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Korean Immigration is often implementing 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. Click the name of the city below to open a new window for the corresponding Consulate's website.
Korean Embassy - Washington - (202) 939-5654 (202) 939-5654 The visa process might seem somewhat daunting at first but really, it isn't. We have outlined the entire process for you here in three basic steps. If you follow all of the instructions carefully, you shouldn't have any problems with obtaining your visa on time.
* NOTE - Your name should appear the same on ALL documentation. If your name appears different on any of the documents (example - one has a short form of your name and one doesn't), your application may be rejected by Korean Immigration. Contact your Go East representative if you are unsure about anything. **UPDATE - As of April 2011, first-time applicants no longer have to apply from their home country. ***UPDATE - As of April 2011, you no longer need your university/college transcripts, in Korea, when applying for private school positions. You may still need them for your Consulate at home, so please check with the office in your region. Items you will need to prepare to apply for an E2 teaching visa - IN TOTAL
We suggest making photocopies of your degree and background check in case your Consulate requires them. Most do not but they have the right to request these items. We also recommend that you leave photocopies of all of your important information with a friend or family member (passport, banking info, etc.)
* 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 up to three months to issue, and the apostille for which can also take a few weeks. They are 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
First, have the following two documents notarized by a notary public
Then, take/send them to your State Department for the apostille authentication - You MUST check with your State Department to be sure they offer federal apostille services. Otherwise, the apostille must be done through Washington D.C. State Dept. Apostille locations and contact information for U.S. citizens: http://www.apostilleinfo.com/usa.htm If you are sending them by mail, you need to send these documents express and include a return express envelope so they will be returned to you quickly.
Step 2
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). This can take anywhere from 5-10 working days. Your Employer will apply for the visa issuance number you will recieve 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
You should send these documents by DHL, TNT, or FedEx only. Many 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 5-10 business days to process this number (depending on the volume of applications they are dealing with at the time).
Step 3
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. You need to call the Consulate first to let them know what you are doing. Items you will need to take/send to the embassy in your region
The three items below are usually not needed but it's a good idea to check with your Consulate as some may request to see them.
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.
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!
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