Over the last number of years, Korea has become a very popular destination for university graduates who want to teach ESL abroad. With some of the highest paying salaries offered to graduates of any major (not only degrees in Education), teaching English in Korea is a great way to live abroad, make money and explore the rich Korean culture for both new and experienced teachers alike. To see if you are eligible for a teaching visa, you must first be able to obtain all of the required documents to teach English in Korea.

Required Documents to Teach English in Korea

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Before collecting your documents on your own, we strongly encourage you to first complete our online application form. Once you have applied, we will walk you through the process step-by-step so you do not make any unforeseen errors. This will save you both time and money :)

The list of documents below is required to secure the E2 Visa, which is what you will need to legally teach English in Korea.

Side note: Throughout this post we will use the words ‘diploma’ and ‘degree’ interchangeably.

  1. Notarized and Apostille-Approved Photocopy of Your Original Bachelor’s Degree/Diploma
  2. Apostilled Criminal Background Check
  3. Two Copies Of Officially Processed Transcripts
  4. Copy Of Your ESL Resume
  5. Photocopy Of The First Page of Your Passport
  6. Signed Contract 
  7. 6 Color Passport Size Photos
  8. Completed Self Health Form

Notarized and Apostille-Approved Photocopy of Your Original Bachelor’s Degree/Diploma

A Bachelor’s degree is an absolute requirement to teach English in Korea. Once you have obtained that from your university, you will need to get it approved in order for the document to be recognized by Korean Immigration.

IMPORTANT NOTE #1: Your first, last and middle name as it appears on your actual diploma needs to match your name as it appears in your passport.
IMPORTANT NOTE #2: If your diploma is written in Latin, it will not be accepted by Korean Immigration.

*Please contact us if you have any questions regarding the above information.*

Common Questions Regarding Degree/Diploma For Korea

Q: Does my degree need to be in Education, Teaching or English?
A: No! The great thing about teaching English in Korea is that ANY discipline of study is accepted. However, having a degree in Education will land you higher paying teaching positions.

Q: Can I send my original degree to Korea?
A: No. This is no longer accepted. It must be an officially approved copy.

Q: Can I teach English in Korea with a 3 year Bachelor’s degree?
A: Yes! Most Bachelor’s degrees are 4 years, but if you fast-tracked and completed in 3 years, this will be accepted.

Q: I have a Master’s Degree; should I use this for my E2 visa for Korea?
A: No. While this is definitely something that will bolster your resume, only your Bachelor’s degree is required for your E2 visa. Your Master’s degree will not be accepted on its own.

How To Get Your Diploma Apostille-Approved For Americans

Let’s start by answering the most frequently asked question: What the heck is an Apostille??

The Apostille (a French word that means to ‘certify, authenticate or approve’) is needed for every country other than Canada.

STEP 1: Make a photocopy of your original diploma.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You will only require one notarized and Apostille-approved copy of your degree for your E2 visa.

STEP 2: Take the photocopy of your diploma to a notary public to have it notarized. (Make sure to bring your original degree with you to the notary public).

IMPORTANT NOTE: You do not have to get your degree notarized in the same state as your university. 

STEP 3: Send your notarized copy to Monument Visa to get the Apostille approval.

PRO TIP
It is best to send both your diploma and FBI check to Monument Visa at the same time to save on courier fees.

How To Get Your Degree Approved For Canadians

STEP 1: Make a photocopy of your original degree.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You will only need one Authenticated copy of your degree for your E2 visa.

STEP 2: Take the photocopy of your degree to a notary public to have it notarized. (Make sure to bring your original degree with you to the notary public).

IMPORTANT NOTE: You do not have to get your degree notarized in the same province as your university. 

STEP 3: Once you have received your Notarized Photocopy of your Bachelor’s Degree, you need to mail (or bring in person) your Degree to the Global Affairs Canada Authentication Sector (JLAC) for Authentication.

Step 4: Mail (or bring in person) your degree to the closest Korean Consulate to you to obtain the official Korean Consulate approval. The Korean Consulate will process your check in about 3-7 days, which is in addition to the time it will take to send and receive them back if you are mailing them by courier.

Apostilled Criminal Background Check

The next required document to teach English in Korea is your national level criminal background check. Americans need to obtain an FBI check while Canadians need to get an RCMP check.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Your first, last and middle name as it appears on your background check needs to match your name as it appears in your passport.

How To Obtain An FBI Check For American Teachers

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While you are able to obtain your FBI check through the FBI directly, this can take up to 3 months to complete. It is therefore best to use an FBI channeler who can produce the check within 24 hours.

Which FBI Channeler Should I Use for my Working Visa for Korea?

Accurate Biometrics Inc., an FBI approved channeler offers the lowest national rate on FBI fingerprinting. 

Accurate Biometrics will have your FBI check results back to you in 24 hours and will then mail them out to you directly on tamper proof paper, which is needed for the Apostille approval.

Receive a $5 discount off of the price of your FBI check by using this form.

How To Get Your FBI Check Apostille-Approved  

Send your 2 notarized copies to Monument Visa for Apostille Authentication.

PRO TIP
It is best to send both your FBI check and diploma to Monument Visa at the same time to save on courier fees.

How To Obtain an RCMP Check For Canadian Teachers

Canadians must get a fingerprint background check through the RCMP. Simply follow the instructions on the RCMP website to get the electronic fingerprinting version.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There are a few other options for background checks, including the ‘name check’ and the ‘vulnerable sector search’ or provincial checks which are NOT accepted Korean immigration.  You MUST get the fingerprint check that includes your photo.

Unlike all of the other nationalities, Canadian background checks do NOT need to have the Apostille authentication. Instead, you must have your RCMP fingerprint check approved by the closest Korean consulate to you.

How To Get Your RMCP Check Approved (Two Step Process)

Step 1: 

Mail or (bring in person) your RCMP check to the Global Affairs Canada Authentication Sector (JLAC) for Authentication.

Step 2:

Take in person, or send your original RCMP fingerprint check to the closest Korean Consulate to you to obtain the official Korean Consulate approval. The Korean Consulate will process your check in about 3-7 days, which is in addition to the time it will take to send and receive them back if you are mailing them by courier.

Where To Get Background Checks For Australians, British, Irish, New Zealanders and South Africans

IMPORTANT NOTE: Checks from each of these countries will require the Apostille-approval.

Two Copies of Officially Processed Transcripts

Officially Processed Transcripts

Your university transcripts are required to further authenticate your Bachelor’s degree.

What Do ‘Official Transcripts’ Mean and How Do I Obtain Them?

‘Official transcripts’ refer to transcripts that are processed by your university’s registrar office directly, which is where you will order them. They must be processed as follows:

  1. In a sealed envelope with the stamp of the university covering the back flap to show they have not been opened.
  2. With the signature of the registrar over the back flap to show they have not been opened.
IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT open them or they cannot be submitted!

One set of your transcripts will be sent to your school in Korea along with your other visa documents. The other set will be needed by the Korean consulate once you have obtained your visa issuance number.

Copy of Your ESL Resume

If you have not yet done so, you will need to prepare an ESL-specific resume. This will highlight any and all teaching-related work that you have done and also any work with children in general.

Go here for step-by-step instructions on how to create an ESL resume.

For more tips on how to prepare an ESL cover letter, application photo and introduction video visit our application tips to teach English in Korea page.

Photocopy of the First Page of Your Passport

required documents teach in korea

You will need to make a photocopy of the first page of your passport that shows your photo and all information. Make sure you have signed this page! 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Your passport MUST not expire within 6 months from the date that you officially apply for your working visa

Signed Contract required documents to teach english in korea

After you are offered a teaching position in Korea, the school will send their contract for you to sign and include with the rest of your required documents to teach English in Korea that you will be submitting to Korean immigration.

For more information and answers to the common questions about teaching contracts in Korea, go here.

6 Color Passport Size Photos

A total of 6 passport photos are needed for your E2 visa.

  • 3 photos will be sent to the Korean Immigration Office
  • 1 photo will be sent to the Korean Consulate
  • 2 photos will be required in Korea to obtain your official alien registration card

Make sure your passport photos are:

  • Professionally made by a photo shop or at Walmart, for example
  • In color (black and white will not be accepted)
  • The proper passport photo size: 3.5 cm wide and 4.5 cm high (2″ wide x 2″ high)
IMPORTANT NOTE: The passport photos DO NOT have to be the same photo that is currently in your passport.

Completed Self Health Form

In 2010, Korean Immigration instituted new rules around the E2 Visa where English teachers would need to submit a ‘Self Health Test’ report (as seen above) for their E2 teaching visa. This was in large part to test for things like street drugs (cannabis, cocaine, etc.) as some teachers were arrested for using such drugs in Korea.

Additionally, Korean Immigration started screening teachers for prescribed medication to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety or other mental health related issues. The reason for this was due to a number of teachers in Korea who were experiencing issues due to the changes that living in a different country bring. Many of these teachers were not able to cope and therefore went home, leaving their contracts early.

Some Common Questions about the Health Check for Teaching English in Korea

Q: What if I am currently taking medication for depression or anxiety – will I be able to teach English in Korea?

A: If you need to continue taking this medication, no, you will not be able to teach in Korea as you will fail the drug test once you get there.

Q: What if I stop taking medication before going to Korea? Can I still teach there? 

A: We always instruct our teachers to first speak with their doctor about getting off of their medication. If the doctor is fine with this, we then advise the teacher to take a couple of months to see how they are managing without the medication.

Q: What if I smoke cannabis now but stop before going to Korea? Will I still pass the health test when I arrive?

A: This will depend on how much you smoke and how long you have been smoking. Cannabis takes a different length of time to get our of your system, depending on one’s usage. The best way to know for sure is to stop smoking completely for a few weeks, and then do a self drug test to see if you test positive or not. If you do not, you are good to go!

Upon Arrival in Korea, You will Undergo a Mandatory Health Test

It is very important to note that shortly after you arrive in Korea, you will be taken to the hospital to undergo a health test. They will test blood and urine to see if there are any illegal or prescribed drugs in your system. If there are, you will be given a chance to redo the test a week or two later. However, if you test positive again, you will be sent home at your own expense. It is therefore best to be honest in your answers on the Self Health Form. 

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We’re Here to Help! 

For more detailed information about the required documents to teach English in Korea, please contact us.

If you are ready to begin your journey teaching English in Korea, you can start by completing our application form. One of our Placement Coordinators will be in touch with you within 24 hours of applying.

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Some FAQ’s About Document Requirements to Teach English in Korea

What qualifications do I need to be a teacher in South Korea?

To teach English in South Korea, particularly as an E-2 visa holder (the most common type of visa for English teachers), you typically need to meet certain qualifications and requirements. These requirements may vary slightly depending on the specific school or employer, but the following are the most common qualifications and prerequisites:

  1. Nationality: In general, South Korea prefers native English speakers for English teaching positions. This often means holding a passport from a country where English is the primary language, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or South Africa.
  2. Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in any field is usually a minimum requirement. While the specific major is not always critical, having an undergraduate degree can be a requirement for obtaining the necessary E-2 visa.
  3. TEFL or TESOL Certification: South Korea often requires English teachers to hold a TEFL certificate to teach English in Korea. The certificate should typically include a minimum of 100-120 hours of training, including observed teaching practice. It’s important to ensure that the certification program is from a reputable provider.
  4. Criminal Background Check: You will need to provide a clean criminal background check from your home country, typically issued within six months of your visa application.
  5. Health Check: A health check or medical examination is often required to ensure that you are in good health. This may involve a blood test, chest X-ray, and other screenings.
  6. Age Requirement: While there is no specific age limit for teaching in South Korea, many employers prefer teachers who are under the age of 55.
  7. Visa Requirements: You will need to obtain the appropriate visa, typically the E-2 visa, to teach legally in South Korea. This process may involve submitting documents to a Korean consulate or embassy in your home country.
  8. Experience: Some employers may prefer candidates with previous teaching experience, but it is not always a strict requirement, especially for entry-level positions.
  9. Interview and Documentation: Be prepared for interviews with potential employers and provide all necessary documentation as requested, including copies of your passport, degree, TEFL certificate, and other relevant documents.
  10. Cultural Adaptation: A willingness to adapt to and embrace the culture of South Korea is important, as cultural sensitivity and understanding can be a significant factor in a successful teaching experience.

It’s essential to note that South Korea may update its requirements, and specific schools or programs may have additional or slightly different criteria. Therefore, it’s advisable to check with your potential employer, the Korean consulate or embassy, or a reputable recruiting agency to ensure that you meet all the current requirements for teaching in South Korea.

Additionally, be aware that the application process for teaching positions in South Korea can be competitive, so preparing your documentation and qualifications in advance can help you secure a position more easily.

How can a foreigner teach in South Korea?

Teaching in South Korea as a foreigner typically involves several steps and meeting specific requirements. Here is an overview of the process for foreigners to teach in South Korea:

  1. Meet Eligibility Requirements:
    • Nationality
    • Education
    • TEFL or TESOL Certification: You generally need a TEFL or TESOL certificate with a minimum of 100-120 hours of training, including observed teaching practice.
  2. Secure a Job:
    • Find a teaching position at a recognized educational institution in South Korea, such as a private school (hagwon), international school, or language institute.
    • Sign a contract with your employer, which should outline your job responsibilities, salary, working hours, and other terms of employment.
  3. Obtain a Visa:
    • Your employer in South Korea will need to obtain a Visa Issuance Number (VIN) for you from the Korean Ministry of Justice. This VIN is required for the visa application.
    • You will need to submit a visa application to the nearest South Korean consulate or embassy in your home country. The specific documents and requirements may vary depending on the consulate or embassy, so contact them directly for current information.
    • You may need to provide a clean criminal background check from your home country, typically issued within six months of your visa application.
    • Some consulates or embassies may require a health check or medical examination, which often involves a blood test, chest X-ray, and other screenings.
  4. Receive the E-2 Visa:
    • If your visa application is approved, you will be issued an E-2 visa, which is the standard visa for English teachers in South Korea. This visa allows you to work legally in the country.
  5. Travel to South Korea:
    • Once you have your E-2 visa, you can travel to South Korea. Make sure to carry all the required documents and your visa when you enter the country.
  6. Complete Orientation and Training:
    • Many teachers in South Korea are required to attend an orientation program upon arrival, where they learn about teaching in South Korean schools and cultural norms.
  7. Begin Teaching:
    • Start your teaching job according to the terms of your contract and the schedule of the school or institution where you’re employed.
  8. Maintain Your Visa Status:
    • Abide by the terms of your E-2 visa and adhere to South Korean laws and regulations during your stay. Keep your documents, including your passport, visa, and Alien Registration Card (ARC), in order.
  9. Renewal or Extension:
    • If you wish to continue teaching in South Korea, you can typically renew your visa by extending your contract with your employer. Renewal procedures vary depending on your school and the specific visa category.

It’s important to note that the requirements and procedures may change over time, so it’s essential to verify the most up-to-date information from the nearest South Korean consulate or embassy, as well as from your prospective employer in South Korea. Additionally, be aware that different provinces or regions in South Korea may have their own specific requirements or procedures for foreign teachers, so you should consult with your employer for guidance on the application process.

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