General E2 Visa Process - PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Getting an E2 Visa for Korean Public Schools

Once you've got a job offfer from one of Korean Offices of Education (such as EPIK, SMOE etc), you are required to courier documents to Korea. Please refer to the visa guide that your placement coordinator has sent to you for lots of details on this process. Sometimes this process differs slightly between offices of educations- contact your placement coordinator for details.

Send the following to Korea:
1. Notarized & Apostilled copy of your degree
2. 1 or 2 sealed transcripts (depends on employer request: EPIK- 1, SMOE- 2)
3. 2 passport sized photo
4. photocopy of passport
5. a signed copy of the contract & addenda (for SMOE)
6. signed application form
7. criminal background check with notarization & Apostille certification
8. 2 letters of reference
9. Proof of teaching experience (if applicable)
10. Teaching Certificate copy (CELTA/TESL/TEFL/teachers license) (if applicable)
Once all these documents arrive in Korea the following occurs:
- Your Office of Education will review the items for completeness and approval.
- Your Office of Education will then issue a Notice of Appointment and official contracts that will be couriered to you.
As soon as you receive that Notice of Appointment:
1. Download and Print the Korea Visa Application Form..
2. Send or take your documents to the nearest Korean consulate
  1. Valid Passport
  2. Korea Visa Application form duly completed and signed
  3. One recent passport-format color photo
  4. VISA FEE - specific to nationality.
  5. If mailing or requiring your visa and passport to be mailed back to you please include a prepaid, self-addressed return envelope. In all countries but Canada you can use any courier or registered mail company. In Canada, specifically at the Toronto Korean Consulate they assert that they will ONLY accept Xpresspost or Priority of Canada Post deliveries. PAY ATTENTION if you're from there or if you are applying through that office.
  6. A photocopy of your Apostilled university degree as well a photocopy of your criminal record check. Some consulates require this, others don't. They can ask so it's best to be prepared.
  7. A sealed copy of your university transcripts. Some consulates require this, others don't. They can ask so it's best to be prepared.
  8. Original employment contract from the superintendent of Educational Affairs as well as the Notice of Appointment
  9. Consulate Checklist
An interview with a Korean consulate should not be required, but the consulate does have to right to request one if they wish.
The consulate can take 2-10 business days to process your visa and get your passport back to you.