigners can reserve immigration office visits, apply for visas or extensions, and access resources for living in Korea. One of its most important features is the “Reserve Visit” system, which allows users to schedule immigration appointments. For Teachers with a Residence Card (Formerly ARC) - How to Reserve an Immigration Appointment through Hi Korea Step 1: Reserve a Visit 1. Go to the Hi Korea site. Click "Log in" or "Create your account." As a foreign national in Korea, you can register as a member. Source: Hi Korea 1. After logging in, under the blue tab titled “Reserve Visit,” Click “Apply”. Source: Hi Korea 2. You will be taken to the “How to Use Visit Reservation” page. Read through the information, and scroll down, check the box to agree. After that, click either "Visit Reservation Application." Source: Hi Korea Step 2. How to Fill in Your Immigration Application You will be redirected to the "Fill in the application" page. 1. Under "Competent Authority," select the immigration office that has jurisdiction over your new place of residence (housing). Triple check to make sure to apply to the correct immigration office. 2. For the Booth Category, select “Foreigner Residence Control” (if unavailable, choose Foreign Resident Support, Residence Control, or Others). 3. Under Select a Task, choose the relevant categories to your situation. For those teaching at a new school in a new city, select: "visa extension," "change/addition of workplace," and "change of residence." 6. For Date of Visit, select the earliest day and date that works for you. Dates and times that are greyed out are already fully booked. If possible, we recommend booking your appointment at least two weeks before your visit. Click confirm, and print out the reservation confirmation letter. You will have to bring the ”Appointment Receipt” to the office. Note: The early bird gets the worm! We recommend booking your appointment early in the day and arriving early. Each visit can take up to 12 minutes. Try to avoid times near 12:00 PM, as lunch break is from 12:00–1:00 PM. 7. Although optional, we recommend specifying your purpose of visit. Step 3. How to Fill in Your Employment Information Report After competing your application, you will need to fill in or update your employment information. For foreign nationals without a reported employment history, the report will be displayed automatically. For foreign nationals with an employment history, the screen shown below will appear, displaying their current occupation information. You will have to scroll down and click "With Changes" if the occupation and industry are not correct. If the information is correct, click "No Changes," and you will finish your reservation. For native English teachers teaching at language academies: Occupation: Foreign Language Teacher 26217) Industry: Other educational institutes (85632) If you click "With Changes" this page (below) will appear. Alternatively, for foreign nationals with no recorded employment history, this page will automatically appear. 1. Click "Occupation Search" and a pop-up will appear. Search "Foreign Language Teachers" or simply "Teacher," and click the "Foreign Language Teachers" tab. Occupation: Foreign Language Teacher Classification Code: 26217 Once Occupation is selected, click "Industry Search." Again, a pop-up will appear. Search "Other educational institutes" or simply "education," and click the "Other educational institutes" tab. Industry: Other educational institutes Classification Code: 85632 Step 4: Print Out Your Reservation Receipt Once you are finished, you will be redirected to a page confirming that your reservation has been completed. Before clicking "Confirm," click "Print" and print out your reservation receipt. Please bring the document on the day of your appointment. As indicated on the receipt, please arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment. Be sure to note the “Call No.”, as this number will appear on the monitor above the booth when you are called at your scheduled reservation time. You will also receive a phone message from Hi Korea (1345), confirming your reservation (see below). How to Check & Update Your Visit Reservation Status If you need to confirm or cancel your immigration reservation for any reason, please visit "My Page" on the Hi Korea site. 1. Click on the "Reserve Visit Status(member" on the side tab. If you have reserved your appointment the information will be presented here. Click on it to see the full details. 2. You can choose to print out the receipt, edit or cancel your reservation. If you choose to cancel your reservation, your process status will be changed to "Cancel" on your page. For New Teachers WITHOUT a Residence Card (Formerly ARC)- How to Reserve an Immigration Appointment through Hi Korea Note: You must make an appointment before visiting the Immigration Office. Walk-ins are only allowed on the last day of your visa, and even then, your application may not be accepted. 1. Go to the Hi Korea site. Under the blue tab titled “Reserve Visit,” Click “Apply”. Source: Hi Korea 2. You will be taken to the “How to Use Visit Reservation” page. Read through the information, and scroll down, check the box to agree. After that, click the right button “Visit Reservation Application (Non-member).” You cannot make an account as a member if you do not currently have a Resident Registration Number. Source: Hi Korea 3. You will be redirected to the Identity Verification page. Choose the second tab, “Identity verification using passport number,” and once you have submitted the relevant information, click confirm. Source: Hi Korea 4. On the Application Form page, make sure the ”Competent Authority” is set to your local immigration office based on your place of residence. If you are not sure, you can check your office using the Detailed Search option. Source: Hi Korea 5. For the Booth Category, select “Foreigner Residence Control” (if unavailable, choose Foreign Resident Support, Residence Control, or Others). Under Select a Task, choose “Foreign Resident Registration.” For the Password, enter any 4-digit number (you will need this to cancel your reservation, so be sure to write it down.) Source: Hi Korea 6. For Date of Visit, select the earliest day and date that works for you. Dates and times that are greyed out are already fully booked. If possible, we recommend booking your appointment at least two weeks before your visit. Click confirm, and print out the reservation confirmation letter. You will have to bring the ”Appointment Receipt” to the office. Note: The early bird gets the worm! We recommend booking your appointment early in the day and arriving early. Each visit can take up to 12 minutes. Try to avoid times near 12:00 PM, as lunch break is from 12:00–1:00 PM. Source: Hi Korea

by Embark Recruiting

Visa and Immigration Guide (9/14)

E-2 Visa Proof of Residence Documents

What are Proof of Residence Documents in Korea? Proof of residence documents confirm that a foreign resident has a verified place to live in Korea. You will need to provide these documents when applying for your Residence Card (RC) to officially register as a foreign resident. For native English teachers, the required documents depend on your housing situation. There are two main cases: Your school provides housing, or You rent your own place and receive a housing allowance 1. If Your School Provides Housing If your school arranges your housing, the rental contract is in the school’s name. This means you do not need to prepare the proof of residence documents yourself. Instead, the school must provide the following: A copy of the rental contract under the school’s name A completed Confirmation of Residence/Accommodation Form (거주/숙소제공 확인서) The school’s Business Registration Certificate (사업자등록증) Source: Hi Korea 2. If You Rent Your Own Housing (With a Housing Allowance) If the rental contract is under your name and the school gives you a housing allowance, you must submit: A copy of your rental contract Note: Your rental contract must include: Your full typed address, personal information and signatures of both the tenant and the landlord, the rental period (duration of stay)

E-2 Visa Medical Exam in Korea for Native English Teachers

by Embark Recruiting

Visa and Immigration Guide (8/14)

E-2 Visa Medical Exam in Korea for Native English Teachers

E-2 Visa Medical Examination Process Teachers must also register with their local Office of Education within 15 days of their start date. Before registering with the immigration office, all teachers must complete a “Medical Examination” (Health Check) at a hospital designated by the Ministry of Justice. This examination is necessary for obtaining your Registration Card (RC) and for legally working as a teacher. We recommend booking your appointment in advance. Most hospitals allow you to make a reservation by filling out a form on their website or calling directly. See the list of designated hospitals Note: Make sure to request 2 official copies of your Medical Examination Results: One for Immigration (Residence Card) One for the Office of Education to report your job Before Your Medical Exam General Required Documents (check your specific hospital) Original Passport (valid for at least 6 months, recommended 13 months) 2 Official Passport-sized Photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm/See Photo Guide) Exam Service fee: 70,000 ~ 200,000 KRW (varies by hospital)* *The fee is typically paid by the teachers. Discuss with your school about payment/reimbursement. Health & Exam Guidelines Do not eat food or drink for 8-12 hours before the exam (fasting required) Avoid greasy foods, alcohol, and excessive exercise for 2–3 days prior. Avoid cold medicine or caffeine 1 week before the exam Bring glasses/contacts if needed for vision tests Medication Considerations Certain prescription drugs may cause false positives in drug tests Consult your doctor before coming if you take medications (e.g., antithrombotics, anticoagulants, diabetes medications). Avoid certain medications (like Metformin for CT scans) as instructed Diabetic medication and insulin should not be taken on the day of the exam For women, avoid taking the exam during your menstrual cycle (if possible). Inform the hospital staff if you are pregnant or have any medical conditions. E-2 Medical Examination Exam Details: Physical Examination: Mark Height/Weight/Blood Pressure, Vision & Hearing Tests Chest X-ray: Check for tuberculosis or other lung conditions Urine Test: Urinalysis and microscopy to assess kidney health (urinary tract health issues) Blood Test: Hemoglobin, SGOT/SGPT (Liver Function Test), FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar), VDRL-qal. (Test for syphilis), HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)* Drug Screening/Narcotics Test: Cocaine, Opiates, Cannabinoids, Methoxyphenamine Although HIV screening has not been mandatory since 2017, it is still commonly tested. Note: South Korea has zero tolerance for illegal drugs, including marijuana (THC). Exam Duration: About 30 minutes to 2 hours (timing may vary) Exam Results: Typically processed within 3–4 business days and provided in sealed envelopes. These must remain sealed. Note: Do not open the sealed medical report; opening it may lead to rejection by immigration. After Your Medical Exam Please ask for two copies of the result: One for the immigration office and another for the Ministry of Education. It usually costs 1,000 KRW for an additional copy. You will be contacted by the hospital once your results are processed (within 3-4 business days).

E-2 Visa Immigration Appointment Overview

by Embark Recruiting

Visa and Immigration Guide (7/14)

E-2 Visa Immigration Appointment Overview

Before you can receive your Residence Card (formerly ARC) and be officially registered as a foreign resident in Korea, you must schedule an appointment at your local Immigration Office. The Residence Card is essential; it serves as your legal ID in Korea and is required for tasks such as opening a bank account, signing a phone contract, accessing healthcare, and proving your visa status. The guide below walks you through each stage of visiting your immigration office, so you know exactly what to expect. Related Blog: How to Book an Immigration Appointment in Korea While immigration allows foreign teachers up to 90 days to complete their resident registration, in reality, teachers must begin the process immediately after receiving their medical examination results. This is because the local Office of Education requires teachers to register within 15 days of their contract starting date. To apply, teachers must visit the local immigration office that has jurisdiction over their area of residence (not workplace). For example, if your housing is in Seoul, you must register at the Seoul Immigration Office. Note: If you’re looking to travel outside of Korea, you must first apply for a re-entry permit and carry your RC with you. You are NOT permitted to leave the country before receiving your RC. If you are permanently leaving Korea, you must return your RC at the airport. Step 1. Make an Online Reservation through Hi Korea You must make an appointment before visiting the Immigration Office. Walk-ins are only allowed on the last day of your visa, and even then, your application may not be accepted. See how to reserve an immigration appointment through Hi Korea. Source: Hi Korea Step 2. Preparing Documents for Your Residence Card Prepare Documents + Fee Application Fee: Cash 35,000 KRW (39,000 KRW with mail delivery, since January 10, 2025)* The 35,000 KRW option requires you to pick up the card at the office. If you choose mail delivery, use your school’s address (not housing), as registered mail requires someone to be present during delivery. delivery. It will cost 39,000 KRW, including the postal fee. *The fee is typically paid by the teachers. Discuss with your school about payment/reimbursement. Document(s) Details (1) Application Form (Report Form) • Available in the immigration office, but you can bring a printed copy in advance (1) Appointment Receipt • Print out the appointment receipt from Hi Korea • Remember your Call Number (Call No.), this number will appear on the screen at the office. Go to the booth with that number when called. (1) Official Passport-sized Photo • 3.5 x 4.5 cm • Color, white background • Ears visible, no hats, closed mouth, etc. • Glue to the right side of the form Original Passport • Must have at least 6 months of validity. (1) Photocopy of Passport • Copy of the pages showing your personal information and visa. (1) Visa Grant Notice • Print Visa Grant Notice on “Korea Visa Portal.” (1) Medical Examination Report • Must include drug test results (cocaine, opiates, cannabinoids, methoxyphenamine) Documents to Prove Place of Residence (See Proof of Residence) • Lease Contract, Certificate of Accommodation, Advance Notice on Expiration of Stay, Utility Bill Payment Receipt, etc. (Provided by the school if you're in school housing.) (1) Copy of the School's Business Registration & School Establishment Certificates • These certificates are provided by the school. Step 3. Visiting Your Local Immigration Office & Applying for Your Card (In-Person) 1. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes BEFORE your appointment time, as you will have to pay for the Residence Card prior to submitting your documents. 2. Locate the “Residence (Permits/Division/etc.) Floor in your local office (체류민원실 in Korean (E.g., Located on 1F & 3F in Seoul Immigration Office) 3. Before submitting your documents, you must pay your card issuance fee at the ATM inside the building. Note: Check whether another ATM has a shorter line. For example, at the Seoul Immigration Office, the Woori Bank ATM on the third floor is usually less crowded than the one on the first floor. 4. How to Use the ATM to Pay for the Registration Card Issuance Fee. Choose English as the language. Select “Paying for alien registration card issuance.” Read the agreement text, and click “Agree/Continue”. Choose between “Scanning your Passport” or “Directly Inputting Passport ID.” If you choose to scan your passport, turn to the passport page with your name, photo, and machine-readable zone (MRZ). Place the page face down on the scanner glass. Choose between “Card Pickup” (35,000 KRW) or “Mail-in Delivery” (39,000 KRW). Input the correct cash amount into the machine. Wait for the receipt. Make sure to hold onto the receipt! You will have to hand in the receipt along with the rest of your documents. Note: There will be workers who will assist you if you need any clarification or help. After You Have Paid 5. Remember your Call No. (E.g., 135) listed on your Appointment Receipt. Your number will appear on the TV screen and on the small monitor above the employee booth. When your number appears, you will be expected to go to the booth displaying your number. 6. Once your number is called, submit your documents and your receipt. Step 4. Retrieve Your Residence Card (In-Person/Mail) You will be notified on your phone once your residence card is ready. The card typically takes 2-4 weeks to process. If you chose pickup, you can collect your card at the office (Information booth/Card Pick-up) without taking a queue ticket (no reservation needed) If you chose mail delivery, your card will be mailed to the address you provided. Details on your residence card Front Registration No. / Alien Registration Number: 13-digit code Name: As shown in your passport (English) Nationality/Region: Written in English Status: (E-2-1) Issuing Authority: Stated in both Korean and English (Name of your Immigration Office) Back Duration of Stay (1 year) Permission Date: Date your stay permission was granted Expiration Date: End date of your stay period Address Your home address in Korea

How to Find Your Immigration Office in Korea

by Embark Recruiting

Visa and Immigration Guide (6/14)

How to Find Your Immigration Office in Korea

List of Local Immigration Offices in Korea and their Jurisdictions Immigration Call Center: 1345 Office Name Address Jurisdiction Area(s) Andong Multicultural Immigrants Center Gyeongdong-ro 1375, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (National Andong Univ. Welfare Bldg. #201) North Gyeongsang Province: Andong City, Youngju City, Bonghwa-gun, Youngyang-gun, Yecheon-gun, Uiseong-gun, Cheongsong-gun Ansan Immigration Office 88 Gwangdeok4-ro, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi Province Gyeonggi Province: Ansan City, Siheung City, Anyang City, Gunpo City, Gwangmyeong City Ansan Multicultural Immigrants Center Bubu-ro 43, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi Gyeonggi Province: Ansan City, Siheung City, Anyang City, Gunpo City, Gwangmyeong City Asan Multicultural Immigrants Center Sijang-gil 29, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do South Chungcheong Province: Cheonan City, Asan City, Yesan City Busan Immigration Office Chungjangdae-ro 22-1, Jung-gu, Busan Busan Metropolitan City; South Gyeongsang Province: Yangsan City Busan Immigration Office Gamcheon Branch Busan International Fish Market, 761, Amnamdong, Seo-gu, Busan Gamcheon Harbor, Dadaepo Harbor, Busan Busan Immigration Office Gimhae Branch Garak-ro 58, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do South Gyeongsang Province: Gimhae City, Miryang City Changwon Immigration Office Je2budu-ro 30, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do South Gyeongsang Province (except Gimhae, Miryang, Yangsan, Tongyoung, Sacheon, Geoje, Namhae, Hadong) Changwon Immigration Office Geoje Branch Yeonsa1-gil 24, Yeoncho-myeon, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do South Gyeongsang Province: Geoje City Changwon Immigration Office Sacheon Branch Samcheonpodaegyo-ro 450, Sacheon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do South Gyeongsang Province: Sacheon City, Namhae-gun, Hadong-gun Changwon Immigration Office Tongyoung Branch Nammang-gil 5, Tongyoung-si, Gyeongsangnam-do South Gyeongsang Province: Tongyoung City Cheonan Multicultural Immigrants Center Beodeul-ro 40, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do South Chungcheong Province: Cheonan City, Asan City, Yesan City Cheongju Immigration Office Biharo 12beon-gil, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do North Chungcheong Province (except Youngdong-gun, Okcheon-gun) Chuncheon Immigration Office Saamgil-12, Dongnae-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do Gangwon Special Self-governing Province (except Donghae, Gangneung, Samcheok, Sokcho, Taebaek, Gosung, Yangyang, Jeongseon, Cheolwon) Chuncheon Immigration Office Donghae Branch Haean-ro 225, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do Gangwon Special Self-governing Province: Donghae City, Gangneung City, Samcheok City, Taebaek City, Jeongseon-gun Chuncheon Immigration Office Sokcho Branch Cheongchohoban-ro 189, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do Gangwon Special Self-governing Province: Sokcho City, Gosung-gun, Yangyang-gun Daegu Immigration Office Innovaley-ro 345, Dong-gu, Daegu Daegu Metropolitan City; North Gyeongsang Province (except Pohang, Ulleung, Youngdeok, Uljin, Gumi, Gimcheon, Sangju, Chilgok, Mungyeong, Gyeongju) Daegu Immigration Office Gumi Branch Gumidae-ro 350-27, Gumi-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do North Gyeongsang Province: Gumi City, Gimcheon City, Sangju City, Chilgok-gun, Mungyeong City Daegu Immigration Office Pohang Branch Uchangdong-ro 135, Bu-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do North Gyeongsang Province: Pohang City, Ulleung-gun, Youngdeok-gun, Uljin-gun Daejeon Immigration Office Mokjungro 26beon-gil 7, Jung-gu, Daejeon Daejeon Metropolitan City; Sejong City; North Chungcheong Province (Youngdong-gun, Okcheon-gun); South Chungcheong Province (except Cheonan, Asan, Yesan, Seosan, Taean, Dangjin, Hongsung) Daejeon Immigration Office Cheonan Branch Gwangjang-ro 215, Seobuk-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do South Chungcheong Province: Cheonan City, Asan City, Yesan City Daejeon Immigration Office Dangjin Branch Godaegongdan 2-gil 29-33, Songak-eup, Dangjin-si, Chungcheongnam-do South Chungcheong Province: Dangjin City Daejeon Immigration Office Seosan Branch Eupnae-ro 28, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do South Chungcheong Province: Seosan City, Taean-gun, Hongseong-gun Eumsung Multicultural Immigrants Center Guemseok-ro 71, Guemwang-eup, Eumsung-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do North Chungcheong Province (except Youngdong-gun, Okcheon-gun) Gimpo Multicultural Immigrants Center Hwanggeum-ro 110beon-gil 52, Yangchon-eup, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi Incheon Metropolitan City; Gyeonggi Province: Bucheon City, Gimpo City Gwangju Immigration Office Sangmudaero 911beon-gil 22, Seo-gu, Gwangju Gwangju Metropolitan City; South Jeolla Province (except Mokpo, Yeosu, Suncheon, Gwangyang, Sinan-gun, Muan-gun, Jindo-gun, Haenam-gun, Wando-gun, Yeongam-gun Gwangju Immigration Office Mokpo Branch Baeknyeondaero 412beon-gil 26, Mokpo-si, Jeollanam-do South Jeolla Province: Mokpo City, Yeosu City, Suncheon City, Gwangyang City, Sinan-gun, Muan-gun, Jindo-gun, Haenam-gun, Wando-gun, Yeongam-gun Iksan Multicultural Immigrants Center Iksandae-ro 153, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do (Iksan Sta. 4F) Jeonbuk Special Self-governing Province (except Gunsan City) Incheon Immigration Office Seohaedae-ro 393, Jung-gu, Incheon Incheon Metropolitan City; Gyeonggi Province: Bucheon City, Gimpo City Jeju Immigration Office Yongdam-ro 3, Jeju-si, Jeju Jeju Special Self-governing Province Jeonju Immigration Office Dongbudae-ro 857, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do Jeonbuk Special Self-governing Province (except Gunsan City) Seoul Immigration Office Mokdongdong-ro 151, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul Seoul: Gwanak-gu, Gwangjin-gu, Gangnam-gu, Gangdong-gu, Dongjak-gu, Songpa-gu, Seongdong-gu, Seocho-gu, Yongsan-gu; Gyeonggi Province: Gwacheon-si, Seongnam-si, Hanam-si Seoul Immigration Office Sejong-ro Branch Jong-ro 38, Jongno-gu, Seoul Seoul: Eunpyeong-gu, Jongno-gu, Jung-gu, Dongdaemun-gu, Seongbuk-gu, Gangbuk-gu, Dobong-gu, Nowon-gu, Jungnang-gu Seoul Nambu Immigration Office Magokseo 1-ro 48, Gangseo-gu, Seoul Seoul: Gangseo-gu, Guro-gu, Geumcheon-gu, Mapo-gu, Seodaemun-gu, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Yangcheon-gu Siheung Multicultural Immigrants Center Gongdandaero 259beon-gil 5, Siheung-si, Gyeonggi Gyeonggi Province: Ansan City, Siheung City, Anyang City, Gunpo City, Gwangmyeong City Suwon Immigration Office Pyeongtaek Port Branch 155-40, Hamanho-gil, Poseung-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do Pyeongtaek Port (excluding Osan Military Airfield), Pyeongtaek City Suwon Immigration Office Bandal-ro 39, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi Province Gyeonggi Province: Uiwang City, Suwon City, Yongin City, Icheon City, Hwaseong City, Gwangju City, Yangpyeong-gun, Yeoju City, Dongtan Suwon Immigration Office Pyeongtaek Branch Gyeonggidae-ro 1375, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi Province Gyeonggi Province: Pyeongtaek City, Anseong City, Osan City Ulsan Immigration Office Jongga-ro 405-1, Jung-gu, Ulsan Ulsan Metropolitan City; North Gyeongsang Province: Gyeongju City Yangju Immigration Office Pyeonghwaro 1475beon-gil, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi Province Gyeonggi Province: Uijeongbu City, Dongducheon City, Guri City, Namyangju City, Yangju City, Pocheon City, Yeoncheon-gun; Gangwon Province: Cheolwon-gun Yangju Immigration Office Goyang Branch Hwajungro 104beon-gil 50, Deokyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi Province Gyeonggi Province: Goyang City, Paju City Yeosu Immigration Office Museon-ro 265, Yeosu-si, Jellanam-do South Jeolla Province: Yeosu City, Suncheon City Yeosu Immigration Office Gwangyang Branch Jungdong 2-gil 23, Gwangyang-si, Jellanam-do South Jeolla Province: Gwangyang City Youngdeungpo Multicultural Immigrants Center Dosin-ro 40, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul Seoul: Gangseo-gu, Guro-gu, Geumcheon-gu, Mapo-gu, Seodaemun-gu, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Yangcheon-gu Want to Confirm your Local Immigration Office? Refer to Hi Korea Office Directory Hi Korea features an English directory of immigration offices across Korea. It is important to know which office serves your area because you must go there to apply for your residence card, extend your visa, and handle other immigration matters. Use your place of residence (address) in Korea or your employer/school's address when finding your local immigration office. Note: For F-visa holders, it is recommended to use YOUR place of residence. 1. Navigate the Hi Korea Office Directory Visit the Hi Korea website (English version). Click the “Information Lookup” tab. Under the “Other Services" section, select "Office Directory.” Source: Hi Korea 2. Search for Your Immigration Office If you do not know the name of your immigration office, select your province, metropolitan city, or region in the "Category Area" (e.g., Seoul). Then check the jurisdiction area to see if your city or district (gu) is covered. If you already know the name of your office, simply enter it in the “Organization Name” field and click "Search." Source: Hi Korea 3. Find Your Immigration Office Quickly Use Ctrl+F (Windows) or Command+F (Mac) to quickly search for your city (시), county (군), or district (구). For example, search for “Siheung" if you live in Siheung (under jurisdiction of the Ansan Immigration Office). Click the office name for more detailed information. Take note of the Office Name, Address, and Phone Number. Source: Hi Korea

How to Apostille and Notarize Documents | Korea Visa Guide

by Embark Recruiting

Visa and Immigration Guide (5/14)

How to Apostille and Notarize Documents | Korea Visa Guide

When applying to teach in Korea, one of the most important parts of the visa process is proving that your academic and legal documents are genuine. Korean schools and immigration offices cannot directly verify paperwork issued in another country, so they require your documents to go through a formal authentication process in your home country. Apostille An apostille is a certificate that authenticates a document for use in a foreign country that is a member of the 1961 Hague Convention. It certifies the authenticity of the signature, seal, and position of the official who signed or certified a public document, ensuring the document is valid in other member countries. Notarization Notarization is when a notary public checks your identity and confirms that a document is genuine. Many documents need to be notarized before they can receive an apostille. What Documents You Must Apostille and Notarize to Teach in Korea To apply for the E-2-1 visa (“Foreign Language Instructor”), candidates must prepare the following documents: 1. Apostille and Notarized Copy of your Bachelor's Degree 4-year degree from an accredited university issued in one of the native English-speaking countries (U.S.A., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, and South Africa) Additional degrees (M.A., M.S., PhD) typically do not require notarization or apostille unless specifically requested Must be issued within 6 months before the visa submission date Note: Please notarize and apostille a COPY of your DIPLOMA, as you will not receive the document back once you submit it to your school. 2. Apostille of your National-level Background Check Verify that you have a clean criminal record and have not committed any serious crimes. Must be issued within 6 months before the visa submission date 3. (OPTIONAL) Additional Documents You may be asked to provide extra documents depending on the school. If any of these are not in English or Korean, you will need to submit a notarized translation with an apostille attached. Name change certificate Teaching license or certification Reference letters Police checks from previous countries of residence Why Background Checks Don’t Need Notarization, But Degrees Do Your national criminal background check is already issued and signed by a government agency. Since it already has an authorized government signature and seal, it does not need separate notarization. Degrees, on the other hand, are issued by universities, so a copy of your degree must be notarized first to confirm it’s a true and accurate copy of the original before it can be apostilled. See our Country Guides for Notarization & Apostille Documents United States United Kingdom Canada South Africa Australia Ireland New Zealand

E-2 Visa General Documents and Timeline for Korea | Korea Visa Guide

by Embark Recruiting

Visa and Immigration Guide (4/14)

E-2 Visa General Documents and Timeline for Korea | Korea Visa Guide

When preparing your E-2 visa application, there are two sets of documents to keep in mind. The first set includes general documents that are required for the VIN application, which your school submits to the Korean Immigration Office. The second set includes documents specific to the consulate or embassy in your home country where you will apply for your visa. General Timeline for an E-2 Visa Step 1. VIN Application Once your school submits the VIN application, processing typically takes 15 business days (about 1–3 weeks), though this can vary depending on the region and time of year. Step 2. E-2 Visa Application The processing time at Korean consulates and embassies varies by region and season, but it generally takes 5–15 business days. If you want to know how to check the VIN and/or visa application progress, see our guide on how to navigate the Korea Visa Portal. Step 1. Visa Issuance Number (VIN) Application To apply for an E-2-1 visa, you must first obtain a Visa Issuance Number (VIN). To get this number, you’ll need to prepare documents to send to your school. Your school will submit both your documents and its own to the Korean immigration office. Once the application is processed, you will receive your Confirmation of Visa Issuance Number (CVI No.) or simply a confirmation number, which you will use to apply for your visa at the Korean consulate in your country. If you have a desired start date for teaching in Korea, begin preparing your visa documents 2 months in advance. Early preparation helps prevent last-minute issues for both you and your school. We recommend arriving in March or September, as these are the busiest hiring periods when schools begin their spring and fall semesters. While teaching positions are available year-round, March and September offer the greatest number of job opportunities. For a March start: Start preparing documents/Interview with Schools: December ~ January Sign a Contract with a School: December ~ February Have documents ready by: Late January ~ Early February 1.1. - Required Documents for VIN: When to Prepare Document(s) Details Before School Interview (1) Apostilled FBI Criminal Record Check • Must be issued within 6 months before the visa submission date. • Must be a clean national police check issued by the FBI, and should be apostilled by the Department of State. Before School Interview (1) Notarized + Apostilled Copy of your Bachelor’s Degree • Must be issued within 6 months before the visa submission date. • Submit a notarized copy of your degree, NOT THE ORIGINAL (will not receive document back). • Attach a federal-level apostille • Additional degrees typically do not require notarization or apostille unless specifically requested. Before School Interview (1) E-2 Visa Health Statement • Print the self-health statement and fill it out by hand. • Be honest, as you must complete a physical health exam in Korea within 15 days of your start date. • If you are taking medication, inform your recruiter/school as it may affect your eligibility to work. • Exam includes drug screening tests (cocaine, opiates, cannabinoids, methoxyphenamine) After School Interview / Contract (1) Photocopy of Your Passport • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your contract start date. (We recommend at least 13 months of validity to cover the full year.) • Information must be clear and readable After School Interview/Contract (6) Official Passport-sized Photos • Photo size (2 x 2 in. / 3.5 x 4.5 cm). • Must be taken within the last 6 months • White background • No computer scans or color copies •Must prepare at least 6 photos in total for upcoming steps (We recommend at least 12 photos to cover other applications/uses in Korea.) After School Interview/Contract (1) Visa Application Form • Fill out sections 1 – 7. • Please do not write your signature. After School Interview/Contract (1) Signed Employment Contract • Contract signed by YOU and the SCHOOL. • Must list the minimum wage for the relevant year (annual income amount). After School Interview/Contract (1) Copy of Your Resume • Submit the resume you had sent to your school. • List all relevant teaching and international experience, if applicable.fs 1.2. - VIN Documents Procedure Step 1. Email Apostilled Document Photos for Review (Before School Interview) Before mailing any physical documents, please send clear photos or scans of all your apostilled and notarized documents by email to Embark Recruiting for review. This step ensures we can check for any errors and prevent delays in your visa process. Also, let us know if you are taking any medication or have any physical or mental health conditions. Step 2. Mail Your Original Documents to Korea (After School Interview + Contract) Once you have signed a work contract with the school, please send us all the documents via DHL Express. Please email your recruiter the DHL tracking number so we can monitor the delivery status. Note: Using any shipping service other than DHL Express may cause delays in visa processing. Step 3. School Submits Documents to Immigration or Korea Visa Portal We will forward your documents to the school. The school will submit all paperwork, including their business license, school registration, and instructor operational plan, directly to the Korean Immigration Office or through the online Korea Visa Portal. Visa processing typically takes 7 to 10 working days after submission. (If additional documents or verification are needed during the review, processing may take longer.) Step 4. Receive Your Confirmation of Visa Issuance Number (CVI No.) Once your visa issuance number (VIN) is ready, Embark will notify you through the school and send you a “Receipt Number.” You must apply for your visa at your Korean embassy or consulate within 90 days of receiving your VIN. You can view your Confirmation of Visa Issuance Number (CVI No.) and print your Visa Issuance Certificate on the Korea Visa Portal. Step 5. Navigate Korea Visa Portal Go to the Korea Visa Portal site. Click the language option in the top right and select English. If it is already in English, ignore this step Source: Korea Visa Portal On the left menu, hover over “Check Application Status” and click “Check Application Status & Print.” Source: Korea Visa Portal You will be directed to a form page. For “Type of applications,” choose “Confirmation of Visa Issuance.” For “Select,” choose “Receipt No.” and enter the number we provided. Next, enter your passport number, your name in English (as it appears on your passport), and your date of birth. For your name, please make sure it is your surname (last name) FIRST, then your given name (first name). After clicking “Search,” you will see your application status, which includes your ”Confirmation Number.” This confirmation number is your CVI No., which you will need to proceed. You can also print your visa issuance certificate by clicking the button in the bottom right, "Print Visa issue certificate. Source: Korea Visa Portal Step 2. E-2 Visa Application After obtaining your Confirmation of Visa Issuance Number (CVI No.) or Confirmation Number, your next step is to submit your E-2-1 visa application through the Korean embassy or consulate or KVAC (for the U.K). Please review the requirements and procedures specific to your relevant embassy or consulate within your area of jurisdiction. We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, we strongly recommend directly contacting the embassy or consulate for the most current guidance, assistance, and any updates or changes. US Embassy & Consulates Guide Consulates/Embassy Areas of Jurisdiction Anchorage Alaska Atlanta Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands Boston Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, and Vermont Chicago Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin Dallas DFW Area: Wise, Denton, Collin, Hunt, Parker, Tarrant, Dallas, Rockwall, Johnson, Ellis, Kaufman, and Delta counties Honolulu Hawaii, American Samoa Houston Texas (excluding Dallas, Fort Worth), Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi Los Angeles Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico New York New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut Philadelphia Pennsylvania and Delaware San Francisco Northern California, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming Seattle Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho Washington D.C. Washington D.C., Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland UK KVAC Guide Canada Embassy & Consulates Guide Consulates/Embassy Areas of Jurisdiction Montreal Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland Ottawa Ottawa and Gatineau Toronto Ontario (Except Ottawa) and Manitoba) Vancouver British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories South Africa Embassy Guide Australia Embassy & Consulates Guide Consulates/Embassy Areas of Jurisdiction Brisbane Queensland Canberra Australian Capital Territory, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania Melbourne Victoria Sydney New South Wales, Northern Territory Ireland Embassy Guide New Zealand Embassy & Consulate Guide Consulate/Embassy Areas of Jurisdiction Auckland Auckland, Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, or Gisborne Wellington Wellington, Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, Manawatū-Whanganui, and the entire South Island in New Zealand Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Niue 3. Special Considerations Marriage Certificate A marriage certificate is required for an F-3 visa, which is provided to the spouse or underage children/dependents of the E-2 visa holder. You will need to get your marriage certificate notarized by the country of issuance and have it submitted during the VIN application, or submitted to the designated consulate for a separate F-3 visa application. Name Change Document When you change your name legally after graduation, you will need to notarize the related document from the country of issuance. You will not need it for the VIN application, but you will need it for the Visa application at the Korean consulate of your jurisdiction. For more information, please consult the Korean consulate of your jurisdiction. Naturalization Paper If you were born in a third-party country but naturalized to the seven countries that is eligible for an E-2 Visa (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, U.K., U.S.), you won’t be required to prepare a naturalization paper.

How to Prepare Your VIN Documents (Visa Issuance Number)

by Embark Recruiting

Visa and Immigration Guide (3/14)

How to Prepare Your VIN Documents (Visa Issuance Number)

Applying for an E-2 visa to teach in Korea requires a set of specific documents. The first step in the E-2 visa process is your school submitting your visa application to the Korean Immigration Office to issue a Visa Issuance Number (VIN), which happens before you visit a Korean consulate or embassy in your home country. This guide focuses on the key documents you, as the applicant, need to complete or provide. This guide explains how to complete the VIN Application Form and E-2 Visa Health Statement, as well as how to prepare your Passport Photocopy and Passport Photos. Following these steps carefully will help ensure your E-2 visa application proceeds smoothly and on schedule. 1. E-2 Visa Applicant's VIN Application Form An E-2 VIN Application form is a form completed by the applicant to give their required information to be approved for the visa. This form must be submitted to the Korean Immigration Office when applying for the E-2-1 Visa (Foreign Language Instructor). The completed form should be sent to the school (either directly by the applicant or through a recruiter), so that the school can register the applicant for a Visa Issuance Number (VIN). Obtaining the VIN is the first step in starting the E-2 visa application process. Once the teacher arrives in Korea, all teachers are required to complete a mandatory medical examination within three months of arrival. However, this is usually done within the first or second week, as a valid medical report is needed for the school to register the teacher with the local Education Office within 15 days of their start date, in compliance with immigration regulations. I. How to Find the E-2 VIN Application Form 1. Go to the Hi Korea site. 2. Click the tab "News & Announcements" and click "Application form." Related article: How to Navigate the Hi Korea Site Source: Hi Korea 3. Scroll down to the "Visas" section and locate the "application form for a certificate of visa issuance approval". The document is provided in Word, PDF, and HWP. Source: Hi Korea II. How to Complete the E-2 VIN Application Form You must complete the form that can be filled out from your side. As stated in the form, leaving blanks or providing false information may result in visa denial, cancellation, or deportation. Section 1. Personal Information Full name (Family/Last Name, Given/First Name) Chinese Characters: N/A Sex Date of Birth Nationality Country of Birth National Identity No. Has the applicant ever used any other names to enter/depart Korea? Is the applicant a citizen of more than one country? Section 2. Passport Information Passport Type Passport No. Country of Passport Place of Issue Date of Issue Date of Expiry Does the applicant have any other valid passport? Yes (a. Passport Type, b. Passport No., c. Country of Passport, d. Date of Expiry) Source: Hi Korea Section 3. Contact Information Home Country Address of the Applicant Current Residential Address Cell phone No. Telephone No. E-mail Emergency Contact Information (a. Full Name in English b. Country of Residence, c. Telephone No. d. Relationship to the applicant) Section 4. Marital Status and Family Details Current Marital Status (Married, Divorced, Single) Personal Information of the applicant’s Spouse (Please fill out only when selecting “Married” at the Current Marital Status section. a. Family Name, b. Given Names, c. Date of Birth, d. Nationality, e. Residential Address, f. Contact No.) Does the applicant have children? Section 5. Education What is the highest degree or level of education the applicant has completed? (Master’s/Doctoral Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, High School Diploma, Other) Name of School Location of School (Please fill out in city/province/country order) Section 6. Employment Current personal circumstances (Entrepreneur, Self-Employed, Employed, Civil Servant, Student, Retired, Unemployed, Other) Employment Details (a. Name of Company/Institute/School, b.Position/Course, c. Address of Company/Institute/School, d. Telephone No.) Source: Hi Korea Section 7. Contact Information Purpose of Visit to Korea (Select “Work” section among the options) Intended Period of Stay (LEAVE BLANK) Intended Date of Entry (LEAVE BLANK) Address in Korea (LEAVE BLANK) Contact No. in Korea (LEAVE BLANK) Has the applicant travelled to Korea in the last 5 years? Has the applicant travelled outside his/her country of residence, excluding Korea, in the last 5 years? Does the applicant have any family member(s) staying in Korea? Is the applicant travelling to Korea with any family member(s)? Source: Hi Korea Section 8. Assistance with This Form (LEAVE BLANK) School will fill out this section Section 9. Details of Invitation (LEAVE BLANK) School will fill out this section Source: Hi Korea 2. E-2 Visa Applicant's Health Statement You must complete the form truthfully, as you will undergo a medical examination upon arrival in Korea to confirm you are fit to work. As stated in the form, leaving blanks or providing false information may result in visa denial, cancellation, or deportation. Personal Information Full name Date of Birth Nationality Gender Passport No. Questionnaire Have you ever had any infectious disease that threatens public health? [Infectious Disease name: Cholera, Viral hepatitis A, Tuberculosis, AIDS, etc.) Have you taken any illegal substances (narcotic/drug) or have you ever been addicted to alcohol in the last 5 years? [Narcotic name: cannabinoids, cocaine, opiates, methoxyphenamine, etc.) Have you ever received treatment for mental/neurotic/or emotional disorders? [Disorder name: depressive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.) Have you had any serious diseases or injuries in the last 5 years? (E.g., name & recent situation = reconstructive surgery in 20XX on left leg following a car accident, etc.) Source: Hi Korea 3. E-2 Visa Passport Photocopy You'll need a photocopy of your passport throughout your E-2-1 visa ("Foreign Language Instructor) process in Korea. Your passport copy is required for applying for immigration documents in Korea. Authorities have the discretion not to accept your application if they don’t approve your passport copy. To ensure you're copy of your passport isn't rejected, make sure to follow the following guidelines. Note: If possible, we always advise scanning your passport rather than taking a picture of your passport. However, if you don't have access to a scanner, a photo will suffice. 1. Download a PDF scanner app that can scan documents in color while removing the background and any shadows. To ensure a clean copy, place a sheet of white paper beneath the passport before taking a picture. Consider taking a picture in a softly lit room to avoid any harsh shadows when taking the picture. 2. Take a photo in "Portrait mode" clearly showing the top page with the holder's signature (must have a written signature) and the bottom information page, including the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ). Make sure to take the photo straight on, so the scan isn't tilted or lopsided Note: No background, fingers, or shadows should be visible. E-2 Visa Passport Photos Passport Photos are photos taken that match the standard passport size of 3.5 x 4.5cm (35mm x 45mm). A professional-looking photograph that can be physically applied to an application during your E-2-1 visa ("Foreign Language Instructor") visa. These photos are required for your visa application and must have been taken within the last six months. Please have at least 8 physical copies of your passport-sized photo, as well as a digital copy to use for your application and any related documents. Note: If possible, we advise taking a photo from a professional studio. However, taking a photo on your own will suffice. After you take the photo, please print the photo on photo-grade paper, not regular paper. How to Take a Passport-sized Photo 1. Choose a location with a white wall or white sheet. You can also choose to digitally remove the background after you take a photo to ensure you have a clean, white background. 2. When taking a picture, you must be directly facing the camera with a neutral expression with your eyes and ears fully visible. There shouldn't be any shadows or clothing blocking your face. Note: For those with glasses, we recommend taking off your glasses to prevent any glares For those with long hair, we recommend tying your hair or pinning your hair back behind your ears Any hats or head coverings are prohibited, except for religious or medical purposes 3. You'll have to ensure your photo meets the legal size requirements. The photo should be 3.5cm in width (35mm) and 4.5cm in height (45mm) The length of your face (crown of the head to chin line) should be between 2.5cm to 3.5cm (25mm - 35mm) Your nose should be at the center of the photo Your eye level should be between 2.2cm to 3.2cm (22mm - 32mm)

E-2 Visa Requirements to Teach English | Korea Visa Guide

by Embark Recruiting

Visa and Immigration Guide (2/14)

E-2 Visa Requirements to Teach English | Korea Visa Guide

What is an E-2-1 Visa? The E-2-1 visa, also called the general “Foreign Language Instructor” visa, is the most common visa for native English speakers teaching conversational English in Korea. This visa lets you work at private language academies, language research institutes, and other equivalent educational organizations. While international schools may hire on E-2 visas, positions are limited to teaching English. If you plan to teach other subjects, you will need an F-series resident visa. E-2-1 (Foreign Language Instructor) Period of Stay: Up to 2 years (generally 13 months/1-year contract, or the duration indicated on your Visa Issuance Certificate). Validation of Visa: 3 months following the visa issuance date (must arrive in Korea within 90 days) Entry Type: Single entry Purpose: Limited to teaching conversational English (NOT literature, linguistics, or translation). Note: Other E-2 visa types, such as E-2-2 (public school teaching assistants through EPIK) and E-2-91 (instructors hired under the FTA), are not covered here. E-2-1 Eligibility Requirements: Be a citizen of a country where English is the primary language. (U.S.A., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, U.K. and Northern Ireland, Ireland, and South Africa) Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in one of the 7 native English-speaking countries. Be a native speaker or have completed junior high school (7th grade) and lived for at least 10 years in a native English-speaking country Special Exceptions: Teachers who earned their Bachelor’s degree in Korea, but completed high school or vocational school in a native English-speaking country, may also qualify. Spouses on F3 visas, who are from one of the countries listed above, can also apply, but additionally may need to apply for a work grant to be added onto their visa. See Our Full E-2-1 Visa Guide by Country United States United Kingdom and Northern Ireland Canada South Africa Ireland Australia New Zealand

E-2 to E-2 Visa Transfer | Korea Visa Guide

by Embark Recruiting

Visa and Immigration Guide (1/14)

E-2 to E-2 Visa Transfer | Korea Visa Guide

If you’ve signed with a new school in Korea, congratulations! To continue teaching legally in Korea, you’ll need to transfer your existing E-2 visa from your previous school to your new one. Essentially, you are extending your visa before your previous visa expires. This guide explains the required documents, who prepares them, and what steps to take to complete the transfer. Required Documents for E-2 to E-2 Visa Transfer/Extension Prepared by the Teacher (E-2-1 Visa Holder) Application Form No. 34: Visa application form for the transfer. See Form (Only if applicable) Letter of Release (LOR/이직확인서): Needed only if you have left a previous contract early. Passport: Valid passport with at least six months of validity. Residence Card (RC, formerly ARC): Original and Copy - Current Residence Card issued in Korea. Confirmation of Residence and Lease Contract (When the teacher provides their own housing.) Labor Income Withholding Receipt(근로소득원천징수) *Only receipts from the previous year are available on Hometax or at the local tax office. For the current year's receipt, please contact your current school (or most recent school) directly. Foreigner Occupation Report Form (외국인직업신고서)- please download from the Hi Korea website. See below for a guide on where to find it. Signed Contract: Original and Copy Proof of Experience (경력증명서)- please ask your previous school for this form, see below for a sample form. *What it usually includes: Employee’s full name, Company name, Job title / position, Employment period (start and end dates), job description, Company official seal (직인) or signature, Issue date. Visa Transfer Fee: 60,000 KRW *If the school is visiting the immigration office for the teacher, the teacher needs to sign a ‘Power of Attorney’. Prepared by the School (New School): Business Registration Certificate (사업자등록증)- Copy of the school’s business registration number certificate. School Establishment Registration (학원설립운영등록증)- confirming the school is registered in Korea. Class Timetable (강사 활용계획서)- Showing the classes the teacher will teach. School Status Report (학원 현황표) Confirmation of Residence and Lease Contract- Only when the school provides the housing. E-2 to E-2 Transfer Process Overview Once you sign a new contract with your school, you must complete the visa transfer process within the first two weeks of your new contract 1. Schedule an Appointment at the Immigration Office Please log in to your account to book an appointment at Hi Korea. The appointment must be made within 15 days of your contract start date. The time will be confirmed by the school beforehand. You’ll receive a reservation receipt, which you must bring to the immigration office. Take note of your Call Number (Call No.). 2. Prepare Your Documents 2.1 How to Find Application Forms on Hi Korea Application form No. 34 Foreigner Occupation Report form Visit the Hi Korea Page Select “ENGLISH” on the top right to change language settings. Under “News & Announcements, select “Application Form.” Source: Hi Korea 2.2 Which forms to chooose on Hi Korea Application Form(Report Form) Foreigner Occupation Report Form Source: Hi Korea Download your Labor Income Withholding Receipt (근로소득원천징수) online at the National Tax Service (www.hometax.go.kr) or visit a local tax office. For the current year’s Labor Income Withholding Receipt, please contact your current workplace directly. If there is something wrong with the Labor Income Withholding Receipt or the Amount of Income Certificate, immigration will ask the tax office to conduct an investigation and halt your visa process. Also, prepare your other required documents as listed previously. 3. Gather All Required Documents & Prepare Visa Fee Print and organize your personal documents. Collect the necessary paperwork from your new school. Prepare your visa transfer fee (60,000 KRW). Generally, the fee is paid by the teacher, but you can ask the school if they can pay the fee. 4. Go to Your Immigration Appointment Bring all documents, your reservation receipt, and payment. Submit everything to the immigration office. Once approved, your visa will be officially transferred to your new school.