Teaching Jobs in Korea

To work legally in Korea, you must obtain the appropriate employment visa. The Korean government tightly controls the issuance of visas for employment. In some instances, teachers have been unable to obtain the appropriate visa.

You must obtain the work visa outside Korea. If you enter Korea as a tourist and are offered employment, you can then apply for a work visa at a Korean diplomatic or consular mission in a nearby country, such as Hong Kong or Japan, provided that a Confirmation of Visa Issuance number has been provided in advance by the prospective employer. Before travelling to the nearby country, be sure to confirm with the Korean mission of that country that they will process visa applications from Canadian citizens.

Depending on the job and other factors, it can take between one week and two months to obtain the appropriate visa. However, visa applications submitted to Korean missions in Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka) are usually processed within two working days. Be prepared to stay as long as required to obtain the visa.

As visa regulations and the documents required change quite frequently, you should contact the nearest Korean diplomatic or consular mission if you are outside Korea, or a Korean immigration office within Korea, for confirmation of regulations and fees.

Upon arrival in Korea, you must register at a Korean immigration office and obtain a residence permit and a re-entry permit within 90 days of entry. All foreigners are required to possess a valid re-entry permit in order to re-enter Korea. Korean immigration offices require the same documentation as is needed for obtaining the visa, so you should make a number of copies.

Most English instructors are granted an E-1 visa (professor at an educational institution higher than a junior college), an E-2 visa (conversation instructor) or an E-5 visa (professional employee with a public relations firm or corporation). An individual who is married to a Korean citizen can also acquire permanent residency rights as a spouse.

Despite what some employers may tell you, you are not required to hand over your Canadian passport to your employer for the duration of your stay. It is your passport and you should keep it in your possession.

Required Forms

To obtain a visa (before entering), you must submit the following to the relevant Korean government office with your passport and a completed visa application form:

• An employment contract (ko yong kyeyakso);
• A sponsorship guarantee form (shin won pojungso) notarized by a notary public;
• A copy of the employer’s business registration certificate;
• The original diploma of your university degree plus copies of sealed university transcripts;
• Two photos (3.5 x 4.5cm) with a light background, taken within the last six months; and
• The visa fee (30$ for single entry, 50$ for multiple entry).
• E-2 Applicant`s Health Statement

To obtain a residence permit (within 90 days of entry), you must provide the following to the relevant Korean goverment office:

• Your passport;
• An application form;
• Two photos (3 x 4 cm);
• A fee of KRW10,000; and
• A copy of the employer’s business registration certificate.

The Korean government has cracked down on the use of fraudulent documents, university degrees and ESL certificates. Penalties for using fraudulent documents include deportation and restrictions on re-entry for five years or more.