Teaching in Korea- Getting Your Visa Documents Together

Getting a visa to work in Korea is not a difficult process, but it is very time consuming. You will need to get everything notarized and then you will need to get an Apostille. Most notaries don't even know what an Apostille is, I didn't until I went through the process myself. Every state is different, but the following is a general guide to obtaining the proper documents and certifications. This information applies only to Americans. Every country has different procedures. Expect to spend about $150 to get all of the documents and authentications as well as the FEDEX cost to send your documents to Korea.

You will need a notarized copy of your 4-year degree. You cannot get a job teaching in Korea with a two year degree. Once you have your notarized copy you will have to send it to Office of the Secretary of State for your state to get an Apostille. An Apostille is a form of authentication issued to documents for use in foreign countries that participate in the 1961 Hague Convention.

Check your state's website to find out the cost for this service. In North Carolina, I had to pay $10. You can't send a regular check, you will need a money order or certified check. Also be sure to provide a stamped self addressed envelope. This process takes about five days. You can go to the Secretary of State by appointment, but not all states allow you to do this. Check with your state before you get in the car.

You will need 3 sealed official copies of your transcripts. This can usually be done over the internet, but every University is different. You can also get them through the mail. The cost varies, my University charged me $5 for each copy.

The laws recently changed and you will now need a Federal background check. This is the most time consuming step in the process and should be done as soon as you make the decision to teach in Korea. It takes 3 months to get the background check back. The FBI can issue the apostille, but you must request one at the time you make the request. Your background check must also be less than 6 months old.

You can go to the FBI website to get the form to request your background check. You will also need to get fingerprinted by your local police station. In North Carolina I was charged $10 for this service. Every state is different, so check with your state for specific information regarding where and when you can be fingerprinted. My police station only did finger printing on certain days. http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/background-checks/background_checks

You will need a money order or cashiers check for $18 to have your background check processed. Once you have everything together send the form and the money to the FBI. If you receive a "no record" back from the FBI then you can proceed with the rest of the process. If anything appears on your background check you will need to get it expunged if possible or choose another country to teach in. You cannot teach in Korea if your background check has anything on it. There are a lot of people who want to work in Korea who have a clean background, especially in this economy. 

The rest of the documents are easy to get together. You will need a copy of the photo page of your passport. The health statement is just a questionnaire. If you have some serious health problem, you may have difficulty getting a job. When you arrive in Korea they check your blood and urine for drugs and STDs. If you have an STD you will lose your job and be sent home. The impression of foreigners is that they are all sluts and riddled with AIDS, they don't want you bringing something to Korea and spreading it around to the general population.

You will need your resume and a photo. It seems strange to provide a photo with your resume, but Korean resumes all come with a photo at the top. On your resume you should include a section outlining any previous teaching experience. If you tutored someone in college, include that. Volunteer work also looks good on your resume.

You will also need four passport sized photos of yourself. I got mine at Kinkos. You will also need a signed copy of your contract. 

Once you have obtained all of the documents you will have to FEDEX them to Korea. This costs about $50. It will take 3 or 4 days for your documents to reach Korea. Then your director will take them to immigration to get your visa registration number. They will email you the number and then you will have to contact the Korean Consulate for your region. http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/government/embassies/south_korea.htm#Embassies and Consulates

What to send:

1. 2 sealed transcripts
2. Apostille background check
3. Apostille University degree
4. 3 passport sized photos
5. Copy of your passport picture page
6. Resume
7. Health statement
8. Signed copy of your contract

There is a form to fill out that you need to bring with you to the embassy. I went to the one in Washington D.C. They only process visas a couple of days a week at specific times. Bring your passport, one copy of your transcripts that are sealed, and one passport sized photo. I dropped off my documents and had to go back two days later for my interview. The interview was short, however I have heard of people failing this step. Speak slowly and clearly. You should also say something nice about Korea so do some research. The cost of the visa is $45. They'll give you back your passport with the visa inside and you will be ready to go!