EPIK Final Documents
The full list of original and apostilled documents required after your EPIK interview. Submitted to Korvia for review, then forwarded to EPIK Headquarters for final placement.
10+
Final Documents (core + conditional)
2–3
Apostille Required (3 for UK/AUS)
6 Mo
CRC Validity Window
4–18 wk
Typical Apostille Lead Time
Submit final documents on the EPIK schedule communicated by Korvia — typically within 1 month of passing the EPIK interview. You will gather and submit a packet of 10 core final documents, plus conditional documents depending on your country of citizenship. Two of the core documents — your Bachelor's diploma and national-level criminal record check — must be apostilled. UK and Australian applicants must also submit an apostilled birth certificate (or immigration/citizenship certificate if a birth certificate is not available). All EPIK source countries are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. Korvia reviews your full packet before forwarding it to EPIK Headquarters for placement.Source: Official EPIK 2026 final document requirements + Korvia apostille support.
EPIK Final Documents Checklist
10 core documents required for every applicant, plus conditional documents for specific countries. UK and Australian applicants submit an additional apostilled birth certificate (Doc #11).
EPIK Application Form (Printed)
Candidates must submit a completed online EPIK application form — printed out from the official EPIK application site — and signed with an ink pen on page 6 in the signature box. The printed application must contain all 12 pages, including both essays and the sample lesson plan.
- ✓Print from the official EPIK portal — https://epik.go.kr/web/epik/contents/Apply
- ✓Ink-sign page 6 (digital signatures are not accepted)
- ✓All 12 pages must be included — essays + lesson plan
Two (2) Passport-Sized Photos
Candidates must submit two passport-sized photos. One photo is attached to the printed EPIK application, and a second photo is sent as a backup in case the first is damaged in transit. Photos must follow official passport photo guidelines.
- ✓Plain white background only
- ✓Shoulder-up framing, neutral expression (little or no smile)
- ✓Printed on photo-quality paper — no inkjet prints
Photocopy of Passport Info Page
Candidates applying to EPIK must submit a photocopy of their passport's information page (top and bottom) showing the photo and personal details. Your passport must be valid for at least the full length of your EPIK contract — renew early if it expires during your time in Korea.
- ✓Include both the top and bottom halves on a single page
- ✓Make sure the passport is signed before copying
- ✓At least 13 months of remaining validity (15–18 months recommended)
Apostilled (National-Level) Criminal Record Check
ApostilleAn apostilled national-level criminal record check (CRC) is required for every EPIK applicant. Only national-level checks are accepted — state, provincial, or local background checks will be rejected. After obtaining the CRC, photocopy it in case the Korean consulate requests a copy during your E-2 visa interview.
- ✓Must be national-level (FBI for US, RCMP for Canada, basic DBS for UK, AFP for Australia, etc.)
- ✓Apostille required — not a notarization. The original certificate and its apostille travel together
- ✓Valid for only 6 months from issue — time your application carefully
- ✓Monument Visa is a U.S.-only service that bundles the FBI CBC + federal apostille for American applicants (UK / Canada / SA applicants use their country-specific apostille authorities directly)
- ✓Photocopy after apostille for your records (Korean consulates almost never require transcripts for E-2-2 visa — bring only if specifically requested)
Apostilled BA Diploma
ApostilleAn apostilled 3–4 year Bachelor's Degree is required as part of your EPIK final documents. Your original diploma must be apostilled — not a notarized copy. The BA diploma is apostilled at the provincial / state level of the issuing institution, not at the federal / national level (US: Secretary of State of the state where the university is located; Canada: provincial government of the province; etc.). All EPIK source countries are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention.
- ✓Apostille the original diploma itself — not a certified copy, unless your issuing authority requires it
- ✓Canadian BA diplomas are apostilled at the provincial government level (issuing province), NOT Global Affairs Canada
- ✓Keep a spare photocopy — one gets submitted, one stays with your records
Two (2) Sets of SEALED University Transcripts
Two sets of your official university transcripts (academic records) are required. Transcripts must include every class taken from the first term of your university education through graduation, along with the grade received for each class and an overall GPA on the report.
- ✓Transcripts must arrive SEALED — breaking the seal voids them
- ✓We recommend ordering at least 4 sets so you can open one yourself to verify the content
- ✓Confirm with your registrar that every class + final GPA appears before sending
Original Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
EPIK requires two original ink-signed letters of recommendation from supervisors, managers, or direct work/academic references who can speak to your work ethic and teaching abilities (e.g., academic professors, current or previous employers). Scanned or photocopied letters are not accepted at the final document stage — the originals must be mailed.
- ✓Both letters must be original with ink (pen) signatures from the writers
- ✓Letters should come from supervisors, managers, or direct work/academic references — academic professors or current/previous employers
- ✓Use the Korvia letter template for the correct format and headers
Photocopy of TEFL / TESOL / CELTA Certificate
Applicants must submit a photocopy of their completed TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, or PGCE certificate (100+ hours). Those who hold a Bachelor's Degree in Education or a CELTA / PGCE are exempt from the separate TEFL certificate requirement.
- ✓Minimum 100 hours — both online and in-person programs are accepted
- ✓Photocopy is fine at the final document stage — no apostille required
- ✓Bachelor's in Education, CELTA, and PGCE holders are exempt
Proof of English-Medium Education (South Africa / Quebec / Int'l Schools)
ConditionalApplicants from South Africa, those who received their education in Quebec, or candidates who attended international schools must submit proof-of-schooling letters verifying that the medium of instruction was English from grade 7 through grade 12. These can be photocopies — original letters are not required.
- ✓Required only for South African, Quebec-educated, and international-school applicants
- ✓Must cover grades 7 through 12 continuously
- ✓Photocopies are acceptable — unlike recommendation letters, originals are not required
Additional Documents (if Applicable)
ConditionalSome candidates are eligible for additional benefits or placement bonuses that require supporting documents — for example, proof of teaching experience, graduate degrees, or prior EPIK service. A complete list of applicable documents is maintained in the EPIK Downloads section.
- ✓Check with your Korvia recruiter whether any bonus-document applies to your profile
- ✓Typical examples: MA/PhD transcripts, teaching licenses, graduate degree supporting docs
- ✓Korvia cannot accept returning EPIK teachers (teachers who previously completed an EPIK contract); direct application through EPIK is required for renewals
Apostilled Birth Certificate (UK & Australia)
ApostilleConditionalUK and Australian applicants must submit an apostilled birth certificate as part of their final document packet — or an apostilled government-issued immigration/citizenship certificate if the birth certificate is unavailable. The document is apostilled by the same authority that handles your diploma: FCDO for UK applicants, DFAT for Australian applicants.
- ✓Required only for UK and Australian citizens — US, Canadian, South African, Irish, and New Zealand applicants do NOT submit this
- ✓Apostille authority: UK — FCDO · Australia — DFAT
- ✓Submit the ORIGINAL apostilled certificate — not a notarized copy
- ✓Immigration or citizenship certificate is an accepted substitute if your birth certificate is unavailable
Country-Specific Apostille Paths
All EPIK source countries (US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. Use the path for your country of citizenship.
USA
FBI criminal background check → U.S. Department of State (federal) apostille · BA Diploma → State Secretary of State (state-level) apostille (state where your university is located)
Two separate tracks: (1) the federal FBI CRC is apostilled by the U.S. Department of State (federal apostille — $20 per document; ~5 weeks by mail). (2) The BA diploma is apostilled at the state level by the Secretary of State of the state where your university is located.
Canada
RCMP criminal background check → Global Affairs Canada (federal) apostille · BA Diploma → Provincial government apostille (the province where your university is located) — NOT Global Affairs. This is a common mistake.
Two separate tracks: (1) the RCMP CRC is apostilled federally by Global Affairs Canada (no fee). (2) The BA diploma is apostilled by the provincial government of the province where your university is located — NOT Global Affairs Canada. This is a common mistake. Canada acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention on January 11, 2024.
UK
Basic DBS (standard) or ACRO → FCDO Apostille · Same FCDO path for diploma AND birth certificate (or immigration/citizenship certificate)
UK documents use the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) apostille. Basic DBS is now the standard acceptable form; ACRO is also accepted but less common. UK applicants must also submit an apostilled birth certificate (or an apostilled immigration/citizenship certificate if the birth certificate is unavailable). Diploma, CRC, and birth certificate all follow the same FCDO apostille path.
Australia / New Zealand
AFP / NZ Police CRC → DFAT apostille · Same DFAT (or DIA for NZ) path for diploma AND — Australia only — birth certificate (or immigration/citizenship certificate)
DFAT (Australia) or DIA (New Zealand) handles the apostille. Allow 2–4 weeks for each document. Australian applicants must also submit an apostilled birth certificate (or an apostilled immigration/citizenship certificate if the birth certificate is unavailable) through DFAT. New Zealand applicants do not need the birth certificate requirement.
Ireland
Garda Vetting → DFA apostille → same for diploma
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs issues the apostille. Garda Vetting may take 4–6 weeks.
South Africa
SAPS CRC → DIRCO apostille · SAQA verification letter → DIRCO apostille (same as SAPS PCC)
South African applicants submit a SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) verification letter as part of the final documents. The SAQA letter requires apostille from DIRCO — the same authority and process as the SAPS Police Clearance Certificate.
From Interview Pass to EPIK HQ
Start CBC + Apostille AS EARLY AS ALLOWED
Applicants MUST start the CBC and apostille processes as early as the CRC authority allows — but not earlier. Starting the CRC too early risks invalidating the document against the 6-month validity window; waiting until after the EPIK interview result is too late and causes failures. The CRC + apostille combination takes the longest (4–18 weeks depending on country) and is the most common cause of delay. Monument Visa (U.S.-only service) can bundle the FBI CBC + federal apostille for American applicants.
Gather Digital & Certified Copies
Order your two sealed transcript sets, collect your two original letters of recommendation, photocopy your passport and TEFL certificate, and print your finalized EPIK application with ink signature.
Apostille Diploma + CRC
Send your diploma and national-level CRC for apostille. All EPIK source countries are Hague Apostille signatories. Keep tracking numbers for every shipment.
Ship Original Packet to Korvia / EPIK
Once every document is in hand, courier the full packet (apostilled originals + sealed transcripts + ink-signed letters) to Korvia for review. Korvia double-checks the packet before forwarding to EPIK Headquarters.
EPIK Review → Placement
EPIK HQ confirms your documents are complete and issues your placement. Visa-stage steps follow on the EPIK Process Timeline page — not in this final-documents stage.
Avoid These Common Delays
Start CRC + Apostille AS EARLY AS ALLOWED
Applicants MUST start the CBC and apostille processes as early as the CRC authority allows — but NOT earlier. Starting the CRC too early risks invalidating it against the 6-month validity window; waiting until after the EPIK interview result is too late and causes failures. For U.S. applicants using Accurate Biometrics (Korvia's official FBI channeler partner) plus Monument Visa (official apostille partner), total processing typically runs 1–2 months. Fieldprint remains an alternative, not an official Korvia partner. RCMP + Global Affairs Canada apostille can take 6–10 weeks. This is the #1 cause of delayed placements. Monument Visa is a U.S.-only service — UK, Canada, and South Africa applicants should use their country-specific apostille authorities directly.
Don't Break the Transcript Seal
Opening the official university transcript envelope voids it for EPIK. Order 4+ sealed sets so one can be opened by you for verification without damaging the submission copies.
Originals & Ink Signatures Only
Letters of recommendation must be original with ink pen signatures. The EPIK application form must be ink-signed on page 6. Digital signatures, scans, and photocopies will be rejected at this stage.
CRC Validity — 6 Months Max
Korean immigration only accepts CRCs dated within 6 months of your visa application. Don't request your CRC too early — time it so the apostille is completed close to your departure date.
Canada: Apostille Path (Post-2024)
Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention on January 11, 2024. Canadian applicants now obtain an apostille directly from Global Affairs Canada (no fee) for both the RCMP CRC and diploma — Korean consular legalization is no longer required. Source: Global Affairs Canada (international.gc.ca).
Keep Tracking Numbers
Every shipment — to apostille authorities, to Korvia, to EPIK — should travel with a courier tracking number. Lost originals mean re-ordering + re-apostilling, which can push your placement back a full intake cycle.
Final Documents FAQ
Q.When do I need to submit my EPIK final documents?
Submit final documents on the EPIK schedule communicated by Korvia — typically within 1 month of passing the EPIK interview. Korvia coordinates your exact deadline based on your contract start.
Q.Do UK or Australian applicants need to submit anything extra beyond the 10 core documents?
Yes. UK and Australian applicants must submit an apostilled birth certificate — or an apostilled immigration/citizenship certificate if the birth certificate is unavailable — as part of their final document packet. The certificate is apostilled by the same authority that handles the diploma: FCDO for UK applicants, DFAT for Australian applicants. This requirement is in addition to the apostilled diploma and apostilled national-level criminal record check. US, Canadian, South African, Irish, and New Zealand applicants do NOT submit a birth certificate for EPIK.
Q.What is an apostille, and why does EPIK require it?
An apostille is an international certification under the 1961 Hague Convention that verifies a public document (like your diploma or criminal record check) is authentic. Korea is a Hague signatory, so Korean immigration requires apostilles instead of notarization for EPIK E-2 visa documents.
Q.How long does the CRC + apostille take for US applicants?
Typically 1–2 months when using an FBI-approved Channeler such as Accurate Biometrics for the FBI check plus Monument Visa for the U.S. Department of State apostille. Accurate sits at the FBI-result stage, while Monument covers the apostille stage. Mailing the FBI check directly and routing the apostille through the Department of State by mail can extend the total to 3–4 months, which is why Korvia recommends the faster two-part workflow.
Q.Is Canada in the Hague Apostille Convention?
Yes. Canada acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention on January 11, 2024 (international.gc.ca). Canadian applicants now send the RCMP CRC to Global Affairs Canada for an apostille, and the BA diploma to the provincial government of the province where the university is located. There is currently no fee for the Global Affairs apostille service — but applicants still pay for mail/postage both directions. Allow 6–10 weeks total, counting RCMP issuance plus the apostille step.
Q.Can I submit scanned copies of the letters of recommendation?
Scanned copies are accepted at the initial application stage, but the final document submission requires ORIGINAL ink-signed letters. Ask your recommenders to mail the originals to you directly, then forward them with your final document packet.
Q.What happens if I break the seal on my transcripts?
Sealed transcripts are invalidated the moment the envelope is opened. If this happens, order a replacement set from your registrar. EPIK requires two sealed sets in the final document packet. Korean consulates generally do not require transcripts for the E-2-2 visa — bring only if specifically requested. We still recommend ordering 3+ sets so you have one to open for personal verification plus two sealed for EPIK.
Q.Do I need an apostille on my TEFL certificate?
No. TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, and PGCE certificates only require a photocopy for EPIK final documents. Apostille is only required on the diploma and the national-level CRC.
Q.My passport expires during my EPIK contract — do I need to renew first?
Yes. Your passport must have at least 13 months of remaining validity at visa submission, and Korvia strongly recommends 15–18 months so it comfortably outlasts the 12-month EPIK contract. Renew — ideally as a new passport, not an extension — before submitting your final documents so the copy you submit covers the whole contract plus buffer.
Q.I graduated with a 3-year Bachelor's Degree — am I still eligible?
Yes. EPIK accepts 3–4 year BA/BS degrees. Higher Diplomas, National Diplomas, and Advanced Diplomas are NOT accepted as substitutes — only a full Bachelor's Degree qualifies.
Q.What if I receive my diploma right before departure?
Final-year university students can apply with a letter of expected graduation, but must submit the apostilled diploma before arriving in Korea. Coordinate early with your Korvia recruiter so the apostille timing lines up with the EPIK deadline.
Korvia Reviews Every Final Document — Free
As EPIK's official recruiting partner since 2008, Korvia pre-checks your apostilles, sealed transcripts, and letters before they reach EPIK Headquarters — so nothing delays your placement.