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If you are planning to teach English in South Korea as a US citizen, here are the visa requirements you need to fulfill. Note that Canadian, UK, and citizens of other E-2 countries can perform a national-level background check instead of an FBI check, which is typically faster.
Required Documents:
Apostilled Photocopy of Bachelor's Degree:You must submit a photocopy of your bachelor’s degree that has been apostilled.
Apostilled Criminal Background Check (Federally Issued):US citizens need a federally issued criminal background check (FBI), which must be apostilled. Other E-2 eligible country citizens can use a national-level background check.
Passport Photos:Provide 2 recent passport-sized photos.
Health Statement:A health statement or medical check provided by your employer is required.
Recommendations:
FBI Approved Channelers:Due to the lengthy process of obtaining an FBI Criminal Background Check, it is highly recommended to use an FBI Approved Channeler. This will expedite the process, allowing you to start teaching in Korea sooner.
Cost Responsibility:Note that all costs associated with obtaining your visa are your responsibility.
Additional Notes:
Ensure all documents are correctly apostilled to avoid any delays or issues with your visa application.
The expedited process via FBI Approved Channelers can significantly reduce the time it takes to get your criminal background check completed.
Conversational language instruction involves teaching students how to communicate effectively in a foreign language at foreign language institutes, educational institutions, corporations, and other similar organizations. It does not include teaching specific linguistics, literature, or translation techniques.
Foreign language institutes (Hagwon)
Educational institutions of elementary school or higher, affiliated linguistic research institutes, broadcasting companies and corporate language training institutes, and other equivalent institutions or organizations
Including a school curriculum teaching academy in the form of remote teaching using information and communication technology (Amendment of the Academy Act)
Foreign nationals currently residing in South Korea can change their visa status to an E-2 (Conversational Instructor) visa depending on their current visa type. Here are the conditions under which an E-2 visa change is possible based on your current visa status:
1. Visa-Free or Tourist Visa (C-3)Foreign nationals staying in South Korea with a visa-free entry or a C-3 tourist visa can apply to change their status to an E-2 visa. This process can be completed within South Korea by submitting the necessary documents to the immigration office. It is essential to ensure all required documents are prepared and the visa change procedure is followed correctly.
2. Other Visa TypesIndividuals currently holding other visa types, such as a D-4 (Language Training) visa or a D-10 (Job Seeking) visa, can also change their status to an E-2 visa. Similar to the visa-free or tourist visa holders, these individuals need to submit the required documents to the immigration office and follow the standard visa change procedures.
If you plan to stay in South Korea with a visa-free entry or a tourist visa, it is crucial to understand the allowed duration of your stay, as it varies depending on the agreements between South Korea and your home country. Here are the specific stay duration for nationals from six key English-speaking countries:
United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland
Stay Duration: Up to 90 days
Visa Type: Visa-free entry
Notes: Nationals from these countries can stay in South Korea for up to 90 days without needing a visa. This period is generally sufficient for short-term visits, including tourism and business meetings.
Canada
Stay Duration: Up to 6 months
Visa Type: Visa-free entry
Notes: Canadian nationals can stay in South Korea for up to 6 months without a visa, offering an extended period ideal for longer visits, tourism, and other short-term activities.
South Africa
Stay Duration: Up to 30 days
Visa Type: Visa-free entry
Notes: South African nationals can stay in South Korea for up to 30 days without a visa, suitable for short-term visits such as tourism or business.
Why Knowing Your Stay Duration is Important
Understanding the length of stay allowed in your country is usually essential for planning to live in South Korea for more than a year.Exceeding the allowed period may result in fines, deportations, and restrictions on future travel to Korea.
As of 2017, non-English speaking spouses of professionals (E-1 to E-7 visa holders) and international students (limited to those pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. in Science and Engineering) can teach English conversation in Korea. To qualify, they must:Hold a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification, which qualifies them to teach English in non-English speaking countries.Possess a Bachelor's degree or higher, or have an equivalent level of education.Note that spouses with a hotel and entertainment (E-6-2) visa are not eligible for this opportunity.This allows non-English speaking spouses to engage in teaching English conversation, provided they meet the specified qualifications.
In Korea, an ARC card, or Alien Registration Card, is an identification card issued to non-Korean residents. It serves as proof of legal stay and identity for foreigners residing in South Korea for more than 90 days. The card contains personal information such as name, birthdate, gender, nationality, address, and visa status.
Conditions under which you might need to change something about your ARC card include:
Change of Address: If you move to a new residence, you're required to update your address on your ARC card within 14 days of moving.
Change of Visa Status: If there's a change in your visa status, such as transitioning from a student visa to a work visa or vice versa, you need to update your ARC card accordingly.
Renewal: ARC cards have expiration dates. You need to renew your card before it expires to maintain legal residency in Korea.
Lost or Damaged Card: If your ARC card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you need to apply for a replacement card.
Change of Name or Other Personal Information: If there are changes in your name, nationality, or any other personal information on your ARC card, you should update it.
It's important to adhere to these regulations to ensure that your ARC card remains valid and accurately reflects your legal status in South Korea. Failure to update your ARC card when necessary could result in fines or other legal consequences.
Native English teachers holding an E-2 visa in Korea are allowed to travel abroad. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:
Re-entry Permit: Generally, for short trips, you do not need an additional re-entry permit. For longer trips, you may need to obtain a re-entry permit from the immigration office.
Visa Status: Ensure that your visa status is maintained upon re-entry into Korea. Check that your visa has not expired and that your employment status remains valid.
Employer Notification: It is advisable to inform your employer of your travel plans and obtain their approval, as this may be required based on your employment contract.
If you're an American interested in teaching English in South Korea, here's what you need to know about the qualifications and requirements:
Citizenship: You must be a citizen of one of the following countries: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, or New Zealand. These countries are recognized for their native English-speaking populations.
Education Background: Applicants must have completed their education in one of the above-listed countries, starting from at least grade 7 and continuing for a minimum of 10 years. This ensures that teachers have a strong foundation in the English language and culture.
Degree Requirements: A bachelor's degree (BA) or higher from an accredited institution in one of the specified countries is mandatory. Ensure you have access to your physical diploma, as it will be needed during the application process.
Background Check: A national criminal background check from your country of citizenship is required. This check must show no charges or convictions, demonstrating your suitability to work with students.
In most cases, educational experience is not required. In fact, the majors or experiences of many native speakers do not match up with education. However, working life is an important part of life, and I recommend TESL/CELTA, an educational program, as a preparation process. This could be a potential means to increase your salary.
Certain programs (with over 100 hours of study) offer additional salary incentives for teachers. While not mandatory, obtaining a TESL/CELTA certificate can greatly enhance your readiness for ESL teaching positions. For those considering teaching in Korea, signing up through FOREA's opens doors to special rates and opportunities.
While hagwons typically reimburse airfare upon arrival, it's uncommon for them to provide funds upfront for your plane ticket. It's advisable to consider alternative options such as using personal savings or exploring short-term loans to cover your initial travel expenses.
No, fluency in Korean is not required. Teaching in Korea typically occurs in an English-only environment, where you'll exclusively use English during lessons. Students are encouraged to communicate solely in English within the classroom. However, if you do speak Korean, it can enhance the teacher-student relationship and enrich their experience in Korea. If you're interested in learning Korean while teaching, feel free to reach out to us for more information.
In Korea, English teachers typically receive their salary on a monthly basis. Your earnings will be conveniently deposited directly into your Korean bank account. This method ensures you have easy access to your funds and can manage your finances without hassle. Be sure to set up your Korean bank account shortly after you arrive to facilitate smooth salary transactions.
The number of Western teachers you'll work with depends on the size of the institution. At small academies, you can expect to collaborate with two to three other teachers. Medium-sized academies typically have about eight to ten teachers. In larger academies, there are usually more than 20 teachers on staff.
Yes, most employers in Korea do have a dress code for English teachers, but it’s generally straightforward and easy to follow. Professional and neat attire is expected. For men, this usually means dress shirts and slacks, and for women, blouses with skirts or slacks are common. If you have tattoos, it's best to cover them during work hours, as tattoos can be viewed differently in Korea. By dressing professionally, you’ll create a positive impression and fit well into the Korean educational setting. Don’t worry, you’ll quickly get used to it!
Absolutely! Your friend or partner can apply separately to our job placement program. Once accepted, we strive to place friends as close as possible, although living together is rare. Typically, schools can place friends within an hour of each other. For partners, we request shared accommodation, which is usually feasible.
Additionally, FOREA offers the option to work at different academies within the same city as your friend. This arrangement often proves preferable, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable experience in Korea. Join us and embark on this exciting journey together!
Yes, you can state a preference for a specific city location. FOREA collaborates with academies nationwide and strives to place teachers in their desired cities, considering the matching system. We aim to accommodate your location preferences to ensure a fulfilling teaching experience in Korea.
Apartments are usually located within a 10-15 minute travel distance from the school, whether by bus, subway, or walking.
Absolutely! Using your debit card in Korea is easy and convenient. Look for the Plus or Cirrus logos on the back of your card—most ATMs in Korea accept these. Just match these symbols with the ones displayed on the ATM. To ensure smooth transactions, let your bank know you'll be using your card abroad. This way, you can effortlessly access your funds while enjoying your teaching adventure in Korea.
Short-term visitors are welcome to stay with you. However, be mindful that noise can easily disturb your neighbors, potentially leading to complaints. It's important for both you and your guests to be considerate and respectful of your Korean neighbors to ensure a harmonious living environment for everyone.
In accordance with housing terms, landlords must be informed about pets. Sometimes a special agreement is needed to cover potential damage and cleaning costs. Short-term dog care options in Korea can be a good alternative. Just as your experiences in Korea are important, your dog's well-being matters too.
