Basic Qualifications to Teach in Korea
In order to obtain an E-2 teaching visa for Korea, you must satisfy the following requirements:
- You must be a native English speaker. Teaching experience is not necessary, although it is an asset.
- You must be a citizen of one of these seven countries: Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa. Under Korean law only citizens of these countries are eligible for the E-2 teaching visa.
- You must hold a valid passport from one of the above-mentioned countries with at least six months validity remaining on it from the time of your departure. We recommend having at least 12 months however, as it can be difficult to renew your passport in Korea.
- You must have a 3-4 year Bachelor’s degree in any major from an accredited university. 2 year associate degree holders are not eligible to obtain an E-2 teaching visa even if they hold a TESOL certificate.
- You must not have a criminal record.
