Apply Now
Apply Now
logotype
logotype

Visa

Home Archive by Category "Visa"

Category: Visa

30 May
VisaBy aclipse

How to Get Your Documents Ready to Teach English in South Korea (2025)

Thinking about teaching English in South Korea? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure! My name is Kaity Maldonado, and I’m currently an English teacher living in South Korea. I created this guide to walk you through the required documents (and others) you’ll need for a smooth and stress-free transition.

Whether you’re applying through EPIK, a recruiter like Aclipse, or a private hagwon, getting your paperwork ready is step one to teaching abroad in South Korea. Let’s get started with everything you’ll need to prepare.

 

An English teacher in Korea posing with a DJ
Here I Am Living My Best Life In Korea!

📄 Required Documents to Teach English in South Korea

Here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll need to gather:

  1. FBI Criminal Background Check (CBC)
  2. Bachelor’s Degree
  3. Apostille for FBI Check & Degree
  4. Passport-Sized Color ID Photos
  5. E2 Visa Health Statement
  6. Degree Verification (Letter of Graduation or Transcripts)

 

🕵️ Step 1: Get Your FBI Background Check (CBC)

A federal background check is required to work legally in South Korea. Here are three common options to get it:

➡️ Pro Tip: Request an electronic copy (PDF) and email it to your recruiter immediately after receiving it.

 

usa criminal background check
FBI Criminal Background Check (CBC)

🎓 Step 2: Scan Your Bachelor’s Degree

South Korea requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. You’ll need to send a clear, high-resolution scan (PDF preferred). If the name on your degree doesn’t exactly match your passport, ask your university for a name verification letter.

✅ Recommended apps for scanning documents:

 

An English teacher's University Degree Scan
A Scanned Degree From American University

🛂 Step 3: Apostille Your FBI Report and Degree

What’s an Apostille?

An apostille verifies that your document is authentic and can be legally used in another country. South Korea requires apostilles for both your degree and FBI background check.

Apostille for FBI Report

You have two processing options:

  • $75 – Regular (3–4 weeks)

  • $100 – Express (10 days)

Steps:

  1. Send your FBI report PDF to your recruiter for review.
  2. Pay the processing fee to Aclipse by Paypal and forward the receipt to your recruiter.
  3. Aclipse will then submit your CBC to Monument Visa (MV).
  4. MV submits it to the U.S. Department of State.
  5. Once apostilled, MV couriers it to Aclipse for your visa.
apostille of criminal background check usa
The Official Apostille Attached To Your CBC

Apostille for Bachelor’s Degree

  • $55 fee 

Steps:

  1. Email a crystal-clear scan of your degree to your recruiter
  2. Pay the processing fee to Aclipse and send the receipt to your recruiter
  3. MV will print, notarize and then have your degree copy apostilled by the Secretary of State
  4. Once apostilled, MV couriers it to Aclipse for your visa application.

💡 Tip: I chose express processing and submitted everything electronically. It saved me a ton of time and stress!

Apostille Attached To University Degree

📸 Step 4: Get Passport-Size ID Photos

You’ll need 9 passport-sized photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm) with ears visible.

📍 Where to get them:

  • Walgreens or CVS (mention it’s for a Korean visa)

  • Digital option: order your photos HERE. Then download the digital photo card and forward it to your recruiter who will print and cut the photos to include in your document package 

🛑 You’ll use these for:

🩺 Step 5: Complete the E2 Health Statement

Passport photo with dimensions

Your recruiter will send you the E2 visa health form.

Instructions:

  • Leave it undated

  • Sign it using the same signature on your passport

  • Use a free PDF tool like DocHub or Sejda to complete it electronically

 

E-2 Applicant's Health Statement
E-2 Applicant's Health Statement

🎓 Step 6: Degree Verification (Not the Same as Apostille)

South Korea also requires degree verification via:

  • Official transcripts, or

  • A graduation letter from your university

I emailed my registrar’s office, explained the situation, and quickly received a signed letter of graduation on university letterhead. This was faster than waiting for transcripts.

📤 Email the document as a PDF to your recruiter.

 

An English teacher's University transcript
University Transcript
An English teacher's University Letter Of Graduation
University Letter Of Graduation

🎉 Final Thoughts: You’re Almost on the Plane!

Getting all your required documents ready to teach English in South Korea may seem like a lot, but trust me—it’s all worth it. Once you’re standing in front of your own classroom, it’ll feel real.

Here’s a quick recap:

  • Be organized and proactive with your paperwork

  • Use express apostille services if you’re on a tight timeline

  • Lean on your recruiter—they’re there to help!

  • Don’t forget to smile in those passport photos 😉

✈️ Ready to go teach in Korea? Apply Now! Get those required documents submitted, pack your bags, and start practicing your “Annyeonghaseyo!”

An English teacher in Korea posing wearing a traditional Korean Hanbok

Kaitlynne Maldonado, Teacher at Siji April

I have always been passionate about traveling and experiencing different foods and cultures. So after I graduated with my bachelor's in psychology from Central Christian College of Kansas, I decided it was time for a change of scenery. From working as a Registered Behavioral Technician, I packed my bags (and paperwork!) and leaped to teach as an English teacher in South Korea! When I'm not in the classroom, you can find me exploring hidden cafes to try different types of matcha drinks, trying street food, or attempting to hike the mountains near me. I am thrilled to continue this journey and have an experience of a lifetime!

READ MORE
22 Apr
RelocationVisaBy aclipse

How To Get Your RCMP Check In Canada To Teach In Korea

Congratulations! Your thirst for adventure has led you to apply to teach English in Korea! You are one step closer to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! However, you may have inquiries about the documentation required for the visa, such as:

  1. What is an RCMP check?
  2. Where can I obtain my RCMP check?
  3. What will the cost be?
  4. What does it mean to get a document notarized and apostilled?

Do not fret, as it sounds much more complicated than it is in actuality.

Please note, that although fairly straightforward – it may take up to two months in totality.

 

RCMP Check

By now you have been selected to be a teacher! Your first big step while you wait to get your placement is to acquire your RCMP Check.

So, what is an RCMP Check? The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Criminal Check is a certified background check. It determines if you have been charged or convicted of a crime. The criminal record check is done against the RCMP’s Canadian Police Information Center (CPIC), within the National Repository of Criminal Records.

 

Now, where can I obtain it?

 

RCMP Check - Commissionaires Office

One option to obtain your RCMP Check is through a Commissionaires Office. Select your province, and request a fingerprinting appointment.

NOTE: When filling out your information, make sure to select Certified Criminal Record Check with Fingerprints, which will send your criminal record check directly to the RCMP. Your RCMP Check will cost in the ballpark range of 75$ in 2025.

It can take up to 4 weeks for you to receive the results of your RCMP Check, via mail.

 

RCMP Check

RCMP Check - RCMP Station

Alternatively, you can go directly to your local RCMP Station and have the fingerprinting/record check process done. Click here to find a detachment near you.

NOTE: Residents outside of AB, NS, ON, QC, and SK may find their detachments limited. If you live outside of the listed provinces, try Googling: RCMP Location (my city).

 

You may require an appointment depending on the detachment. Not all detachments offer fingerprinting services. Prices and wait times may vary depending on location.

 

Notarizing Your Documents

Congratulations! You have received your RCMP Check, what now? Well, now you will need to get your documents notarized!

A notarization is an official fraud-deterrent process that assures the parties of a transaction that a document is authentic, and can be trusted. In your case, this will assure Aclipse that the copy of your degree and RCMP Check are legitimate.

This begs the next question. What do I need notarized? You need:

  • A copy of your degree
  • An original RCMP Check

You will take both of these documents to a notary public (a legal professional that is able to certify documents), and you can search via Google.

 

They will copy your degree and make the notary on the spot, so there are no wait times. Cost will be per document, and vary depending on the lawyer.

 

Notarized RCMP

Apostilling Your Documents

The FINAL step before you are to send those documents off, and one step closer to obtaining your visa code!

 

An apostille is a certificate attached to your notarized document that allows it to be used in ~125 countries! You can read more here if it interests you.

 

You can find more information below, as navigating, booking appointments, and processes vary depending on province. However, here is a great place to start your search:

 

NOTE: Cost will be 16-32$ and wait times are dependent if service is by mail or in-person.

 

Apostilled RCMP

Conclusion

You have your apostilled documents. A job well done! You’re now all set to send off all the documents needed to start the visa process.

 Now get ready for a year of adventure, excitement and living to the fullest!

 

Jason Moreland is from Georgina, ON, Canada, and has a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Carleton University. From encyclopedias to Geography books, Jason has had an undeterred interest in the world and its people from a young age. This was a perfect storm that led him to Chungdahm Institute and Aclipse in adulthood. He will begin his first year with CDI in Seoul, this spring.

 

READ MORE
24 Oct
RelocationVisaBy aclipse

How To Get Your E-2 Visa To Teach English In Korea

Congratulations! You just got an offer to teach English in South Korea, signed your contract, and are now ready to prepare the required documents for the E-2 visa application. Here are step-by-step instructions to follow to get this completed in style!

 

english teacher receiving offer of employment from aclipse

What Is An E-2 Visa?

The E-2 visa is the “Long-term Visa to teach a Foreign Language” in Korea. You cannot teach English legally in Korea without this visa. You must meet certain eligibility requirements, and must secure the visa prior to your arrival in Korea. It is issued for a 13-month term, allowing you to teach for 1 full year. If you decide to extend your teaching term in Korea, your school can assist you in renewing this visa.

 

The Main Steps

For those teaching at a private language academy, your school first applies for your visa issuance number (VIN – a.k.a. visa code or visa certificate) though Korean Immigration. After approximately 3 weeks, you’ll receive your VIN and then submit your application for your E-2 visa at the appropriate Korean Consulate. About 2 weeks later, you’ll receive your visa grant notice (VGN) which you’ll print and take with you to Korea! And finally, once in Korea, you’ll apply for your Alien Residency Card.

**For public school teachers, the process is slightly different. Please consult with your school, recruiter or the Korean consulate for more details.

 

e2-visa-application

Step 1: Visa Issuance Number (VIN) Application (Korean Immigration)

Your school requires the documents listed below to apply for your VIN. Your name on all documents must match exactly your name as it appears in your passport! If it does not, consult your school or recruiter for further instruction.  

**There are instances where candidates may need to provide additional documents to confirm eligibility for the visa. Your school or recruiter will make you aware and provide information and instruction if that is necessary.

 

A) Apostilled Criminal Record Check

  • only valid for 6 months; be mindful when applying for it
  • must be a federal-level check
  • must be void of any and all charges (visa applications will be rejected even if charges have been dismissed) 

Click here for document examples for other countries!

 

usa criminal background check
apostille of criminal background check usa

 B) Apostilled & Notarized Photocopy Of Bachelor Degree

  • 4-year degree in any major
  • Letters of graduation or transcripts are not an acceptable substitute; it must be your actual diploma

Click here for document examples for other countries!

 

US diploma from american university

 C) Passport Scan

  • Color photocopy of the 2 pages that include your information, photo, and signature
  • Valid for at least 6 months to travel internationally; ideally should be valid for 1 or more years 
US Passport Copy

D) Health Statement

  • Provided by the school or recruiter to be completed by you
E-2 Visa health statement

 E) Two Visa Photos

  • Color, 3.5cm x 4.5cm photo taken within the last 6 months
Passport Photo

F) Completed Visa Certificate of Eligibility Application

  • Provided by the school or recruiter to be completed by you
E-2 Visa v-application

 G) Signed Contract

  • Provided by the school to be completed by you

Once all the files have been received, the school will submit the application to Korean Immigration and apply for your VIN. Once you receive your VIN, you’ll apply for your Visa Grant Notice (VGN) at the appropriate Korean Consulate.

 

Step 2: Visa Grant Notice Application (Korean Consulate)

Once you have your VIN, you’ll apply for your Visa Grant Notice (VGN) at a Korean Consulate. The VGN can only be granted by a Korean Consulate outside of Korea, and you must have it when you enter the country. Below are the files you need to submit and steps you need to take when applying for the VGN.

 

A) Visa Application Form

  • Provided by the school or recruiter, or download from the Korean consulate website
  • Enter your VIN in section 3.1, be sure to accurately complete the file in full

B) One Visa Photo

  • Taken and dated within the last 6 months
  • In color and 3.5cm x 4.5cm
  • Attach it to your visa application (top left-hand corner)

C) Passport

  • Your original passport OR a notarized photocopy; check the Korean consulate website where you’ll be applying to confirm which is required as it differs for countries and consulates

D) Contract

  • Signed and dated by your school director and you

E) Additional Documents (Needed by Some Consulates)

  • For example: transcripts, health forms, school business certificates, visa checklist, TB screening results (South Africa)
  • If they are required, you’ll need to obtain and submit those to the consulate

F) Visa Fee

  • Check the Korean consulate website as the fee is different in each country
  • For mailed applications – only money orders made out to the Consulate General are accepted
  • For in person applications – cash is preferred

G) Submit Your Application

  • In person – by appointment only. Schedule it once the school applies for your VIN
  • By mail – provide a self-addressed postage paid envelope for the consulate to use if your original passport is submitted

H) Track the Status of Your Application On The Visa Portal

  • Click HERE and enter the information below:

Division = enter your passport number in the blank field provided
English statement = in this order: last name, first name, middle name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
Birth Date = Year/Month/Day

I) Download And Print Visa Grant Notice From Visa Portal

The Korean consulate usually provides a date when your VGN will be ready. In general, most issue the VGN in 1-2 weeks. If you applied in person, you’ll return to pick up your passport. If you mailed in your application and original passport, the consulate will mail it back in the postage paid envelope you provided. Once you have your VGN – you are all set to fly to Korea to start your new adventure!

 

Step 3: Alien Registration Card Application (In Korea)

alien registration card in korea

After you arrive in Korea you’ll complete the final step for your E-2 visa to be valid – a medical check at a designated clinic. You’ll receive a health certificate that is needed to apply for your ARC. The ARC is your foreign residency identification and shows that you legal reside in Korea. You must apply for your ARC within 90 days of arriving in Korea and once received, you’ll carry it with you at all times. You should apply as soon as possible after you arrive, as an ARC is often required to access services such as banking, healthcare, or to join a gym.  The Korean staff at your school will schedule your medical check and provide assistance in applying for your ARC.

 

Important Tips

  • Eligibility Requirements: ensure you meet specific eligibility requirements for the visa.
  • Start Early: start the process early to prevent any potential delays! Organize any additional documents in advance.
  • Attention To Detail: is VERY important!! Check, double check and triple check that your documents are completed accurately and thoroughly. Korean Immigration and Korean consulates are VERY particular. Any discrepancies can lead to delays or denial of the visa.
  • Consult Your Recruiter / Sponsor: Your educational institution and recruiter can provide essential guidance and support throughout the process. Don’t hesitate to seek their counsel as they know the visa process very well!
  • Stay Updated: Check the Korean consulate/embassy website for the latest information. Changes in the application process and requirements may and do happen from time to time…checking before you submit documents and your application ensures everything will be processed in a timely manner.
  • Make And Keep Copies Of Your Documents: it’s always a good idea to keep copies of all documents you submit as well as your contract and docs provided by the educational institution as none will be returned from Korean Immigration or the Korean Consulate.

 

An english teacher jumping for joy

While the process for organizing documents and applying for the visa may seem complicated and long – it really isn’t. By following the steps and seeking guidance from your school and recruiter you’ll be sure to manage the entire process smoothly and you’ll be on your way to an amazing overseas adventure before you know it!

Colette Neville, Recruiting Manager

Hailing from Ontario, Canada embarked upon the adventure of a lifetime and taught English in Japan for 5 years after graduating with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology and a Bachelor’s in Education! While overseas she honed her teaching skills, advanced professionally to trainer, area manager, curriculum specialist and enjoyed the many riches of Japanese culture. Her love of travel led her to explore many of Japan’s neighbouring countries, including South Korea! Upon return to Canada, she landed a job with Aclipse recruiting and now enjoys sharing her experiences and guiding candidates through the steps to secure the perfect overseas placement! Upon reflection, she believes her experience teaching abroad was a very meaningful and life changing event….and is certain it will be for others too!

READ MORE
23 May
RelocationVisaBy aclipse

Getting My F-4 Visa

My Heritage

I’ve wanted to experience living in South Korea since I was 11-years old. Some of my fondest childhood memories are watching my grandmother’s Korean variety shows while eating rolls on rolls of her fresh 김밥(Kimbap, Seaweed rice). 

 

An overseas Korean and his mother
A picture of me and my mother who is half Korean and half Puerto Rican.

In the summer of 2022 I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English and this past spring 2024 I received an offer to teach in South Korea. In order to legally teach English in South Korea, a work visa is required. I was under the impression that I would be using a regular, 1-year, E-2 Teaching Visa (E-2 Visa Info); however, I was shocked to learn that I qualify for a 교포 (Gyopo, National), F-4 Visa (F-4 Visa Info). For context: a 교포 (Gyopo) is someone who is ethnically Korean, but has spent most of their life living outside of South Korea. 

 

Overseas Korean

To preface, I’m 25% Korean, 25% Puerto Rican, and 50% White. Aside from a few family friends,  I grew up in an extremely small town with little to no Asian culture. In 2012, I was exposed to the idea of teaching English overseas. Once I learned about this opportunity, it felt like I received a golden ticket to learning more about my Korean culture. 

 

Family picture of an overseas Korean family.
My Korean grandmother and Puerto Rican grandfather with my mother and her sisters.
An overseas Korean family.
My Korean Grandmother at the center of it all!

I qualified for the F-4 Visa due to my grandmother previously holding Korean citizenship. She moved to the United States in 1973 after marrying my Puerto Rican grandfather; therefore she was eventually naturalized as an American citizen. Here are some pictures of my grandparents!

 

A Korean woman and Puerto Rican couple
A Korean woman
A Puerto Rican man in the US Military

F-4 Visa: Overseas Korean (Gyopo)

The F-4 Visa is reserved for someone who’s parents OR grandparents have previously held Korean nationality and withdrew their Korean citizenship; hence the word 교포 (Gyopo, National). This visa has more benefits than a traditional E-2 Teaching Visa such as:

  • not needing a job contract to move to South Korea.
  • being able to legally tutor students as a part-time job. (Must be registered with your local Ministry of Education Office.)
  • holding the visa for 2 years with easy renewal. (After first renewal, it is valid for 3 years.)
  • the ability to apply for the F-4 Visa for while in South Korea on a tourist visa.

While the F-4 Visa has some great benefits, much more documentation is needed to receive it from a Korean consulate. Each consulate office requires different documentation, so applicants must call their local consulate office to double check their requirements (List of all Korean Consulates in the USA). With that being said, here are the documents that I was asked to prepare for the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Washington DC:

 
Application for an F-4 Visa
  • FBI Background check specifically apostilled by the Department of State (Instructions on how to apostille documents)
  • Completed visa application from the Korean Embassy website
  • 2 x 2 printed color photo of the applicant
  • 2 x 2 printed color photo of the previous Korean national
  • A Korean family registry
  • The applicant’s passport and birth certificate
  • The previous Korean national’s passport, naturalization papers, etc.
  • The applicant’s mother’s proof of nationality (birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, etc.)
  • The applicant’s father’s proof of nationality (birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, etc.)
  • The applicant’s grandfather’s proof of nationality (birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, etc.)
  • $55 cash

            When in doubt, bring everything you can to prove your family member previously held Korean citizenship and is no longer a Korean citizen. This can include: marriage licenses, death certificates, photographs, retirement documents, etc. The more legal documentation you can provide, the better chance you have of receiving the F-4 Visa as quickly as possible.

 

A record of an ethnic Korean's family tree
This is an example of an official Korean family registry.

To Be Continued..

Preparing all of the documentation listed above was a grueling process to say the least. With my turn-around time being only 2-3 months, I made sure to get started on finding these documents as soon as I finished my call with the Korean Embassy.

My meeting with the consulate is going to be in June. Stay tuned for an update on how my F-4 Visa meeting goes and the amount of time it takes to receive it!

 

Gabriel (Gabe) White is a soon to be English teacher in South Korea. He is a Korean, Puerto Rican-American  from the Richmond, Virginia area and received a bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. Being involved in student organizations like Filipino Americans Coming Together at VCU (FACT@VCU) and VCU Globe during his college years, Gabe learned just how much he enjoys experiencing new cultures. In his free time, Gabe loves teaching local dance classes, spending quality time with his loved ones, exploring new cities, and watching nostalgic movies. 

READ MORE
02 Jan
RelocationTeachingVisaBy aclipse

Timeline To Teach English In South Korea

An Experience of a Lifetime

Are you dreaming of an exciting adventure in South Korea? If so, you might be curious what steps you need to take. Here is an in-depth timeline of the process from submitting your application to landing in South Korea in only a matter of months! Without further adieu, here is the exact timeline to teach English in South Korea.

 

English teachers having a picnic on the Han River in South Korea

Month 1: Application & Interview

  • Day 1: Emma, our excited and adventurous teacher, takes the first step and applies to teach English in January for a start date in May!
  • Day 3: Then, an Aclipse Recruiter reaches out and they arrange a day and time to speak- either for information purposes or for an interview.
  • Day 6: After she completes an interview with our Aclipse Recruiter, Emma is now ready for the next steps. The excitement is building!
  • Day 7: Emma has passed her initial interview with flying colors and submits the application items. Now, she waits to hear back from her Aclipse Recruiter to find out her application results with schools in Korea!
  • Day 11: Great news! Emma receives the initial offer letter from the school! Her Aclipse Recruiter checks in to congratulate her and to schedule a follow-up call.
  • Day 13: Then, Emma and her Aclipse Recruiter have a phone call to review any questions on her initial offer and to discuss next steps, which is prepping her documents for the E2 Visa.
Female English teacher applicant learning about teaching English in Korea
  • Day 14: Emma accepts her offer and signs a Memorandum of Understand (MOU). This is an intermediate agreement before a final contract is signed with a specific location.
  • Day 15 to 24: In the meantime, she works diligently on gathering her documents for the E2 Visa. Her Aclipse Recruiter checks in to support her and answers any questions that arise.
  • Day 25: Emma submits the required documents for her E2 visa and her Aclipse Recruiter reviews them for accuracy.
  • Day 26: To make sure everything’s in line, Emma’s documents are looked over by an Aclipse E-2 documents expert before she mails them to South Korea.
  • Day 30: Once verified, the Aclipse documents expert ships her documents to HQ in South Korea and Emma receives a confirmation email to let her know. Things are starting to feel extra real now!

Month 2 and 3: Visa & Location Placement

  • Day 33: In just a couple days, Emma’s documents arrive at headquarters in South Korea.
  • Day 34 to 49: Meanwhile, Emma is engaged regularly by her Aclipse Recruiter, to start preparing the logistics for her upcoming adventure!
  • Day 50: The placement process beings and Emma is given a heads up by her Aclipse Recruiter.
English teaching applicant looking at paperwork to teach English in Korea
  • Day 57: Emma strikes gold!! She receives her contract in the first week of the placement process! She asks her Aclipse recruiter any questions about the contract and sets up an official welcome call with HQ in South Korea! 
  • Day 60: Emma is excited to speak with HQ and is able to ask any remaining questions that might remain.
  • Day 64: Now that she feels 100% secure about all the details, she sends her signed contract back to her Aclipse Recruiter.
  • Day 69: Emma’s E-2 visa documents (along with her signed contract), arrive at Korean Immigration office so they can process a “visa code” to finalize the visa. Processing times usually take between 2 to 4 weeks.
  • Day 83: Now that everything is being officially processed by Immigration, Emma receives her final pre-departure information from her Aclipse Recruiter and they review together.
  • Day 84: Meanwhile, Emma’s visa code is ready!
  • Day 85: She then submits her FINAL E2 Visa application to Korean Immigration and informs her Aclipse Recruiter.
A recruiter at Aclipse speaking with English teacher candidate on a Zoom call about the application process

Month 4: Departure & Arrival!

  • Day 98: Emma’s visa has been put in her passport, and she explores her different flight options!
  • Day 99: Then, she quickly books her flight and informs her Aclipse Recruiter.
  • Day 100 – 114: In the weeks leading up to leaving, Emma and her Aclipse Recruiter have a lot of communication. They discuss her arrival and provide details on what will happen when she gets off the plane. Her Aclipse Recruiter sends Emma final reminders and tips for training and settling in, ensuring a smooth transition! Emma feels very prepared for her upcoming teaching adventure.
  • Day 115: And, finally, Emma arrives in South Korea – she’s done it!
English Teacher holding passport and plane ticket to South Korea

You’ve Made it! You’re in South Korea!

From applying to booking your flight, taking the proper steps to teach English in Korea with Aclipse is quite an adventure in and of itself! Luckily, the countdowns, check-ins, and celebrations with your recruiter make it as stress free and efficient an experience as it can be. You can be rest assured that nothing will be missed and you will land in South Korea as fast as you possibly can. Apply today!

Bethany Coquelle, growing up and living in both the east and west coasts of Canada, serves as an Overseas Recruiter specializing in South Korea placements since 2017! With a multicultural family and a passion for cultural exchange, she understands the transformative power of connecting people from diverse backgrounds. Inspired by the impact teachers can have on students’ lives, Bethany is dedicated to linking educators with their ideal positions abroad. Whether guiding through the intricacies of teaching in South Korea or providing a compassionate ear, she is committed to supporting your educational journey.

READ MORE
21 Nov
RelocationVisaBy aclipse

Getting An Alien Registration Card (ARC)

What Is An Alien Registration Card?

Obtaining an E-2 visa upon your arrival to Korea does not actually give you permission to live in Korea. I know, I was confused at first too! But, an E-2 visa is a legal document you need to teach English in South Korea regardless of educational institution. An Alien Registration card, or ARC, is an identification card that foreigners are legally obligated to carry with them at all times. According to Yonsei University (2014), “It is illegal to stay in Korea for more than 90 days without being registered, regardless of your visa at entry.” 

 

Alien Registration Card being held up by a woman's hand.

How To Get Your ARC

To register for an Alien Registration Card, you must go to a Korean Immigration office and provide an application form, passport, 1 color photo (3.5cmx4.5cm), proof of residence, application fee of 30,000 KRW, and medical check-up record for tuberculosis. The staff at your branch will schedule an appointment for you weeks in advance and provide all necessary documents (application form, proof of residence, and medical check-up record). However, you are responsible for providing your passport, colored photo, and application fee the day of your appointment.

 

Sample E-2 visa grant form for teachers in Korea
ARC Application Form

Immigration Office

The day of your appointment, you’ll feel like you’re at a DMV. You’ll sit down, wait for your number to be called, go to the help desk, present your folder, sign a couple of papers. That being said, you’ll be on your way out within 10 minutes. And, yes, the people at the immigration office speak English! The great thing about this Company is that they basically hold your hand when it comes to setting up legal documentation. With that being said, try to release some of that weight off your shoulders. I promise everything will be okay! If you have any other concerns about the ARC process, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea is a great website that conveys helpful information.

 

Entrance of the Seoul Immigration Office Residence Section

Amber Ochoa is from Los Angeles, USA, and just recently moved to South Korea in May. She studied Biochemistry as an undergraduate. After graduation, she began venturing out and embracing her love for adventure. She finds that “nothing holds greater power in our life than the unknown.” One night while applying to random jobs on Indeed, she came across an English teaching position in Seoul, Korea. Flash forward, she is now teaching at CDI, Mokdong branch. She claims that Creverse found her and ended up becoming a blessing in disguise. Amber says giving knowledge to students & inspiring them for higher achievements in life is one of the greatest feelings in the world.

READ MORE
25 Jul
RelocationVisaBy aclipse

Visa Application Process in the U.K

From Manchester to Guri

Hello everyone! My name is Sam, and I’m moving to Korea in August 2023 to teach English at the CREVERSE Guri Dasan April Institute. There are so many things I’m looking forward to! I can’t wait to explore Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, and taking yacht cruise underneath the Gwanganri bridge in Busan at night. All whilst enjoying the extremely rewarding job of teaching English! Here are a couple of pics that are getting me more excited. But let me get back to the topic at hand! To teach in Korea, you need an E-2 teaching visa, and here are the step by step directions on the visa application process in the UK, after you receive your visa code.

Gyeongbokgung Palace at Twilight Sunset

Gyeongbokgung, also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace or Gyeongbok Palace, was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Built in 1395.

someone taking a photo night time of busan city from a boat

Luxury yacht tours have become popular in Busan over the last few years, where you can view waterfront landmarks such as Gwangan Bridge and Marine City. 

A Quick Disclaimer

Everything I explain in this blog is a step-by-step guide on how I got through the visa application process in the U.K. I am only suggesting that you take a similar approach and hope to give you a clearer understanding through key websites, phone numbers, emails etc. that I used to tackle this process.

Also, everything I explain in this post is for people who are waiting for or have received their VISA code from CREVERSE.

Visa & KVAC Important Links

The first thing I did was visit Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website which is a site you can use to find updates and guides on applying for Visas in Korea. You can use the website to find key contact information for KVAC, whom I decided to call. I wanted to ask to check what documents were needed and they directed me to the Korean Visa Application Center website.

Directions from Korea Visa aplication Center in London

They helped me through the website to find their guide

It’s a good idea for you to call them to make sure that you don’t need any additional documents—based on your nationality, or any other personal circumstances.

I was still confused though, as this guide didn’t include the documents needed or other important details. So, you can find this information here, and if you scroll down to the E2-1 visa you can see all of the required documents. When you go through this link, make sure to also download the forms they ask you to fill out as they will be important for your application.

Finally, you can see another link on the picture above, where it says “Please check your visa fee here.”

If you click this you can see the fees for your visa according to your nationality. So please check this link and you will know exactly what you owe when you pay for your visa.

 

Step-by-Step Guide Part 1

KVAC London Guide 

  • Make sure you have followed my important links section and filled out all the required documents so you’re ready for the visa process.
    KVAC also ask for an extra piece of paper with your address and contact details in Korea. I personally contacted my recruiter who then provided me with the relevant details. On this extra paper I also wrote them a note saying what I have attached inside the envelope and that I look forward to their response. It gives your application a professional touch.
  • Calculate your visa fees. If you’re British that should be 60+180+15 (255 Euros). I recommend adding the 15 Euro Courier fee so that they will send your passport and visa back to you.
    (It is in Euros because they deal with their embassy in Germany. All your documents therefore initially go to London and then to Germany.)
  • Follow the instructions to send your money to their international account. Most Banks allow for international transactions for a small fee (Natwest charged me only 15p.)
  • Then you should email them at kvacukinfo@iom.int making sure your email subject reads like this: Your full name/ E2-1 / Proof of Payment.
  • Then send this email with the following details:
  • Name of nationality
  • Visa type (E2-1)
  • Write your payment details broken down – visa service fee 60 / Visa fee 180 / Courier Fee 15.
  • Attach a receipt of your payment transaction.

Step-by-Step Guide Part 2

After you send this email, then you should send your documents to the KVAC London address that is provided in the guide.  You don’t have to wait for their confirmation but send it two to three days after your email. Make sure you send your real passport too. I recommend getting the most secure first class tracking you can get from your local post office – mine offers good compensation if my documents were to be lost, plus I could track my delivery.

  • Make sure to add your return details on the outside of the parcel, Your Name, Address and visa category.
  • After you have done all of this, wait until KVAC contact you to say your documents are all okay. They will then promptly forward them to Germany. After that you can track the process on the link they provide in their guide: https://www.visa.go.kr/main/openMain.do.
  • If you paid for their return courier service, they will then send back your printed off visa + passport. The whole process from sending your documents to London should take around 2 weeks, but this is subject to change.
  • Note that if you don’t pay the courier service, you can organise to collect your documents in London. See the guide from earlier to see how this is possible.
  • Please be sure to read the ENTIRE guide and thoroughly check every link and your documents so you are sure what you are doing.

Conclusions

Thank you for reading my blog on the visa application process in the U.K. with KVAC. I hope it was helpful. I wish you all the best of luck with your visa, and most importantly, I hope your experience in Korea will be as special as mine has been for me so far! 감사드립니다!!!

Sam Pearce is from Manchester, United Kingdom and graduated from Liverpool Hope University in 2019 with an undergraduate degree in History. However, since graduating he has become interested in the education industry! This has taken him to Sri Lanka, Italy and South Korea. Now he is planning to return to South Korea as a Creverse instructor in Dasan, Gyeonggi-do. Teaching English was a great decision for Sam, who not only loves benefiting children’s lives around the world positively, he can now also experience new cultures and learn about history in places that really interest him. Sam’s other interests include Karate (which he is a black belt in); playing football (he plays for a team in South Korea) and even going to the Norebang to do karaoke; amongst many other things. 

READ MORE
28 Apr
VisaBy aclipse

How to Obtain Your Visa Documents in the U.S. to Teach in Korea

Before you can board the plane and fly to South Korea, of course some planning and paperwork needs be completed and mailed to the Aclipse headquarters in order to receive your visa. Below is a list of what items and documents you will need to obtain if you are a United States citizen in order to teach in Korea.

Before I talk about how to obtain each document, I first want to list the documents themselves, which I have provided below. 

1) 2 passport photos

2) 1 apostilled copy of your bachelor’s degree

3) Latin degree translation (if necessary)

4) 1 apostilled criminal background check (CBC).  When applying for your CBCs do not apply too early. They should be valid through one month after your target start month. ie. Target start month is May, your CBCs should be valid through June.

5) Degree verification from university OR degree verification through American Databank.

6) Your original E2 health statement form with signature and blank date.

7) A copy of your passport which you can scan and email to your recruiter. Just make sure your passport will be valid throughout your entire stay in Korea.

Although It seems like an overwhelming task to obtain these documents, it’s really manageable and just something that has to be done. The most important part is to simply begin and not procrastinate. And I can’t stress enough the value in asking questions. Prior to this experience I’d never needed to provide so many official documents and perhaps you’re in the same boat – that’s okay; that’s why Aclipse has a fantastically equipped and patient team to help you!

Specifically, I want to address obtaining your apostilled CBC and diploma copy.

Obtaining Your Apostilled CBC:

If you are an E2 Visa holder, like I am, you will need to obtain one background check.that needs to be apostilled. Now you maybe asking yourself how do you go about obtaining an Apostilled CBC?

The first step that must be taken to get your CBC is getting fingerprinted at your local police station. This process took about 20 minutes from start to finish. Next, you’ll need to complete and print a specific form from the one of the FBI channelers. This form needs to be mailed along with the fingerprints to the address specified on the FBI channeler website. You’ll also need to prepare a money order, check, or completed credit card form for the amount requested per copy of the results. Include the money with the fingerprints and form. And then you wait for your CBC!

Your CBC is a federal document, which means it needs to be apostilled at the federal level. Once I received my CBC, I mailed it myself to the US Department of State to apply for the apostille, but this method could take as long as six weeks to process and has in the past resulted in start date delays, so you need to do so as soon as possible. You can also send your CBC to Aclipse by making a payment on their Paypal account, and they will send it to Washington Express and get it apostilled for you, which is an easier method.  

Below are examples of what your CBC and the apostille of the CBC look.  One thing of note is is to make sure your CBC has the same name that is on your passport.  This is crucial and make sure to double check this prior to mailing it to Aclipse.

(Above is an example of a CBC, depending on where you get it your CBC maybe white or a light blue)

(Above is what an apostille for your CBC should look like. This will be attached on top of your CBC)

Obtaining Your Apostilled Diploma:

The first thing I did was take my actual university diploma to a FedEx shop nearest me to make a copy of it. Then, I mailed the photocopies to the SC Secretary of State’s office. DO NOT DO THAT!! FIRST, you MUST make sure to get the copy of your diploma notarized prior to getting it apostilled. I thought I ONLY needed an apostilled diploma. But it turns out, I can’t get an apostille without first getting it notarized, so I had to get a new photocopy of my diploma made, and then I went to my bank and had them notarized. For fear of being short on time, I decided to drive to my Secretary of State’s office and had my CBC and diploma apostilled in person. It took me three hours round trip, but it honestly saved me the headache of wondering if my documents would return to me on time.  One other key thing your should know is that your diploma needs to be notarized and apostilled in the same state.  You can’t get it notarized for instance in Massachusetts and apostilled in New Hampshire.  Below are examples of what a notarized and apostilled diploma look like.

(Above is an example of a notarized diploma. A notarized diploma should have a stamp that says “Notary Public” on it)

(Above is an example of an apostille for the diploma. Each state will have a different apostille which will be attached on top of your diploma, but they should all have the state name written on it along with the word “Apostille.”)

Along with obtaining an apostilled diploma, if your diploma is written in Latin, you will need to obtain a Latin translation from your University. Also, if your name is different on your diploma from your CBC and passport you will also most likely have to obtain a letter from your university stating you are the same person as the one in your passport. For instance some diplomas may just have a middle initial, while the passport may have the full middle name. 

I hope my account of getting my CBC and diploma apostilled didn’t confuse anyone further. It’s especially important for me to share my blunder with my diplomas. While there are a few steps to take, they need not cause headache or sweats. Most importantly, ask your recruiters questions if you are confused or having issues. 

Linda Gaida was raised in Spartanburg, South Carolina and graduated from Washington and Lee University in 2016 with a degree in Romance Languages. While passionate about environmental studies and conservation, her interests now lean towards education! Her curiosities and studies have taken her to Romania, Portugal, Peru, India, and now South Korea, where she works as an English teacher for ChungDahm Learning in Busan. Deciding to teach abroad was an easy decision to make for Linda: while she gets to experience a culture foreign to her own, she is able to benefit the global society by teaching children English and helping them pursue their own ambitions. Linda is also interested in yoga, climbing, hiking, backpacking (anything involving movement), cooking and writing poetry.

READ MORE
28 Apr
VisaBy aclipse

How to Obtain Your Visa Documents in South Africa to Teach in Korea

Obtaining the necessary documents to teach in Korea can be really stressful and a big headache if you do not know where to start or how to go about it. From experience, following a methodical order of things needed to be done will help speed up the process. Every citizen coming to Korea has a different route to follow and one needs to know the specific requirements for their nationality. The method of obtaining documents is different in every county. So what may be allowed in America, may not be allowed in South Africa.

For South Africans, acquiring the necessary documents to teach in Korea is pretty straightforward and is much easier than other nationalities’ lengthy processes. There are 5 things you need to have and a particular order of steps that you should follow in order to use your time efficiently. This blog will lead you step by step to make the sure process is easy and efficient.  

If you live outside of Johannesburg and Pretoria, it is highly recommended that you make use of a third party service, such as Docs4Expats or DocAssist. From personal experience, Docs4Expats, run by Noma, is a trustworthy and efficient courier service that is well-connected and has a speedy overturn rate. If you prefer to not sit waiting, Noma does everything for you, once you have paid the required fee. Before you begin gathering the required documents, make sure you know which ones and how many of each you must obtain if you go through Aclipse to teach in Korea.  The documents you need are:

  • 1 apostilled copy of a criminal background check (clearance certificate)
  • 1 apostilled copy of your university degree
  • 2 passport photos
  • 1 degree verification

Step 1: Apostilled Police Clearance Certificate

The Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria processes all South African Police Clearance Certificates. First, you have to have your fingerprints taken at the nearest police station along with a copy of your passport/ID book and your original passport/ ID book. Next, the applicant can opt to use the SAPS postal service or their own courier service. It is advised that you use an external courier service, like Docs4Expats, for quick processing. If you live in Johannesburg or Pretoria, it is much quicker to drop off your PCC at the CRC yourself. If you drop it off or use an external courier, the process will take about 6 weeks. The process cost for one PCC is R96,00.00 which you can be paid at the CRC or via a bank transfer or directly to your courier service. A re-issue of the PCC can be made within 6 months, and it will cost an additional R96, 00.00. 

A final step is to authenticate your certificate. You have to get your PCC Apostilled at any High Court in South Africa. For convenience, there is one in Pretoria, which you can go directly to, with your PCC and University Diploma, after collection. Another option, is to pay for a third party to process your PCC and Apostille it at the same time.  

While you are at the police station kill two birds with one stone, and get a copy of your passport information page certified. Take your passport and 3 x copies of your passport and get all of them certified by a ranked officer. You will need this at a later stage in the application process.

Tip: request 2 copies of your PCC for future use, it takes some time to request a new one, even though it is valid for 6 months.

Step 2: Notarized and Apostilled Photocopy of University Degree 

The Korean government wants foreign teachers to bring their original university diploma with them to Korea to present to the Korean Education Office when it is requested. However, in South Africa you have to apostille two copies of your University Degree. First, you need to make two clear A4 copies of your degree, black and white is fine, then you need to submit your original degree and the copies of your degree to a South African High Court to Apostille the document, thus authenticating it. You can opt to do it yourself, after receiving your PCC, together with your original and copied university diploma and take it to the High Court in Cape Town or Pretoria.  A more convenient way, is to use a courier service like Docs4Expats, that will Apostille all documents once they have received your PCC and your emailed copies of your university degree.

Tip: Wait for your PCC to arrive. Afterwards, take your PCC, original and copies of  your University Diploma to the High Court to get it apostilled.

Step 3: University transcripts

While you wait for your PCC to be processed, you can email your universities registrar and get them to mail you 2 sets of University transcripts. You only need one for the application, but a back up transcript is always helpful. You must tell your university to seal the back of the transcripts with the Universities official stamp. The transcripts must not be opened before coming to Korea, the Korean Education Office requests all of them to remain sealed and will not accept them otherwise.

Step 4: Passport Photographs 

Getting a good set of passport photographs for teaching in Korea is important. By the time you look again, you can’t believe almost all of them are gone. You need passport photographs for contracts, ARC registration, visa application, and a Korean Health Check.10 photographs should be sufficient and follow the Korean photograph guidelines, regarding size and posture. These should be 3.5cm by 4.5cm and in color. All photographs have to be the same shot. You can go to any studio or photo printing shop in South Africa. Make sure to specify the correct size and color.

Tip: Ask for a digital copy in the correct sizes, then you could just reprint it at a studio in Korea.

Extra Tips:

  • Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay in Korea
  • Apply at AA for an International Drivers Permit
  • Have photocopies of all original documents, and authenticate them at SAPS
READ MORE
28 Apr
VisaBy aclipse

How to Obtain Your Visa Documents in New Zealand to Teach in Korea

Kia Ora, my name is Samantha and I’m from originally from Taranaki in New Zealand. I graduated from Victoria University with my BA in English literature and Theatre which I then followed up with a Diploma of Primary teaching. Now my partner and I are both currently in the recruitment process with Aclipse to teach in Korea. Having recently obtained our visa documents for Korea, I wanted to provide some insight into how to make the process less stressful and help answer some of the questions many candidates from New Zealand may have.  I am confident if you just follow the steps below that you will successfully obtain your documents without any issues.

Step 1: Apply for a Criminal Background Check

The first thing my partner and I did was apply for a criminal background check which was free. Make sure you apply early as it can take up to a month till you receive it. We each filled out a personal request form from the justice department which you can find through this link: https://www.justice.govt.nz/criminal-records/get-your-own/ The website page has instructions on filling out your form and how to send it. While filling it out I requested both an electronic version via email and a paper copy which arrives by post. I took a photo of my driver’s license as identification which I attached to an email along with my form. I then sent it to the following email with my first and last name as the subject: criminalrecord@justice.govt.nz * One thing of note when filling out the form, make sure the name you provide in the form matches the name in your passport.  This means if your passport has your middle name please provide your middle name in the form, and if your passport just has your middle initial, only include the initial in the form.

Example of a New Zealand Criminal Background Check 

Step 2: Once You Receive the Criminal Background Check

The paper copy was just a back up but all you really need is the electronic copy to be sent by email so you can then forward it on to the Authentication Unit. I attached an apostille form along with my background check to the email with a brief message stating what I was sending to this email address: auth.unit@dia.govt.nz . You can find the form to request an Apostille through the government website or by following this link: https://www.govt.nz/browse/nz-passports-and-citizenship/proving-and-protecting-your-identity/use-your-nz-documents-overseas/#how-you-apply   

The first apostille costs NZ$32.00 and any additional apostilles cost NZ$15.00 each. If you want both a paper apostille and an e-apostille, it costs NZ$47.00. We got both but you only need to send away a paper version. It will take up to 7 working days to process and the paper version will be sent by post.

New Zealand Apostille Example 

Step 3: Get your Degree Notarized and Apsotilled

The background check is a government document which means it does not need to be notarized like your degree will. Before you can send your diploma away to be apostilled it will need to be notarized by a public notary. I used http://notarypublic.org.nz/ to search for a notary in my area. I selected my region and it gave me a name, number and address to contact each public notary. A public notary is a lawyer who is authorized to authenticate your document and we made sure to contact them first and ask about the process and what the cost would be. Ours cost about NZ$100 each for the notarized apostille but check with your notary. In my case they were also able to send the document away for the apostille after they notarized it. My partner and I had to take some form of identification when we gave them our degrees so they could verify the documents belonged to us. The apostille takes up to 7 working days and will be mailed back to you in the post.

Step 4: Send your Documents

Once we received all our documents my partner took them to the post shop to have them be mailed to the Aclipse office. One thing of note is although using a courier is expensive, you will have the ability to track your documents and they will arrive a bit quicker. However, my partner and I prefer to live life on the edge and sent them by air mail which is cheaper but the choice is up to you.

Once Aclipse receives your documents your recruiter will notify you and tell you if all the documents were done correctly, or if there are any issues that need to be fixed.  

READ MORE