GUIDES
Types of Korean Work Visas
The Korean Immigration Office has three primary types of ‘teaching’ work visas. These visas are available to westerners who plan on working in Korea as foreign English teachers.
E2 Work Visa | E1 Work Visa | F4 Work Visa
E2 and E1 visas are directly tied to a specific Korean employer. As such, it’s not possible to apply for one of these visas until you have a job contract from a registered school or office of education. Your employer essentially acts as your ‘visa sponsor’ and to get sponsored you need a employment contract. F4 visas are a little different because they’re only available to ethnically Korean candidates (i.e. Korean Canadians, Korean Americans, Korean Brits, etc.). People who are eligible for the F4 can apply for this visa at any time, even before they’ve acquired a contract.
E2 Work Visa
The E2 is a work visa for foreign language conversation instructors. This is the visa which most westerners must acquire in order to teach in Korea.
E2 Visa Eligibility
- Must be a native English speaker (English being your first language)
- Have completed either a 3 or 4 year Bachelor’s Degree from a college or university within the following countries: CAN, USA, UK, AUS, NZ, IR, SA.
- Must have an employer who is willing to hire/sponsor your stay.
- Hold a valid passport from one of the following countries: CAN, USA, UK, AUS, NZ, IR, SA
Types of Korean employers you can work for on an E2 Visa.
- Private Schools
- Public Schools
- Language Academies
- After School Programs
E1 Work Visa
The E1 allows you to teach more than conversational English (math, science, literature, etc). People working at universities and international schools need this type of visa.
E1 Visa Eligibility
- Must be a native English speaker (English being your first language)
- Have completed either a 3 or 4 year Bachelor’s Degree from a college or university within the following countries: CAN, USA, UK, AUS, NZ, IR, SA.
- Must have an employer who is willing to hire/sponsor your stay.
- Hold a valid passport from one of the following countries: CAN, USA, UK, AUS, NZ, IR, SA
Types of Korean employers you can work for on an E1 Visa.
- Universities
- Colleges
F4 Visa
The F4 visa is only available to ethically Korean westerners such as Korean Americans & Canadians. F4 visa holders can work for any type of school or business.
F4 Visa Eligibility
- Overseas Korean Nationals (Gyopo)
- Koreans who have changed their citizenship
- Koreans who have immigrated to their current country of citizenship before 1948
- Koreans who were born overseas with another citizenship
- Foreign Nationals
Types of Korean employers you can work for on an F4 Visa.
- Any employer in any job sector, including the English teaching sector.
Why stop now.
Learn more about teaching in Korea!
Ridiculously Thorough Guide
Everything you need to know about living and teaching English in Korea as a foreigner.
See The Application Process
See what the application process looks like, from start to finish!
Benefits You Can Expect
See what benefits you’ll receive. International airfare, furnished apartment and more.
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