Teaching Abroad · South Korea E-2 Visa
Apostille Preparation for South Korea E-2 Teaching Documents
The E-2 visa process starts with the checklist from your sponsoring employer and the Korean consulate or immigration office with jurisdiction over your application. Requirements vary by applicant nationality, consular jurisdiction, and employer type. We coordinate document preparation and apostille submission once you have confirmed the exact requirements in writing.
1. Confirm requirements with your sponsor and consulate
Before ordering any document, obtain the current written checklist from your sponsoring employer and confirm requirements with the Korean consulate or immigration office that has jurisdiction over your application. Ask specifically:
- — The exact documents required for your nationality and consular jurisdiction
- — Which background check is required — state-issued or FBI — and any recency requirement
- — Whether an original diploma, certified copy, or registrar-issued letter is acceptable
- — The number of copies required for each document
- — Whether a translation is required and in what format
- — Document expiry or recency requirements
- — How and where completed documents should be delivered
We are not affiliated with Korean immigration authorities and do not issue visas or determine eligibility. Requirements listed on third-party sites may be outdated — always verify with the responsible authority.
2. Document routing: which authority issues each apostille
University diploma and official transcripts
Ask your registrar for the recipient-accepted certification format. Confirm the competent apostille authority based on the issuing official or notarization and the state's requirements — the university address alone does not determine every route. Confirm the acceptable format (original, certified copy, or registrar letter) before ordering.
Criminal background check
Confirm with your employer and the consulate whether a state-issued background check or an FBI background check is required. A state check is apostilled by the competent authority of the issuing state. An FBI check is a federal document apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. These are not interchangeable.
Teaching certificate or license (if required)
Confirm with the receiving authority whether a teaching certificate is required for your position and what format is acceptable. Confirm the competent apostille authority based on the issuing official and the state's requirements.
Vital records (birth certificate, if required)
Obtain a certified copy from the official custodian — the county or state vital statistics office. Confirm the competent apostille authority based on the issuing official and the state's requirements.
Name matching across documents
All documents should reflect the same legal name. Discrepancies between your passport, diploma, and background check can cause delays. Review all documents before submitting.
3. Practical steps
- Obtain the written checklist from your employer and confirm requirements with the consulate.
- Review each document for correct name, dates, and issuing authority before ordering.
- Confirm the exact format — original, certified copy, or letter — and number of copies required.
- Confirm translation requirements and format before ordering translations.
- Submit each document to the correct apostille authority (state or federal) based on where it was issued.
- Contact us to confirm drop-off or mailing instructions before sending original documents.
- Check the completed set against the checklist before sending to your employer or consulate.
4. Timing
Timing and available options are confirmed after document review. Processing time depends on the issuing authority, document preparation requirements, government workload, any translation needed, and delivery logistics. No fixed turnaround is guaranteed. Contact us early — visa application windows can be tight and some documents take longer to obtain from their issuing authority.
Frequently asked questions
What documents are typically needed for the South Korea E-2 visa?
Obtain the current checklist from your sponsoring employer and the Korean consulate or immigration office with jurisdiction over your application. Requirements can vary by applicant nationality, consular jurisdiction, and employer type. Do not rely on a general list — confirm the exact documents, formats, and recency requirements in writing before ordering anything.
Which authority apostilles a university diploma for the E-2 visa?
Ask your registrar for the recipient-accepted certification format. Confirm the competent apostille authority based on the issuing official or notarization and the state's requirements — the university address alone does not determine every route. Confirm the format (original diploma, certified copy, or registrar-issued letter) with the receiving authority before ordering.
Which authority apostilles an FBI background check?
The FBI background check is a federal document. The apostille is issued by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. — not by any state Secretary of State. Confirm with your employer and the relevant Korean mission whether the FBI check or a state-issued check is required for your specific application.
How long does apostille processing take for E-2 visa documents?
Timing depends on the document, the issuing authority, preparation requirements, government workload, any translation needed, and delivery. We confirm an estimate after reviewing your specific documents and deadline. No fixed turnaround is guaranteed. Contact us early — visa application windows can be tight.
Do I need to send original documents or certified copies?
Confirm with the receiving authority before sending anything. Requirements vary by document type and consular jurisdiction. Contact us to confirm drop-off or mailing instructions before sending original documents.