Complete E-2 visa transfer guide for teachers switching employers in Korea — in-country change of status process, document requirements, and expected timeline.
Last Verified
Last verified against Korvia transfer guidance for teachers moving an active Korea teaching visa between employers.
Teachers that have finished a teaching contract in Korea and have already secured employment at a new school must transfer their E2 status in order to work at the new school. Luckily, those teachers won’t need to obtain new sets of the documents they already obtained before coming to South Korea. We have created the following process guidelines to help you transfer your visa successfully.
This process is for those that are currently in South Korea and are transferring to a new school or institute. Applicants will need to visit their local immigration office in person in order to be able to complete the process. The service can be completed the same day they visit the immigration office, and usually no additionally days to process will be necessary.
The E2 Transfer process is broken into two different scenarios. Please choose the scenario that best matches your situation below and click to the expand the guidelines:
For questions or more information regarding the visa application process for teachers that are transferring schools, please inquire with your recruiter at Korvia.
Quick Answers
Frequently asked questions
What is different about an E-2 transfer compared with a first-time visa?
An E-2 transfer usually focuses more on employer change, release documentation, and immigration endorsement timing than on the full first-time overseas issuance process.
Why should transferring teachers confirm paperwork before resigning?
Transfer timing can depend on release letters, start dates, and immigration processing, so resigning too early can create avoidable gaps in status or income.
What should teachers prepare before changing schools in Korea?
Teachers should confirm their release status, new contract timing, employer sponsorship documents, and the immigration-office appointment path before the move is finalized.