Visas for Korea
In order to work legally in Korea, one must first obtain the appropriate employment visa. The Korean
government tightly controls visa issuance for employment, and sometimes teachers have been unable to obtain visas.
A person who wishes to work in Korea must obtain the visa outside Korea. One can, however, come to Korea
on a tourist visa, obtain sponsorship documents, and apply for the visa in a nearby country. Depending on the job
and other factors, it can take between 1 week and 2 months to obtain the appropriate visa. An English teacher
arriving in Korea with a teaching visa must register with Korean Immigration and obtain a residence certificate
and re-entry permit within 90 days of entry.
Visa Types
Most English teachers are granted either an:
- E-1 visa - Professor at an educational institution higher than a junior college.
- E-2 visa - Conversation instructor.
- E-5 visa - Professional employment with a public relations firm or corporation.
Dependents of diplomats stationed in Seoul can work as English teachers by obtaining a work permit from the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This can be handled
through the Embassy personnel office. An individual who is married to a Korean citizen can also acquire permanent
residency and the right to work under the F-2 category.
Changing Employers
Korean Immigration must approve changes in employment. This is accomplished through leaving Korea and
entering under a new visa with a new sponsor. Changing one's employer while in Korea is quite difficult
and requires written consent of the original sponsor. Even with such consent, many teachers have found it
nearly impossible to effect such a change whilst in Korea. Questions on this procedure should be directed
to the nearest Immigration office or Korean consulate.
Important Notice
Some foreigners have run into serious legal problems with Korean Immigration because they either work as
English teachers whilst in Korea on tourist visas or they accept part-time employment or private classes
without obtaining the proper permission. Violation of Korean immigration laws can result in severe
penalties including imprisonment, fines of up to 100,000 won for each day of overstay, or deportation with
a ban on re-entry for up to 2 years. It is your responsibility to understand local laws and to obey them.
If you violate Korean visa laws, the Embassy cannot assist you other than to provide you with a list
of attorneys.
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