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E-2 — Foreign Language Instructor Visa (E-2)
South KoreaSouth Korea•Asia
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E-2 — Foreign Language Instructor Visa (E-2)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–4 weeks

Estimated Cost

USD $200–$220

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1–2 years (matches employment contract), renewable

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Employer-sponsored teaching visa for native speakers of designated languages in Korea; 1–2 years renewable.

The E-2 Foreign Language Instructor Visa is South Korea's standard work visa for native speakers hired to teach in schools, language academies, or corporate training centers. Applicants need a bachelor's degree and employment contract. Required documents include apostilled credentials, a criminal background check, and a health certificate.

The visa is issued for 1–2 years (matching the employment contract) and is renewable as long as employment continues. Fees vary by nationality: most pay $40–$90 USD; US citizens pay $45; UK citizens $130–$250. Processing takes 2–4 weeks. Spouses may work with restrictions and dependents may reside via F-3 dependent visa. Upon arrival, teachers must obtain an Alien Registration Card (ARC).

This visa is ideal for native English speakers or educators in designated languages seeking a 1–2 year teaching role abroad with potential to transition to longer-term Korean residency.

Cost Breakdown

Single-entry visa (≤90 days)USD $40
Single-entry visa (>90 days)USD $60
Double-entry visaUSD $70
Multiple-entry visaUSD $90
TotalUSD $200–$220

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

F-2-7 — Long-term Residency Visa (F-2)
South Korea flagSouth Korea

F-2-7 — Long-term Residency Visa (F-2)

Validity3 years
Processing1–2 months
View Visa Details
F-5 — Permanent Residence (F-5)
South Korea flagSouth Korea

F-5 — Permanent Residence (F-5)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing2–3 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Employment contract with Korean language school or employer

Bachelor's degree (any field)

National of an English-speaking country (for English teachers: US, UK, CA, AU, NZ, IE, ZA)

Criminal background check (apostilled)

Health certificate

No criminal record

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Visa application form

Passport

Recent passport-sized photograph

Apostilled bachelor's degree (original or notarized copy)

Apostilled national-level criminal background check

Signed employment contract

Health statement form

Visa Issuance Number (VIN) provided by the employer

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Employer-sponsored pathway with clear VIN process — removes bureaucratic uncertainty
  • Bachelor's degree required but no work experience prerequisite — accessible to recent graduates
  • Renewable work authorization (1–2 years per contract) enables multi-year teaching careers
  • Dependent family visa available for spouse and children under 19
  • Relatively affordable for major nationalities (USD $45–$200 for various nationalities)
  • Fast processing (14–21 days) allows tight timeline between job offer and departure

Worth Knowing

  • Limited to native speakers of designated languages (primarily English, French, German, etc.)
  • Visa tied to specific employer — job loss requires visa transfer or departure within grace period
  • Fees vary significantly by nationality; ranges from USD $45 to USD $200
  • Spouse work rights restricted — dependent visa does not provide independent work authorization
  • Apostilled bachelor's degree and criminal background check required before visa application
  • Only open to nationals from specific English-speaking countries; many nationalities non-qualifying
  • No pathway to permanent residency — visa ends when employment contract ends

Application Process

1

Secure employment contract with an approved Korean language institution or employer

2

Employer obtains Visa Issuance Number (VIN) from the Korean Ministry of Justice on applicant's behalf

3

Gather required documents

visa application form, passport, degree certificate (apostilled), national criminal background check (apostilled), health statement form, employment contract, and recent photograph

4

Submit application in person or by mail to the Korean embassy or consulate in your country

5

Receive visa grant notice (entry permit); entry visa sticker may not be issued — the grant notice is used for entry

6

Upon arrival in Korea, register at local immigration office and obtain Alien Registration Card (ARC)

Application Forms

Visa Application Form (E-2)—
Consul's Checklist for E-2 Applicant—

Related visas

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