Korean Immigration has recently implemented changes to their visa processing requirements. It is recommended that you contact the Korean Embassy in your region to verify the information on obtaining an E2 visa to teach in Korea.

Korean Embassy - Canberra (612) 6270-4100 - Servicing VIC, S.A., W.A, TAS

Korean Consulate - Sydney (612) 9210-0200 - Servicing N.S.W, N.T and Queensland

The visa process might seem somewhat daunting at first, but it really isn't. We have outlined the entire process for you here in two basic steps. If you follow all instructions carefully, you shouldn't have any problems in obtaining your visa on time.

* NOTE - Your name must appear the same on ALL documentation. If your name appears different on any of the documents (example - one has your middle name and one doesn't), your application may be rejected by Korean Immigration. Contact your Go East representative if you are unsure about anything.

Items you will need to prepare to apply for an E2 teaching visa - IN TOTAL

1. ONE photocopy of your degree certificate - Notarised and apostille authenticated
2. ONE national criminal record check - Notarised and apostille authenticated
3. TWO sets of unopened, official transcripts - sealed by the university (official seal over back flap)
4. Valid passport - with at least 6 months validity and 2 empty pages for processing - MAKE SURE YOUR PASSPORT IS SIGNED
5. SIX passport sized photos - in color (photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and have a white or light background)
6. TWO official health statement printouts - both forms MUST be completed with the exact same answers
7. ONE copy of your resume - with your correct address and contact information included, signed and dated on every page
8. ONE copy of the contract - signed and dated by you
9. ONE E2 visa application
10. Consul's checklist
11. Visa processing fee - check with the embassy, as it is subject to change

For a much more detailed description of the above items, visit our Requirements section. It's boring, but it should help in understanding all of this better.

* NOTE - We highly recommend that you make photocopies of everything and leave them with a friend or family member in case of an emergency. Take a copy of the contract with you as a reference and have your director sign it when you arrive in Korea.

* REMINDER - Be prepared! Even if you are still searching for a job, we strongly recommend that you start preparing your documents immediately. The criminal background check can take a very long time to issue but is valid for 6 months from the date of issue by Korean Immigration. The entire visa process, even when you are fully prepared, will take anywhere from 3-5 weeks to complete.

Step 1

Once you've accepted a job offer, you will need to send the required documents to your employer in Korea to obtain your Visa Issuance Confirmation Number (authorizing the Korean Consulate in your country to process your visa). Your Employer will apply for the visa issuance number you will receive it via email.

Be sure to carefully follow instructions and check that all documentation is completed properly.

Items you will need to send to your employer in Korea

1. ONE copy of your degree with attached apostille
   
2. ONE Original Criminal Record Report (Subject Access with Basic Disclosure) - notarised with attached apostille ON THE ORIGINAL
3. ONE Photocopy of your passport picture and information pages
4. THREE passport sized photos - in color, signed and date stamped on the back of one
   
5. ONE Official Health Statement - completed and signed
6. ONE Copy of your resume/CV - with your correct address and contact information, signed
7. ONE Copy of the school's contract - signed and dated by you

You need to send these documents by DHL or FedEx only. Local priority post services cannot provide tracking numbers for Korean distribution. Once you send this package you need to immediately email the tracking number to your Go East representative (this helps them with planning).

Your employer in Korea will apply for your Visa Issuance Number with the documentation you've sent them. Korean Immigration takes 5-7 business days to process this number (depending on the volume of applications they are dealing with at the time).

Step 2

Your Visa Issuance Confirmation Number will be sent to you via email, by either your Go East representative or your employer. You must then take/send another group of documents to the embassy or consulate in your region.

Items you will need to take/send to the embassy in London

1. Valid passport - with at least 6 months validity and 2 empty pages for processing
2. ONE passport photo
3. ONE Health Statement Form (yes, another one) - completed with the EXACT SAME ANSWERS as the first
4. ONE Completed E2 visa application
5. Visa Confirmation of Issuance number (will be emailed to you from either us or your employer)
6. Visa Processing fee - ￡25 - Check with the Embassy, as it is subject to change
7. *A prepaid postage return envelope, if mailing (Priority Post or express courier)

The three items below are not usually needed. It is a good idea to call the Embassy to find out if they will require them from you.

• ONE Photocopy of your degree certificate
• ONE SET of official transcripts
  
• ONE Photocopy of your Subject Access

If you are sending them by mail, you need to send these documents by Express or Priority Post. You must contact the embassy to find out their preferred method of post. Some offices WILL NOT accept documents sent by certain couriers.

Once you have taken/sent your documents to the embassy, they will contact you to schedule an interview with them. The interview should be done in person but sometimes they will make an exception if you live far from their office, and conduct the interview by other means. DON'T BE AFRAID! The interview is only to find out a little about your personal character and to see if you're going to make an effort. They will ask you questions about your hobbies, interests, family, etc. It's really quite easy.

The processing time is about 5-10 business days (depending on the volume of applications they are dealing with at the time).

If you receive your passport by courier with the E2 visa sticker in it, you've done everything correctly! You will then be ready to head off on your adventure in Korea!