South Korean Visa Procedures for English Teachers

Candidates enrolled in the TESOL Certification Program with American TESOL Institute have to bear the expenses involved in acquiring the E2 Visa for their teaching project in South Korea.

Ensure that all the following essential documents are in place even before procuring a job offer.

• A copy of passport (the photo page)
• Resume (CV) and a cover letter ( personal statement)
• Reference letter (two preferred)
• Four passport photos (must be in color)
• A nice large photo if available (professional)
• A notarized copy of Diploma (graduation certificate)
• A notarized copy of transcript or the original

Visit the nearest Korean embassy along with your passport and the original diploma to notarize your diploma. The officials at the notary will make a copy and stamp it as the true copy of the original diploma. Alternatively these documents can be sent to American TESOL Institute for assistance in obtaining notarization. For further details, check with the local Korean embassy or write back to us for more information.

The Process
After you have submitted your online application form along with resume and latest picture, we will evaluate your suitability for the program. If found suitable, you will be asked to send a scanned copy of your passport along with an essay (minimum 300 words). The next step would be to set up a time for an interview with the Korean school. Please allow 48 hours to a week’s time for us to send you the confirmation and acceptance letter. You will have to pay US$500 for the project upon confirmation.

E-2 Visa Procedure
Estimated Total Costs: $110 Time: 18-25 days

1. Teacher mails the required documents to office in Korea by FedEx or DHL ONLY.

Required Documents
1. BA/BS degree
2. University transcripts – Official (sealed) university transcript (Never open the transcript)
3. Copy of Resume
4. Copy of Passport (photo side)
5. We will check documents and send to school
Time : 1-2 days

The school you are attached to then, files and submits necessary documents to the Immigration to sponsor your visa
Time : 7-9 days

School will mail a visa issuance letter to the teacher
Time : 3 days

Teacher receives a visa issuance number or letter & submits required documents to the Korean Consulate

Required Documents :
1. Visa issuance number or letter
2. Actual Passport
3. Visa Application form
4. 2 passport size photos
Costs : $45
Time : 3 days

Korean Consulate keeps the visa issuance letter and returns to the teacher the E-2 visa stamped passport.
Time : 1-5 days

Police Criminal Background Check
As a result of increasing incidents of misconduct by English teachers in Korea, there are strict requirements for one seeking a teaching job there since December 2007. A new law was passed by the Ministry of Justice to protect the students of Korea.
The new law requires anyone applying for the E2 visa to undergo a criminal record check and a medical check. Successful applicants must also submit a medical check up issued from a qualified medical centre after entering the country for an Alien Registration Card application.
Anyone who applies for a visa through the Korean Embassy/Consulate in his/her home country must attend an interview with the consul (if requested) after submitting the application.
The application process is generally faster and easier for those who have prior teaching experience in Korea.

New Visa Process
Police Background Check with Apostille
US applicants have to undergo a police background check, have it notarized by a notary office or a lawyer and then get an APOSTILLE from the Secretary of State, Federal Court, or any of the State Offices

Canadian applicants need to get a police background check done, have it notarized by a notary office or a lawyer and then get it notarized by the Korean Consulate.

UK applicants need to undergo either a Basic Disclosure Check or a Subject Access Check, have it notarized by a notary office or a lawyer and then get an APOSTILLE from the Home Office.

Please note:
Passport, Diploma, Transcripts MUST have the exact same name
Passport must not expire within 6 months
Please use DHL or FedEx ONLY (make sure to send it by a secure courier company)
Please email us the tracking number for your FedEx/ DHL package

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