HOME Pagoda Info Center(Korean/Gyopo) Getting a Visa

  • (1) 2 Signed Contracts: Print and sign two contracts on regular A4 (8 1/2 x 11) sized paper. Please check to see that the formatting is clear and that both signature spaces are on the same page but not orphaned on the last page.
  • (2) Sealed and Stamped Transcripts: Some Consulates may require these to process your E2 Visa so check with them. However, we do not require these.
  • (3) 2 University degree/diploma: An apostille BA is required by Korean Immigration and the Board of Education requires a copy of that and your original degree so be sure to bring that with you. For teachers from the US, UK, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Canadian teachers must provide a Korean Consulate notarized copy of their diploma. You need to send only one apostille copy of your original degree. Before you can get an apostille or have the Consulate notarize your degree you have to have a notarized copy made of the original at a notary public, lawyer/solicitor. Teachers from the USA must have their degree apostilled in the state where it was issued and Canadians must have their degree notarized by the Korean Consulate closest to your university.
  • You will also need to bring:
  • 1. Original degree
  • 2. Notarized degree
  • 3. Photocopy and an original photo ID (passport & drivers license)
  • 4. A University sealed transcript (Consulate will open the transcript for verification purpose)
    Not always necessary so phone first to find out.
  • 5. (Cash or Money Order only, Personal cheque is not acceptable).
  • If applying by mail, a Prepaid Return Envelope is required so that the Consulate will return
    your documents promptly and safely.
  • (4) Criminal Background Check: Federal criminal checks (ie. FBI, RCMP, AFP, Disclosure Scotland, Police Clearance Check, MoJ,INPS) are required to teach English in Korea. Korean Immigration Office and Board of Education both require criminal background check notarized with an apostille or Korean Consulate notarization for Canadians. You need to send only one apostille copy of your criminal background check. It is wise to make a copy of this as some Korean Consulates may ask to see this when you go to apply for your visa. The criminal background check must be issued within the last 6 months. It can take a week to several months (FBI up to 12 weeks) to obtain, so get this process started in a timely manner. It is possible to apply for Criminal Background Check from abroad and have a third party, like a family member apply for you. Check with the relevant federal agency in your country to find out more ( USA, Canada, Australia, UK, South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland) Once a third party has your criminal background they will need to have it notarized by a notary or lawyer and teachers from the US, UK, New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia must get an Apostille and Canadian teachers could have a third party get it notarized by a notary or lawyer (check the www.Yellowpages.ca to find one nearest you) and then notarized by a Korean Consulate.
  • Click on your flag for more specific information on getting a criminal record check:
  • (5) A completed and signed “E2’s Applicant Health Statement”:
    This form asks about HIV and drug use. Getting a drug or HIV (AIDS) test is not necessary before you come to Korea. You only need to submit this form with your other documents. After arriving in Korea and before getting an Alien Registration Card (ARC) you will go to a designated hospital to undergo a HIV and drug test. Pagoda Academy will pay for your tests.
  • (6) A color scan of your passport information/pic page:
    Check to see that your passport number is easily readable and your passport is up-to-date.
  • (7) 5 recent passport-sized color photos:
    Approx. 3.5 x 4.5cm or 2" x2"

    After taking all the time and effort to gather up these documents you can then send all documents using an express courier (ie. FedEx, UPS, DHL, EMS, etc…) that allows you to track the package and guarantees delivery in 2 to 5 days. The cost will range from $30 to $60, but it is well worth it as ensuring the safe and timely delivery of these documents is of paramount importance.
    After we receive your documents we apply to Korean Immigration and in about 12 business days we receive a Visa Issuance number and email it to you. This number confirms that an employment visa has been approved for you.