E-2 — Foreign Language Instructor Visa (E-2)

South 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

$200–$220 USD

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)$40 USD

Single-entry visa (>90 days)$60 USD

Double-entry visa$70 USD

Multiple-entry visa$90 USD

Total$200–$220 USD

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

South Korea

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

Validity3 years

Processing1–2 months

View Visa Details

South 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

Secure employment contract with an approved Korean language institution or employer

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

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

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

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

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	—

Verified Claims (8)

Last verified Jun 30, 2026

Application Steps

Secure employment contract with an approved Korean language institution or employer; Employer obtain…

overseas.mofa.go.kr

Dependent Visa

F-3 Dependent Family visa available for spouse and unmarried children under 19

visa.go.kr

Fee Breakdown

Single-entry visa (≤90 days): 40 USD; Single-entry visa (>90 days): 60 USD; Double-entry visa: 70 US…

overseas.mofa.go.kr

Fees

Varies by nationality; standard rates USD $40–$90 (single to multiple entry); US citizens pay flat $…

overseas.mofa.go.kr

Forms

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

overseas.mofa.go.kr

Official Info

https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-losangeles-en/brd/m_26385/view.do?seq=1&page=1

overseas.mofa.go.kr

Processing Estimates

{"minDays":14,"maxDays":28}

overseas.mofa.go.kr

Processing Time

2–4 weeks (varies by consulate; no expedited processing available)

overseas.mofa.go.kr

Official Information

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Overview

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

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.

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

Secure employment contract with an approved Korean language institution or employer

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

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