E2 VISA INSTRUCTIONS FOR UK CITIZENS
So, you’ve decided to teach in South Korea, congratulations! This is the start of an incredible journey living and teaching abroad. As your trusted teach abroad recruiter, Footprints Recruiting is here to guide you through every step of the process, from securing your position to helping you obtain your E2 visa!
We’ve created this easy-to-follow guide to help you understand exactly how to get your E2 visa for South Korea. Whether you’re ready to go or just gathering information about what it takes to teach English abroad, you’ll find everything you need right here.
And if you haven’t applied for a teaching job in South Korea yet, now’s the perfect time! We encourage you to fill out our one-minute online application, it’s completely free and helps connect you directly with hiring directors at top schools. Our experienced team will walk you through each step, saving you the time and stress of figuring it all out on your own! How to get an E2 visa. E2 Visa Guide. E2 Visa Requirements. E2 Visa instructions UK.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Documents
The first step in this exciting process is to collect and authenticate your documents. Below we have broken down the specific steps for each document. You will need all of them completed before moving on to Step 2. How to get an E2 visa UK citizen. E2 Visa Guide. E2 Visa Requirements. E2 Visa instructions.
| Document | Notes / Requirements |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) | 4-year degree from an accredited university |
| Basic DBS | You do not need an Advanced DBS, Basic is good! |
| Health Declaration / Questionnaire | Completed by you (details below) |
| Passport photocopy | Info page, valid at least 6 months |
| Resume / CV | Up to date |
| Signed teaching contract | Provided by your hiring school |
| Passport-style photos | Usually 3–5, depending on consulate requirements |
1.1 University Degree
- Must be a Bachelor’s degree (at minimum) in any discipline
- Must be from an accredited university
- Your degree must be a notarized photocopy with Apostille:
- Take your degree to a local notary public. The lawyer will make a photocopy of it and notarize it.
- Send or take the notarized copy to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the United Kingdom for the Apostille
1.2 Criminal Background check
- Your Basic DBS check cannot be more than 6 months old when you apply for your teaching visa
- Please state it’s for a E2 work visa, list Footprints Recruiting if a company/address are required. Have the results sent to you
- If your DBS is not signed by the issuing office, your record check must be notarized by a local notary public first
- Once notarized, send it to the United Kingdom apostille office for an Apostille Certificate
- Find your Apostille office contact info here.
- You can submit your application in person for faster results or by mail (include a return envelope with your address and postage)
- Do not send it to the Korean Consulate/Embassy. Send it only to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
- You will receive an Apostille certificate that accompanies your record check
Please note: You can use other background checks such as Disclosure Scotland, but these are less reliable and have caused issues with Korean Immigration in the past. To avoid delays or rejections, it’s best to use the Basic DBS Check.
1.3 Health Statement
- This is a simple questionnaire form from the Korean government where you personally answer the questions. Once you arrive in Korea, a full blood test and physical exam will be administered
- The test will include testing for narcotics, TB, HIV, and other communicable diseases. Marijuana is illegal in South Korea and may be tested for on your health exam. DO NOT BRING ANY DRUGS TO KOREA OR USE ANY THERE
- If you do not pass the health exam in Korea, your ability to receive an ARC card will be jeopardized. Without an ARC card, you are unable to work in South Korea, nulling your Visa
1.4 Passport photocopy
- It is a photocopy of the information page of your passport
- Make sure you have at least six months on your passport before it expires
1.5 Resume
- Print a copy of your resume.
1.6 Signed Copy of the School Contract
- The contract will be provided to you by e-mail once you agree to it and the school accepts you as their teacher
1.7 Five Passport-Sized Photos
- These are standard coloured passport photos – the same that you would need for a new passport. The photos must not be older than 6 months
- Have one additional passport photo on hand for the final stage of the overall E2 visa application process, in Step 3
Step 2: Send Documents to Korea (Visa Reservation Number)
Checklist of Required Documents:
- Copy of degree with Apostille
- Notarized Basic DBS Check with Apostille
- Health check statement
- Coloured photocopy of the information page of your passport
- Copy of your resume
- Signed copy of your contract
- Two passport-sized photos
Please only mail your documents using a shipping company that provides international tracking
After shipping your package:
- Keep your shipping invoice and tracking number, this is crucial for monitoring your delivery
- Send a copy of the tracking number to Footprints Recruiting so we can help your school track the documents if needed
- Save the destination address for your records
Your school may need to reference your tracking number if there are any delivery issues, so make sure it’s easy to access.
Getting Your E2 Visa Confirmation Number
Once your documents arrive in South Korea, your school will take them to the Korean Immigration Office. Immigration will then process your application and issue a Confirmation of Visa Issuance Number, sometimes called a Visa Confirmation Number or Visa Reservation Number.
This process usually takes 7–12 business days.
Your Visa Issuance Number will look something like this: UJBO 08007392 (the first four characters are letters, followed by numbers).
Once issued, your school will email this number to you (or to Footprints Recruiting). You’ll need this code when completing your E2 teaching visa application in the next step!
Step 3: Submit Application with the Korean Consulate
Once you have your Visa Issuance Number/Visa Confirmation Number, it’s time to apply for your E2 visa at the nearest Korean Consulate or Embassy. Depending on your consulate, you can either mail your documents or submit them in person. E2 Visa instructions
Required Documents to Apply for an E2 Visa at the Korean Consulate: How to get an E2 visa. E2 Visa Guide. E2 Visa Requirements. E2 Visa instructions.
- E2 Visa Application Form
- Passport: Make sure you have your passport ready, that there is 6 months validity left on it. Make sure it’s signed too!
- Photo: You will need to send a standard, coloured passport picture with your application
- Confirmation of Visa Issuance Number: fill in the reservation number at the top of application form
- Consuls Checklist: A simple two page document required by the consulate (consulate dependent)
- Fee: The cost will be: 25 pounds
* This must be cash or a money order
Always call your consulate to ensure you are familiar with their procedures.
Processing times vary by consulate, some can issue visas the same day, while others may take up to five business days. If you mailed your application, follow up with a quick call to confirm they’ve received your documents and to ask when your visa will be ready.
Once your passport is returned with your E2 visa, you’re officially ready to teach in South Korea! Your Footprints Recruiter will have been working with you on arrangements for your flight arrival and your airport pickup. Keep in touch with your Footprints Recruiter so they can make sure all the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed. How to get an E2 visa. E2 Visa Guide. E2 Visa Requirements. E2 Visa instructions for UK. How to get an E2 visa. E2 Visa Guide. E2 Visa Requirements UK citizens.
Congratulations! Your adventure teaching English abroad is about to begin!
Korean Consulate Location
Consulate General – Korean Embassy, London, UK
Address: 60 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AJ, UK
Phone: +44 20 7227 5500
This consulate is responsible for the United Kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply for my E2 visa before I get my teaching job in Korea?
A: No, you’ll need a signed teaching contract from a registered school in South Korea before Korean Immigration can issue your Visa Issuance Number. Once you’ve accepted a position, we’ll walk you through every step of the visa process.
Q: What kind of school will I teach at in Korea?
A: Most UK teachers work at private language schools (hagwons) or public schools. Your Teach Abroad Recruiter will match you with a school that fits your experience and preferences, whether you want to work with young children or older students.
Q: Do I need to speak Korean to teach there?
A: Not at all! You’ll be teaching English in an immersive environment, and most schools prefer that you only use English in the classroom. Many teachers learn basic Korean once they arrive, it’s a great way to connect with locals and enjoy daily life.
Q: What support will I get after arriving in Korea?
A: From the moment you land, your Footprints Recruiter and school staff will help you get settled! From your airport arrival, orientation, setting up your apartment and bank account. We’re here to make sure your teaching abroad experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Useful Resources for Teaching Abroad
We want you to succeed. We want you to have the experience of a lifetime, teaching in places around the world! To help you along your journey, we have curated some helpful resources below:
- Teach Abroad Blog
- How to Write a Teacher Resume
- TEFL Certificate Options
- South Korean E2 Visa Requirements
- Cost of Living Calculator