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

Korean Embassy - Pretoria - (0027-12) 460-2508  http://zaf.mofat.go.kr/index.jsp

The visa process might seem somewhat daunting at first, but really it isn't. We have outlined the entire visa application process for you here in 2 basic steps. If you follow all intructions carefully, you shouldn't have any problems in obtaining your visa on time. By jumping through these hoops, you are proving to Korean Immigration that you are enthusiastic and diligent about your desire to teach in Korea.

* 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 - IN TOTAL

• ONE original degree certificate (translation not necessary) 
  • + ONE photocopy - notarised and apostille authenticated
  • + ONE photocopy
• TWO sets of unopened, official transcripts - sealed by the university (official seal)
• ONE Criminal Record Report (with vulnerable sector search) - notarised and apostille authenticated (28 business days to process! Get started now!)
  • + ONE photocopy
• Valid passport - with at least 6 months validity and 2 empty pages for processing - MAKE SURE YOUR PASSPORT IS SIGNED
• ONE photocopy of the photo and information pages in your passport
• FOUR passport sized photos - 3.5 x 4.5cm size, in color, and date stamped on the back (photo must have been taken withing the last 6 months and have a white background)
• TWO printouts of the Official Health Statement - both forms MUST be completed with the exact same answers
• ONE copy of your resume/CV - signed, with your correct address and contact information included
• ONE copy of the contract - signed and dated by you
  • + ONE more copy for you to have signed by your employer when you arrive in Korea (as well as for your reference)
• 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.

Step 1

• Original Degree (it will be returned to you shortly after you arrive in Korea)
• 1 set of unopened, official transcripts - sealed by the university (official seal)
• Original Criminal Record Report (with vulnerable sector search) - notarised and apostille authenticated
• Photocopy of your passport picture and information pages
• 3 passport sized photos - 3.5 x 4.5 cm, in color, and date stamped on the back (photo must have been taken withing the last 6 months and have a white background)
• 1 Official Health Statement - completed and signed
• 1 Copy of your resume/CV - signed, with your correct address and contact information
• 1 Copy of the 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 us 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 in Pretoria.

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

• Photocopy of your degree certificate
• 1 set of unopened, official transcripts - sealed by the university (official seal)
• Photocopy of your criminal record report
• Valid passport - with at least 6 months validity and 2 empty pages for processing
• 1 passport sized photo - 3.5 x 4.5 cm, in color, with a white or light colored background
• Official Health Statement (yes, another one) - completed with the EXACT SAME ANSWERS as the first
• Completed E2 visa application
• Completed Consul's checklist
• Visa Confirmation of Issuance number (will be emailed to you from either us or your employer)
• Visa Processing fee - Check with the Embassy, as it is subject to change
• A prepaid postage return envelope (Priority Post or express courier)

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.

Before you take/send your documents to the embassy, call them 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 and why you want to teach in Korea. 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 recieve 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!