Visa guide · Asia
E-2 Visa for Teaching English in South Korea
Korea's standard work visa for native-English ESL teachers. Bachelor's, criminal check, sealed transcripts.
The E-2 is the visa almost every ESL teacher in Korea uses. It's tied to a specific employer (hagwon, EPIK, university, or international school) and runs in one-year contracts that match the standard hiring cycle. Switching jobs requires a release letter from your current employer and a fresh visa run.
Duration
1 year, renewable. Multi-year extensions possible after completing a contract.
Cost
USD 60 visa fee at the consulate. Apostille and document costs vary by country (typically $50-$150 total).
What you need
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a native-English country (US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa)
- Original sealed university transcripts plus a sealed apostilled degree certificate
- Criminal background check from your home country, apostilled, issued within the last 6 months
- Medical check confirming negative for HIV and drug use (administered after arrival)
- Passport-style photos and a clean passport
- 120-hour TEFL/TESOL certificate strongly preferred and increasingly required
The process
1. Secure a job offer
EPIK, GEPIK, or a specific hagwon. The employer initiates the visa paperwork.
2. Apostille and ship your documents
Apostille the FBI check (US) or equivalent, plus your degree certificate. Mail to the employer or recruiter in Korea.
3. Issuance number arrives
Korean immigration issues an E-2 visa number once your paperwork is verified. Typically 2-3 weeks after documents arrive in Korea.
4. Apply at a Korean consulate
Take the issuance number plus the rest of your application to a Korean consulate in your home country. Visa stamped in 5-10 business days.
5. Land in Korea, complete on-arrival steps
Medical check within 30 days, Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days. Your employer arranges most of this.
Common questions
Can I switch jobs on an E-2?
Yes, but you need a Letter of Release from your current employer. Without it, you must leave the country and re-apply. Many hagwons issue these without trouble; some don't.
Do I have to apply from my home country?
Yes. The consulate that issues your E-2 must be in your country of citizenship. Some teachers do visa runs via Fukuoka, Japan after the first contract.
Is the F-series visa better?
If you qualify, yes. F-2 (resident) and F-4 (overseas Korean) visas let you work for any employer. F-6 (marriage) is similar. These don't tie you to a sponsor like the E-2 does.
Tools you'll need
Resources for teachers preparing to apply. Links are partner affiliates that fund the site at no cost to you.
Country guide
Teach English in South Korea
EPIK, hagwons, and university roles. E-2 visa support is standard.
See the full South Korea guide →Other visa guides
Z Visa (China)
China's work visa for foreign teachers. Two years' work experience, TEFL, and a notarized background check required.
Instructor Visa (Japan)
Japan's visa for K-12 ALT and public school teaching roles. Bachelor's required, native-English speaker preference.
Auxiliares de Conversación (Spain)
Spain's government language assistant program. Stipend plus a student visa for non-EU citizens.
Work Permit and TRC (Vietnam)
Vietnam's combination of Work Permit plus Temporary Residence Card. Bachelor's + TEFL + health check.
Non-Immigrant B Visa (Thailand)
Thailand's work visa for foreign teachers. Bachelor's + TEFL + Thai teacher license (waiverable for first 2 years).
Work Visa (UAE)
Tax-free employment visa for licensed K-12 teachers in the UAE. Strict credential requirements but high pay.