The Visa Application Process
In order to live and work in South Korea, one must first obtain a work-visa. This process can take more than one month, so once committing to a job and signing a contract, it is important to immediately begin applying for a work-visa. Different types of visas exist for different lines of work. One may either have an E-1, E-2, or E-5 visa. Those married to Korean citizens may obtain F-2 visas in order to work.
Steps in applying for a visa:
- Contact nearest Korean consulate or embassy to find out which documents you need to prepare
- Obtain criminal background check, following U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Korea guidelines
- With employer: obtain sponsorship, certificate of employment (if specified by consulate), and signed contract
- Bring or mail above documents, original college diploma (or notarized copy) and sealed transcripts, passport, and passport-size photos to Korean consulate or embassy
- After arriving in Korea, pass medical tests for TBPE, Cannabinoid, and HIV, and obtain residence permit from local immigration office
For further, more detailed information regarding the visa process:
Visit the Teaching in Korea section of the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Korea website.
Or, go to the visa thread on Dave’s ESL Cafe Korean Job Forum.
