E2 Visa In Korea
Moving to South Korea is a big decision. When most people have never even stepped foot in Asia let alone South Korea. When people make the jump to move abroad they will do what they’re familiar with and stick with it as much as possible. In my honest opinion, I am going to say if you are looking for a change in life then moving to Korea is the best call you could ever make. South Koreans are very welcoming (in Seoul especially) and travellers from around the world find their way here. But there are so many amazing things about our country that makes it easy for anyone curious or actively seeking out a new home in another country. Here are just some of the reasons why you should consider applying for an E2 Visa in Korea!
The E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa which is issued to Green Card holders (American Citizens) who wants to invest in or start a business in Korea. This visa is only granted for a 1 year period (which can be extended). This visa will allow you to stay in Korea as long as your investment(s) is generating profit.
E2 Visa In Korea
Not all foreigners can live without a social life. If you’re one of them, then Korea may be the place for you to work and play. The country is home to some of the most relaxed visa rules in the world and the locals will welcome you with open arms – provided, that is, that you have a job and are earning enough cash to throw around down the local night spots.
E2 Visa | Korvia Guide
The E2 visa is the specific visa for individuals coming to Korea as an English Teacher. The E2 visa is sponsored by educational institutions such as public schools, private academies (hagwons), and at universities.
The visa must have prior agreed upon sponsorship by one of those institutions in order to obtain. An E2 visa is valid for 13 months, and must be renewed with each new contract or continuing contract. For more information about the process regarding the different scenarios please visit the E2 Visa Process wiki.
Qualifications
Citizenship Requirements
The E2 visa is only issued to qualified personal who citizens of one of the seven recognized native English speaking countries: the United States, Canada, UK, Republic of Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must hold at least a bachelors degree in any field. Those who are in progress of obtaining a bachelors degree or hold an associates degree are not eligible for the E2 visa.
Criminal Record Requirements
Those who have any sort of criminal record (either misdemeanors or felonies) are not eligible for the visa. Criminal records are verified by a submission of a national level Criminal Record Check. Traffic violations (such as speeding and parking citations) do generally not affect your criminal record for teaching in South Korea.
Health Requirements
Applicants must be in a good health standing and submit a self-medical check survey. They then receive a preliminary visa to come to Korea, where they take an actual medical check at a Korean health center. The test checks for general health conditions, drug usage, and diseases.
Required Documents
The following documents are required by Korean consulates to obtain an E2 visa. Please keep in mind that after submitting, these documents will not be returned:
- Apostilled photocopy of Bachelors degree
- Apostilled National-Level Criminal Background Check
- Personal Resume
- Photocopy of Passport Info Page
- 1 Passport-sized Photo
- Notice of Appointment & Contract (for EPIK and SMOE) or a Visa Issuance Number & Contract (for GEPIK, Hagwon)
Step 1. Gather and Submit the Required Documents
(This process can begin before you get a job offer)
Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited University
- Your university degree (or copy of) must first be notarized and then apostilled (Apostille Authenticated) – Korean consulates
- Most consulates will accept a copy of your university degree rather than the original. Once your degree, or copy thereof, is notarized it then needs to be apostilled from your state. An apostille is like a notary, but it is used mainly for documents that are used for international purposes. Apostilles are generally obtained at the Secretary of State office in your home state. Check with your local Korean Consulate if they will accept a photo copy of your degree or if they need the original.
Sealed Academic Transcripts
- University transcripts are used more for public school positions, but some private schools may ask for them as well.
- Contact your university registrar and ask them to mail you your university grades in a SEALED envelope with a stamp and/or signature over the seal.
- DO NOT open your transcripts.
FBI Criminal Background Check
- Korean Consulates no longer accept state or local background checks.
- Order your FBI Check here – http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/fprequest.htm
- Order at least two copies as some private schools now require two authenticated copies – one to process the visa in the U.S., and one to register you as a teacher once you arrive in Korea.
- FBI Checks can take 3 months to obtain (plan ahead!)
- The record check must be less than 6 months old
- The results should be sent directly to you
- When you apply for your FBI Background check, you must also request that it be “Authenticated”. You can write a short note that you must enclose with your fingerprints and application forms stating that the background check is being used for employment abroad, and therefore needs “authentication.” When you receive your results back, the background check should include a seal and a signature on it. If it does not, you will need to send it back to the FBI and request that it be “authenticated,” which will take an additional few weeks.
- Once you receive your FBI Check in the mail and it is “authenticated” you then need to send your FBI Background Check to get an “Apostille.” You can request the apostille directly through the following company’s website. This process will take an additional 2 – 3 weeks. US Legalization – https://www.uslegalization.com/apostille
- If you are not from the U.S., please contact your TEFL Advisor or the nearest Korean consulate in your country to determine which background check is required for citizens of your country.