Work / Immigration visa · New Zealand to Korea (Republic of)

Foreign Language Instructor Visa (E-2)

Embassy required

Maximum stay
395 days
Processing time
2-4 weeks
Fee
USD 60 (single entry), USD 90 (multiple entry)
Validity
13 months, renewable
Entry
Single entry

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    For English teaching: citizens of the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa only. Other language instruction may accept different nationalities.

    Eligible countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America

  • Employment

    Must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and have a confirmed employment contract with a licensed Korean educational institution

    Required status: Bachelor's degree + employment contract

  • Criminal record

    Must have a clean criminal background check, apostilled, less than 6 months old

  • Health

    Must pass a health examination within 30 days of arrival in Korea

    Required vaccinations: None specified

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: One recent passport-sized color photograph

  • Police clearance

    Countries required: Home country (apostilled); Validity months: 6

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Visa application form; Form url: https://www.visa.go.kr

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Cash, card at embassy; Amount: USD 60 (single entry)

  • Professional license

    Accepted licenses: Bachelor's degree (apostilled). TEFL/TESOL/CELTA advantageous but not always mandatory; Must be translated: No

  • Health exam

    Panel physician required: Within 30 days of arrival in Korea; Validity months: 1

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain employment contract, apostilled degree, apostilled criminal background check, and other documents

  2. Online application

    Complete visa application form

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa application fee (approximately USD 60)

  4. Document submission

    Submit application at Korean embassy or consulate

  5. Processing wait

    Wait 2-4 weeks for processing

  6. Visa collection

    Collect passport with E-2 visa

  7. Biometrics

    Complete health examination at a designated hospital within 30 days of arrival in Korea

Sign in to apply
This information is general guidance only and can change frequently. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for help.

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