FAQ
| Q |
Do I need to get fingerprints done? |
| A |
To conduct a criminal background check, federal police require a full set of fingerprints.
Make sure you complete all fields on the fingerprint check/form.
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| Q |
Are there Police Stations in Seoul with English speaking officers? |
| A |
The primary emergency number to report a crime and contact police is 112.
They will provide you with a multilingual translation service or direct you to the proper department/hotline who can provide assistance. |
| Q |
Do I have to send my original degree? |
| A |
Korean immigration will keep the degree that you submit, so it is best to send an official copy of your degree (apostilled, or notarized by the Korean consulate for Canadians). |
| Q |
How old can my notarized documents be? |
| A |
The criminal background check must be dated within 6 months.
If you do not enter Korea within 6 months of the time your ciriminal background check has been issued,
then the Korean immigration office will ask you for a newly issued background check once you register for the alien registration card. |
| Q |
What is an E2 Visa? |
| A |
This is the visa granted to a native speaker to teach English in Korea.
Please see ‘Info Center' (top right) for more information. |
| Q |
What is a Visa issuance number? |
| A |
This number is issued by Korean immigration and you use it to get your visa at the Korean Consulate in your home country. |
| Q |
How long does it take to get a visa issuance number and a visa? |
| A |
After we receive all your documents it takes about 3 weeks to get a visa issuance number.
Once we email you this visa issuance number, you should either mail your passport or visit the closest Korean consulate with the appropriate documents and application form. It typically takes 3-5 days for them to issue your visa. |
| Q |
What documents do I need to provide in order to get a Visa issuance number? |
| A |
Check out ‘Info Center -> Select Visa Type -> Required ' for more information. |
| Q |
What do I do after I get my Visa issuance number from Pagoda? |
| A |
Call the Korean Consulate to check the list of documents you need to prepare and their business hours.
Generally, bring your passport, visa application form, visa issuance number and money for the visa.
But some Korean Consulates request your transcript, please check before you visit.
If you are unable to visit the Korean Consulate then you may be able to mail your documents and include a prepaid envelope for the Consulate to return your documents. |
| Q |
Can I apply if I have graduated, but haven’t received my degree yet? |
| A |
You can apply and let us know when you will be receiving your degree, but unfortunately you cannot apply for an E2 visa without having your actual degree/diploma in your hands. |
| Q |
Can I teach English in Korea even though I’m not a native speaker? |
| A |
Sorry, but right now to teach English you would need to be a native speaker with a degree from a native English speaking country. |
| Q |
Can I get a Visa in Japan, Thailand or another 3rd country? |
| A |
Yes, as long as this is not your first time applying for an E2 Visa. |
| Q |
Do I need to get a medical check and drug test before I come to Korea? |
| A |
No. This test is done in Korea after you arrive and before you apply for your Alien Registration Card.
Those who do not clear the medical check will be denied a working visa and asked to leave at their own expense.
Pagoda has a partner clinic, and we cover the medical test expense.
Our Visa/Housing manager will provide you with more information regarding how and when you can go for your test. |
| Q |
What is and Alien Registration Card (ARC) and how do I get one? |
| A |
An ARC contains your visa status, duration of stay, and current address in Korea.
After completing the drug test you will need to go straight to immigration to apply for your ARC.
The cost for the ARC is W30,000 and our Visa/Housing manager will provide you with information and instructions as well as any other necessary to bring with you to the immigration office. |
| Q |
My visa says that it is a single entry visa. What does this mean? |
| A |
Nowadays, they do not separate single-entry visa and multiple-entry visa. You can leave Korea and return as long as your visa is still valid. |
| Q |
What do I need to do if I would like to transfer to Pagoda from my current company? |
| A |
You will need a letter of release, you will need to find a new employer within a month of being released. (If you finish your contract, a letter of release is not required.)
Once you get your letter of release then you have to visit the immigration office to process the visa transfer/change of workplace request. You need to report to the immigration office within 14 days from the starting date of your contract.
If you are currently on a D10 visa, it will take 3 weeks for immigration to process your visa change back to an E2. |
| Q |
Apostilled Documents for F visa holders |
| A |
Both
Apostilled Notarized copy of degree AND Apostilled Nationwide Background Check will be required from F visa holders.
Although you are not required to report to immigration, the Board of Education will request these documents when any new teacher joins our team.
Apostilled/ Authenticated
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| Q |
Do I have to send both my degrees? |
| A |
No. Korean immigration and Pagoda only require your Bachelor's degree.
Make sure you send your Apostilled/Authenticated notarized "COPY" of your Bachelor's degree.
(Keep your original degree, Immigration will not return documents)
Any other certifications and degrees not required by immigration can be emailed.
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