EPIK process timeline — step-by-step recruitment schedule for 2027
EPIK Hub/Application Timeline

EPIK Application Process (2027)

From your first application to your first day in a Korean classroom — 8 steps, 12–16 weeks. Korvia guides you through every step for free.

Quick Answer

How long does the EPIK application process take?

The full EPIK journey — from first applying to your first day in a Korean classroom — takes about 12–16 weeks across 8 steps: online application → document review → interview → placement → contract → E-2 visa → flight → orientation and first day. (The E-2 visa issuance step alone is faster — typically a couple of weeks at the consulate once you have your placement and NOA — the longer figure covers the whole application, not just the visa.) EPIK runs two intakes a year (spring and fall), and Korvia pre-screens your application before submission, at no cost.
Source: EPIK — epik.go.kr

Spring Intake

Apply

Aug–Jan

Interview

Oct–Jan

Arrive

Late February

Start

March

Fall Intake

Apply

Feb–Jul

Interview

Apr–Jul

Arrive

Late August

Start

September

Step by Step

The 8-Step EPIK Application Process

Korvia's recruiting team reviews and revises every application before it is submitted to EPIK — so technical errors do not cost you a placement.

1

Apply at Korvia.com

Day 1~5 minutes

Fill out the online application form at www.korvia.com. If accepted, you'll be matched with a dedicated recruiter who will schedule an individual interview session to help decide which program and positions are best for you.

  • Complete the Korvia online application
  • Upload your resume and a professional photo
  • Your Korvia recruiter contacts you within 1–2 business days
Start Application
2

Submit EPIK Application & Initial Documents

Week 1–3~1–2 weeks

Complete and submit the official EPIK online application form along with all initial documents required. Select 'Agency — Korvia Consulting' as your classification on the EPIK form.

  • Fill out the EPIK online form at epik.go.kr
  • Two letters of recommendation (PDF at initial stage; ink-signed originals are FINAL-stage only)
  • Personal essay and Lesson Plan
  • TEFL/TESOL certificate (100+ hours) or education degree
  • Passport-style photo
  • Korvia internal screening before submission
  • Select ONE preferred teaching location on the EPIK application
EPIK Registration
3

EPIK Interview

Week 3–6~30–40 min

EPIK will send an invitation for an online interview (typically about 30–40 minutes, usually with one EPIK interviewer) to determine official program acceptance. Korvia provides a 5–10 minute Pre-Interview Check-in (not a mock interview) and coaching before and after.

  • Korvia conducts a Pre-Interview Check-in (not a mock interview)
  • Online video interview, usually with one EPIK interviewer
  • Interview often includes a short demo lesson and teaching-scenario questions
  • Results typically within 1–2 business days
4

Submit Final Documents

Week 6–10~4–8 weeks

After acceptance, gather and send in all required final documents to Korvia during the specified submission timeline. Korvia double-checks each document before forwarding to EPIK Headquarters.

  • Criminal background check (FBI/RCMP/DBS) — start as early as ALLOWED (too early also burns the 6-month validity window)
  • Apostille on background check + diploma
  • TEFL certificate
  • Korvia reviews and verifies all documents before EPIK submission
Document Checklist
5

Placement

Week 10–12~1–2 weeks

Once your documents are received, EPIK will review your application and place you in either a location you specified as a preference or another area where you are needed.

  • EPIK reviews your location preferences
  • Placement is based on school needs + your qualifications
  • You may be placed in Seoul, Busan, rural areas, or anywhere in Korea
6

Apply for Visa with NOA

Week 12–14~1–2 weeks

After your placement is confirmed, EPIK will send you a Notification of Appointment (NOA) and a contract. Take these to the Korean consulate in your jurisdiction to apply for the E-2-2 teaching visa.

  • Receive NOA (Notification of Appointment) + contract from EPIK
  • Visit the Korean consulate in your jurisdiction with NOA + passport
  • Apply for E-2-2 teaching visa
  • Processing typically takes 1–2 weeks
7

Book a One-Way Flight

Week 14–15~After visa

After securing the visa, book a one-way plane ticket to South Korea. You pay for the flight upfront — your Entrance Allowance (which helps cover it) is policy-due with your first paycheck, but in practice usually lands between month 3 and month 6 because it cannot be processed until your Residence Card and Korean bank account are both set up.

  • Book a one-way flight to Korea (Korvia can assist)
  • Entrance Allowance is policy-due with the first paycheck but typically arrives in months 3–6 due to Residence Card + Korean bank account setup delays
  • Coordinate arrival date with your EPIK orientation schedule
8

EPIK Orientation & First Day

Week 15–16~1 week

Arrive in Korea! The EPIK team meets you at the airport and takes you to the orientation venue. After orientation, you'll be transported to your school. Congratulations — you are now officially an EPIK teacher!

  • EPIK team meets you at the airport
  • Attend mandatory EPIK orientation (1 week)
  • Meet your co-teachers and school staff
  • Move into your provided housing
  • Korvia welcome package + community access
  • First day of school — your teaching career in Korea begins! 🎉

Application Tips

Start Early (Not Too Early)

Background checks typically take 8–10 weeks — shorter for U.S. applicants using Korvia's official FBI-approved Channeler partner Accurate Biometrics, or Fieldprint as an alternative, plus Monument Visa for apostille; up to 14 weeks for South Africa's DIRCO without a walk-in appointment. Begin as early as the issuing authority ALLOWS — starting before you are eligible can burn the 6-month validity window.

📝

Full Sentences Only

EPIK rejects lesson plans and essays in bullet point format. Write in prose.

🎓

Get TEFL Certified

Level 3 (no TEFL) positions are not being hired. TEFL is effectively required.

🤝

Select Korvia

On the EPIK form, choose 'Agency — Korvia Consulting' to link your application.

✈️

Entrance Allowance Timing

You pay for your flight upfront. The Entrance Allowance is policy-due with your first paycheck, but in practice most teachers receive it between month 3 and month 6 because it cannot be processed until your Residence Card and Korean bank account are both in place.

📋

Check the FAQ Checklist

Visit our EPIK FAQ/Checklist for the latest step-by-step hiring guide.

Live webinars

See the webinars that match each stage

Every step of this timeline has a free live Korvia webinar to go with it — from the EPIK introduction and application help to getting your documents ready and acing the interview. Check the dates and reserve your seat.

View the EPIK webinar schedule

Start Your EPIK Journey Today

Apply through Korvia — EPIK's exclusive partner — for free, dedicated support at every step.