E-2 (Foreign Language Conversation Instructor) Korea Visa Guide | 2026

1. What E-2 Is

E-2 is for foreign nationals meeting the Ministry of Justice's qualification requirements who teach foreign-language CONVERSATION. The manual defines that as instructing students in how to communicate with one another in a foreign language — and then draws the boundary explicitly: teaching a particular language or literature as a subject, or teaching translation and interpretation technique, is NOT conversation instruction and does not fall within E-2 activity.

2. Eligibility Checklist

• Meets current nationality/qualification requirements for E-2 instructor pathway.
• Has valid employer sponsorship from an eligible educational institution.
• Can provide required background/health/academic evidence under current standards.
• Contract and role description align with E-2 permitted activity scope.
• No unresolved immigration violations materially affecting eligibility.

3. Criteria Summary

• E-2 is not a points-based category.
• Review emphasizes qualification authenticity, employer legitimacy, and compliance history.
• Operational detail can shift through periodic manual updates.
• Always verify current E-2 document requirements before filing.

4. Salary and Contract Rules

• E-2 is employer-sponsored and contract-driven; salary terms should be internally consistent.
• Contract duties must align with approved instructor activity scope.
• Unclear role mismatch or weak contract evidence can trigger supplements.
• Unauthorized side teaching/tutoring remains a significant compliance risk.

5. Employer and Workplace Change Rules

• PERMITTED PLACES OF ACTIVITY are listed by the manual: foreign-language institutes (외국어전문학원), educational institutions from elementary level upwards and their affiliated language research institutes, language training centres attached to broadcasters and companies, and other equivalent institutions or organisations.
• Lifelong-education facilities established under the Lifelong Education Act also qualify, but only where they meet the criteria the Minister of Justice has set.
• The activity limit matters as much as the venue: teaching a language or literature as an academic subject, or teaching translation and interpretation technique, is outside conversation instruction and therefore outside E-2 — even at an otherwise permitted institution.
• E-2 is tied to the approved employer and location; workplace changes require the proper immigration procedures.
• Failure to report or change lawfully can affect extension and future status changes.

6. Required Documents

• Application set (form, passport, photo, fee proof).
• Employer sponsorship documents and teaching contract.
• Academic/background/health documents required under current guidance.
• Any role-specific supporting records requested by reviewing office.
• Additional mission/office-specific documents as requested.

7. Fees and Processing

• E-2 issuance/extension fees follow official schedules in manuals.
• Processing times vary by office load and document verification complexity.
• Background and qualification verification gaps often trigger supplements.
• Apply early before contract start/expiry milestones.

8. Common Rejection Reasons

• Qualification or nationality pathway requirements are not met.
• Employer sponsorship package is incomplete or inconsistent.
• Document authenticity/verification issues in core evidence.
• Activity scope appears outside permitted E-2 framework.
• Prior immigration non-compliance or unauthorized activity history.

9. FAQ