The E-2 visa process, step by step

Once your documents are ready, the visa itself is a fairly mechanical sequence. Here is what happens, in order, and roughly how long each step takes.

1. 1Sign the contractYou and the school sign. We check every clause for you before you sign anything — salary, teaching hours, severance, housing, airfare, and notice period. We also provide housing photos (or sample photos) and contact details for a current teacher.
2. 2Send documents to KoreaExpress courier (DHL, FedEx, or UPS only) your apostilled diploma copy, apostilled criminal record check, passport copy, 7–8 passport photos, resume, signed contract, completed visa application form, and completed self-medical check form to the school. (3–5 days).
3. 3School applies for the visa confirmation numberThe school submits your documents to their local immigration office. This process usually takes 1–3 weeks. Once approved, you will receive your visa issuance confirmation number from us via email or messenger.
4. 4Submit your visa application to the Embassy/Consulate6 Nationalities (Processing: approx. 2 weeks): Passport + photocopy of info page, completed visa form (photo attached), and visa fee (money order payable to Korean Consulate). South African Nationals (Processing: 5–8 working days): Passport + photocopy of info page, completed visa form (photo attached), visa fee (cash only), signed employment contract, TB chest X-ray result, and medical TB certificate.
5. 5Fly to KoreaPlanet People will arrange your airport pickup or provide detailed arrival instructions. Your flight to Korea is provided by the school. Usually, you will purchase the ticket first, and the school will reimburse you on your first payday or sooner. Please keep your flight E-ticket and invoice to submit to the school upon arrival.
6. 6Medical check and Alien Registration CardWithin your first weeks you take the medical check and apply for your ARC at immigration. The ARC is your Korean ID — you need it for a bank account and phone contract.

What if I am already in Korea?

If you find and secure a new job while inside Korea, you will need to apply for a change of workplace, extension of sojourn period, and alteration of residence at Immigration. We will guide you through every step of this process.