E-2 Visa Korvia Guide
Everything you need to know about Korea's E-2 teaching visa — eligibility, required documents, the qualification criteria, and the latest updates for UK applicants.
13 Mo
Visa Validity
7
Eligible Countries
6
Required Documents
4
Qualification Areas
The E-2 visa is the specific visa for individuals coming to Korea as an English teacher. It is sponsored by educational institutions such as public schools, private academies (hagwons), and universities.
The visa must have prior agreed-upon sponsorship by one of those institutions in order to be obtained. An E-2 visa is valid for 13 months, and must be renewed with each new contract or continuing contract.
Source: Republic of Korea Ministry of Foreign Affairs — E-2 visa category.The 4 E-2 Visa Qualification Areas
Korean consulates screen every E-2 applicant across four official criteria. Meeting all four keeps your application on the fast path.
Citizenship Requirements
The E-2 visa is only issued to qualified personnel who are citizens of one of the seven recognized native English-speaking countries: the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Dual citizens and ethnic Korean applicants with foreign citizenship have additional residency and schooling requirements.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must hold at least a bachelor's degree in any field. Those who are still in the process of obtaining a bachelor's degree or who only hold an associate's degree are not eligible for the E-2 visa.
Final-year students may apply only if they can submit their completed degree before arrival in Korea.
Criminal Record Requirements
Applicants 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 (CRC).
Traffic violations such as speeding tickets and parking citations generally do not affect your criminal record for teaching in South Korea.
Health Requirements
Applicants must be in good health standing and submit a self-medical check survey. They then receive a preliminary visa to enter Korea, where they take an actual medical check at a Korean health center. The test screens for general health conditions, drug usage, and diseases.
Required E-2 Visa Documents
These are required by Korean consulates to obtain an E-2 visa. Keep in mind that after submission, these documents will not be returned.
Apostilled photocopy of Bachelor's Degree
Apostille or consular authentication depends on your country of origin.
Apostilled National-Level Criminal Background Check
Must be nationwide — state-level checks are not accepted.
Personal Resume
Chronological format preferred; include teaching or tutoring experience.
Photocopy of Passport Information Page
Passport must be valid for at least 6 more months.
1 Passport-sized Photo
Korean standard: 3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background, taken within 6 months.
Notice of Appointment & Contract, or Visa Issuance Number & Contract
Notice of Appointment is for EPIK and SMOE. Visa Issuance Number is for GEPIK and hagwons.
Updates for U.K. Citizens
Starting from January 17, 2022, the Government of the Republic of Korea opened the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in London, operated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), to manage Korean visa applications submitted by UK nationals applying for a visa to South Korea.
E-2 Visa FAQ
Q.How long is an E-2 visa valid for?
The E-2 visa is valid for 13 months and must be renewed with each new contract or continuing contract. Your sponsoring school or institution supports the renewal while you are in Korea — for continuing contracts, you typically do not need to leave the country.
Q.Who sponsors the E-2 visa?
The E-2 visa must have prior agreed-upon sponsorship by a Korean educational institution. This includes public schools (EPIK, GEPIK, SMOE, GOE), private academies known as hagwons, and universities. Without a confirmed sponsor and signed contract, you cannot apply for the E-2 visa.
Q.Can I apply for an E-2 visa without a bachelor's degree?
No. A completed 3–4 year bachelor's degree in any field is a non-negotiable requirement. Associate's degrees, diplomas, and partial degrees are not accepted. Final-year students may be considered only if they can produce a completed, apostilled degree before arrival in Korea.
Q.What happens during the Korean health check after arrival?
After entering Korea on your preliminary E-2 visa, you will complete a medical exam at a designated Korean health center. The exam screens for general health conditions, communicable diseases, and drug use. Once cleared, you complete E-2 visa activation and receive your Residence Card (RC, formerly ARC).
Q.I'm a UK citizen — is the process different for me?
Yes. Since January 17, 2022, UK nationals apply through the Korea Visa Application Centre (KVAC) in London, operated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). KVAC manages Korean visa applications on behalf of the Republic of Korea government. Review Korvia's dedicated UK guide for the updated procedure.
Q.Will my submitted documents be returned?
No. Documents submitted to Korean consulates for E-2 visa processing will not be returned. Always keep notarized or apostilled copies for your own records, and bring backup photocopies to Korea for your school, immigration office, and RC application.
Ready to Start Your E-2 Visa Application?
Korvia reviews your documents, confirms sponsorship with your school, and guides you through every step — from apostille to arrival in Korea.