How to apply for your E2 Visa:

For any teaching position in Korea, you will need to apply for an E2 Teaching visa. Here is a list of the documents you will need, with a short explanation of each. Following the documents list is an explanation of the visa application process from start to finish.

1) Your Resume: This is needed both for the initial job application, and for your visa application. For initial job applications, you may simple e-mail your resume and photo to us. For your visa application, you will need to send a physical copy of your resume to Korean Immigration.

2) Photocopy of Passport: This will be sent to Korean Immigration as part of the visa process.

3) Your Passport: You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months, dating from the time you will arrive in Korea. If your passport will expire at some time during your stay in Korea, you may wish to have it renewed before you leave, as it is usually easier to renew your passport in your home country.

4) Your Degree: You must supply Korean Immigration with either your original university degree, or a legally notarized copy of your original degree. If you are presenting a notarized copy, it must be stamped by the Korean consulate before sending it to Korean Immigration. Applicants outside of Canada must also have their degree authenticated by Apostille. It is far easier, less expensive, and less time consuming, to send your original degree.

5) Signed Contract: Once you have chosen an employer, you will need to provide a signed copy of the employment contract for visa processing.

6) Photos: You will need 4 color passport-size photos for the visa application.

7) Transcripts: We recommend having 3 sealed copies of your university transcripts available. Recently, Korean Immigration has been asking for additional copies of transcripts for verification of education. As it takes some time to secure these documents, it is best to have extra copies on hand if needed. Transcripts must be sealed, as they were received from your university, otherwise, they will be rejected.

8) Criminal Records Check:This must be less than 90 days old. It must also include a "Vulnerable Sector Search". As the process for obtaining an acceptable Criminal Records Check varies depending on your location, we recommend contacting your nearest Korean Consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

For Canadians, this can be done at most local police stations. If your local police station cannot provide a Vulnerable Sector Search, contact your nearest Korean Consulate for information on how to get the Vulnerable Sector Search. In the Toronto area, you can contact Commissionaires at: www.commissionaires.ca, or call (416) 363-9072, (877) 488-9370, or (416) 438-2051 (Markham). Your Criminal Records Check must be legally notarized AND stamped at the nearest Korean consulate before sending it on to Korean Immigration.

For Americans, police checks can done by local police departments must be authenticated by Apostille. See our "Links" page for more detailed information on getting Criminal Records checks in the US.

9) Health Check:This form is available through Korean Consulates. Please note - fill the form out honestly. When you arrive in Korea you will need to be examined by a doctor. If they find you have given false information on your Health Check form, you can be deported.

The following is a step-by-step look at the visa application process:

1) Send the following documents to our Toronto office at:

Global English Teachers
25 Wood St., unit 312
Toronto ON, Canada
M4Y 2P9

- original or notarized copy of university degree
- resume
- 2 passport size photos
- 2 sealed copies of university transcripts
- 1 photocopy of passport information page
- Criminal Records Check less than 3 months old
- Completed Health Check form

To avoid confusion, please send all the above documents in a single package.

2) Once you receive your Employment Contract from your employer in Korea, print it out, sign it, and send it to the above address.

3) We will submit these documents to Korean Immigration, who will generate a Visa Confirmation Number. This can take as long as a month to process.

4) When you receive the Visa Confirmation Number, you will take it, along with the following documents, to the nearest Korean Consulate:

- passport, AND photocopy of passport information page
- Visa Confirmation Number
- 2 colour passport size photos
- 1 copy of sealed university transcripts *
- 1 additional passport size photos *
- photocopy of Criminal Records Check *
- photocopy of Health Check form *

* The Korean Consulate may or may not request these items at their discretion, so it is best to have them available in the event they are needed. *

At the Consulate, you will need to fill out a Visa Application Form, and pay the visa processing fee. Consulates accept ONLY CASH for processing fees. Contact your local consulate for up-to-date fees.

The Korean Consulate, at their discretion, may or may not ask for the additional photos, copies of transcripts, and photocopies. It is always best to be prepared and have these extra copies ready in case the Consulate does request them. You may also wish to have a copy of your resume and signed employment contract with you as well.

You may also be required to have an interview at the local consulate.

Processing time can vary from 24 hours to one week after the date you submit the final documents and pay the application fee. Contact your local Consulate for accurate processing times.

5) When visa processing is complete you will need to pick up your passport at the Consulate in person. If you live more than 2 hours away from any Korean Consulate, you may be able to submit and receive your documents by mail or courier. Check with your local Consulate for accepted delivery methods.