IF you did not see Part 1,2 and 3, click the links. Very useful information is prepared. 
Is This Visa Right for You
Finding Your Job & Locking in a Contract
Document Timeline & FBI Background Check Fast Track
Step 3: Get Your Visa Number Approved and Apply at Your Consulate
You've sent all eight documents to your employer. Now comes Step 3: the visa number approval and your final consulate application.
This is the final stretch. The finish line is in sight. But don't make mistakes now—this is where people miss their job start dates because they get careless.
Understanding this stage clearly is critical. Many teachers don't know what happens after they send documents to their employer. They think the employer handles everything. Partially true—but your role matters in the final stage.
What Your Employer Does (Week 7-9)
After you send your documents to your employer, here's what happens on their side:
Week 7-9: Immigration Office Submission and Processing
Your employer takes all eight documents to the local Korean immigration office (출입국사무소). They submit an "E-2 Visa Number Application" on your behalf.
The immigration office reviews everything. They check:
Are all documents complete and authentic?
Is the criminal record clean?
Is the diploma real?
Are the signatures authentic?
Does the contract look legitimate?
This review and approval process typically takes 10-15 business days. Most immigration offices process applications in 1-2 weeks, but some take up to 3 weeks if they have high application volume or need additional clarification.
By Week 9: Visa Number Issued
If everything checks out (it usually does), the immigration office issues a "Visa Issuance Confirmation Number" (비자번호) or simply "Visa Number."
This is critical to understand: This is NOT your actual visa. It's just an approval number that proves you've been cleared. Think of it as an approval letter, not a visa stamp.
Your employer receives this number and immediately contacts you. They'll send it via email or message.
Your job: Check your email constantly during this period. When you get that number, write it down. Screenshot it. Email it to yourself. Don't lose it—you need this number to apply at your consulate.
What You Do: Apply at Your Consulate (Week 10)
Once you have your visa number, you now have 6 months to apply at your consulate. You don't need to rush, but don't wait too long either. Apply within 3-4 months to be safe.
Here's what you do:
Step 1: Gather Consulate Documents
You need:
Your visa number (from employer)
Your valid passport (original)
One recent passport photo (color, white background, 3.5cm × 4.5cm)
Completed E-2 visa application form (download from consulate website)
Your completed E-2 health statement
Visa fee (amount varies by consulate: $50-150 USD typically)
Self-addressed return envelope with prepaid postage (if mailing)
Step 2: Contact Your Local Korean Consulate
Find the Korean consulate that has jurisdiction over your home address. This is critical—you must apply at the correct consulate.
Go to the consulate's website and:
Check their E-2 visa requirements
Confirm current processing times
Ask if they accept in-person or mail applications
Ask if they require online reservations or appointments
Important: Call them directly. Don't rely on websites alone. Consulates change procedures frequently.
Step 3: Apply In-Person or By Mail
You have two options:
Option A: In-Person Application (Faster) ⭐
Travel to your consulate
Most consulates require online reservations (check their website)
Bring original passport and all documents
Submit application in person
Ask when visa will be ready (typically 5-10 business days)
Pick up passport with visa stamp when ready
Timeline: Same day submission, 5-10 business days for processing
Option B: Mail Application (Convenient)
Print and complete application form completely
Mail everything to consulate via express mail (DHL, FedEx, UPS with tracking)
Include self-addressed return envelope with prepaid postage
Consulate receives, processes (5-10 business days), mails back
Timeline: 3-5 days mailing to consulate + 5-10 days processing + 3-5 days return mailing = 11-20 days total
Pro tip: In-person is faster if your consulate is accessible. Mail application works if distance is problematic. Either way, use trackable overnight shipping—never regular mail.
Important: What You Actually Receive From the Consulate
This confuses many people, so pay attention.
What you receive from the consulate is NOT a physical visa stamp. Instead, the consulate issues a "Visa Grant Notice" (VGN) or "Visa Issuance Confirmation"—essentially an approval document that you print out.
You bring this printed VGN document to Korea. When you arrive at Korean immigration (airport), immigration officials inspect it and then stamp your passport with the actual E-2 visa. The physical visa stamp is applied at the airport, not at the consulate.
So the timeline is:
Consulate issues VGN (digital approval)
You receive VGN (printed document)
You fly to Korea with passport and printed VGN
At airport, immigration stamps your passport with E-2 visa
This is why it's called a "Visa Grant Notice"—it's notice that you've been granted the visa, which becomes official when stamped at the airport.
The Consulate Timeline: Realistic Expectations
Let's break down the actual timeline for the consulate stage:
Day 1-3: Document Preparation
Download visa application form
Prepare health statement
Get passport photo
Make copies of required documents
Prepare self-addressed return envelope (if mailing)
Day 4: Submit Application
Either visit consulate in person or mail documents via express shipping
Keep confirmation/tracking number if mailing
Get receipt from consulate if in-person
Day 5-12: Consulate Processing
Consulate receives and reviews your documents
Standard processing time: 5-10 business days
Some consulates offer "rush service" for extra fee ($20-50)
Day 13-17: Passport/VGN Return (if mailed)
Consulate mails your package back with VGN
Return shipping takes 3-5 days for delivery
Processing Summary:
In-person application: 5-10 business days (processing only)
Mail application: 5-10 business days (processing) + 6-10 days (both-way shipping) = 11-20 days total
In-person is consistently faster. Mail application adds significant shipping time.
The Final Timeline: Contract to Korea (Complete Breakdown)
Here's your complete timeline from contract signing to actually arriving in Korea:
Week 1: Sign contract with employer
Week 1-6: Gather 8 documents (using fast-track strategies from Part 3)
Week 6: Send documents to employer via express mail
Week 7-9: Employer submits to immigration office
Immigration office processes (10-15 business days)
By end of Week 9, immigration issues visa number
Employer contacts you with visa number
Week 9: You receive visa number from employer
Week 10: You apply at your consulate
Either in-person (5-10 business days to process)
Or by mail (11-20 business days total including shipping)
Week 10-13: Consulate processes and returns VGN
If in-person: ready by Week 10-11
If mail: ready by Week 13-15
Week 13-15: You receive VGN and book flight to Korea
You have your approval and printed VGN
Book flights for Week 15-16
Week 15-16: You arrive in Korea
Hand over passport + VGN to immigration
Get E-2 visa stamped in passport (5-10 minutes)
Begin work at your school
Week 17-18: Complete post-arrival requirements
Apply for ARC (Alien Registration Card)
Complete medical exam
Open bank account
Total Timeline: 15-18 weeks from contract signing to starting work
Breaking this down:
13 weeks to receive your Visa Grant Notice from consulate
2-5 weeks for flights and arrival
Total: 15-18 weeks to begin teaching
Common Consulate Mistakes (Don't Make These)
Mistake 1: Applying at Wrong Consulate
Korean consulates have geographic jurisdiction. If you apply at the wrong consulate, they'll reject your application and tell you to apply at the correct one. This costs you 2-3 weeks.
Example: If you live in California, you must apply at the Korean Consulate in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego—not the one in New York.
Before applying, verify: "Which Korean consulate has jurisdiction over my home address?"
Mistake 2: Incomplete Application Form
The visa application form has many required fields. Missing even one field causes outright rejection. You'll have to resubmit, adding 1-2 weeks to your timeline.
Fill out the entire form completely. Double-check every field. Don't skip anything. Read the instructions carefully.
Mistake 3: Wrong or Missing Visa Fee
Each consulate charges different amounts ($50-150 USD typically). Some accept only cash. Some accept money orders. Some accept credit cards. Some use different payment methods.
Call your consulate and ask: "How much is the E-2 visa fee and what payment methods do you accept?"
If you mail your application with the wrong payment method or wrong amount, your application is rejected and delayed.
Mistake 4: Using Regular Mail Instead of Express Mail
Never use regular mail for visa documents. Your passport could get lost, lost forever. Use DHL, FedEx, or UPS with tracking numbers so you can confirm delivery.
Cost: $15-40 for overnight express. Totally worth it for your peace of mind.
Mistake 5: Not Keeping Your Visa Number Safe
Your visa number is absolutely critical. If you lose it, your consulate can't process your application. You'll need to contact your employer to get it again.
Write it down. Take a screenshot. Email it to yourself. Store it in your phone. Put it in multiple places.
Mistake 6: Applying Too Early or Too Late
You have 6 months from visa number approval to apply at the consulate. That sounds like plenty of time, but deadlines come faster than you expect.
If you wait more than 6 months, your visa number expires. You'll need a new one from immigration, which costs time and money.
If you apply immediately but your job doesn't start for months, that's fine. Your E-2 visa is valid for 13 months once you enter Korea, so timing depends on when you want to arrive.
Apply within 3-4 months of receiving your visa number. Don't procrastinate.
Mistake 7: Not Checking Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 1 year beyond your visa application date.
If your passport expires in 6 months, renew it BEFORE applying for E-2 visa. A passport that expires during your E-2 visa validity creates problems in Korea and makes the visa invalid if passport is replaced.
What Happens When You Arrive in Korea
Congratulations. You have your Visa Grant Notice. You've booked your flights. You're arriving in Korea.
What now?
At Airport Immigration (15 minutes):
Line up at immigration
Hand over your passport + printed VGN
Immigration officer stamps your passport with E-2 visa
Officer asks brief questions: "Where will you work? How long?" etc.
You're admitted to Korea
Timeline: 5-10 minutes total
At Immigration Office (Week 1-2):
Schedule online via HiKorea website or visit local immigration office
Most offices now require reservations
Apply for "Alien Registration Card" (ARC) (외국인등록증)
This becomes your ID in Korea
Timeline: Same day submission, receive card in 1-2 weeks
Cost: Free (included in visa fees)
Medical Exam (Week 1-2):
Go to immigration-approved hospital for medical exam
Tests include: chest X-ray, blood test, general health check
Results usually same day
Timeline: 1-2 hours for exam, 1-2 weeks for official results
Cost: About 100,000-150,000 KRW ($75-110 USD)
Bank Account (Week 1):
Visit Korean bank (your employer usually helps with this)
Bring passport and ARC (or ARC application receipt)
Open a Korean bank account (계좌)
Timeline: Same day
Cost: Free
Benefits: Direct salary deposits, ATM access, Korean financial services
That's it. You're officially in Korea with an E-2 visa and working status.
Your visa lasts 13 months (1 year employment contract + 1 month grace period).
When those 13 months end, you can renew for another year, leave Korea, or pursue other visa options.
FAQ: Consulate Stage Questions
Q: What if my consulate doesn't list E-2 visa processing times online?
A: Call them directly. Don't assume. Processing times vary significantly by consulate and season. Some list times online; others don't. Call and ask: "What is the current processing time for E-2 visa applications?"
Q: Can I apply at any Korean consulate, or does it have to be specific to my location?
A: Must be specific to your location (consulate jurisdiction). Applying at wrong consulate causes rejection. Before applying, verify: "Does your consulate have jurisdiction over my address?" Call and confirm.
Q: What if there's an error in my visa number from immigration office?
A: Contact your employer immediately. They'll communicate with the Korean immigration office to correct it or issue a new number. Don't apply at consulate with a wrong number—it will be rejected.
Q: Can I travel to Korea while waiting for my visa to be processed at consulate?
A: No. You absolutely need the E-2 visa stamp in your passport to enter Korea. Without it, immigration will not allow you entry, no matter what. Wait for your visa before booking flights.
Q: What if consulate rejects my application?
A: Call your consulate and ask specifically why. Most rejections are due to:
Incomplete application form (missing fields)
Wrong visa fee amount
Expired visa number (over 6 months old)
Wrong or missing passport photo
Missing required signatures
Fix the issue and resubmit immediately. Don't ignore rejection or your deadline will pass.
Q: How long can I wait before applying to consulate after getting visa number?
A: You have 6 months. But don't cut it close. Apply within 3-4 months to be safe. If you wait until month 6 and something goes wrong, you'll miss your job start date. Move fast.
Q: Can family members apply at same time?
A: Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can apply for F-1 visa (family dependent visa) using your visa number. They can apply at the same time or after your visa is approved. Each family member needs their own application and photo.
Q: What if I don't have a visa number yet but my consulate appointment is coming up?
A: You need a visa number before applying. Don't go to consulate without it. Contact your employer to check visa number status. Reschedule your appointment if necessary. There's no point in going if you don't have the visa number.
Q: How do I know if my visa application was received by the consulate?
A: If mailing, use tracking on DHL/FedEx/UPS. Confirm delivery. If applying in-person, get a receipt from the consulate. Call consulate 2-3 days after submission to confirm they received everything.
Q: What's the difference between a Visa Grant Notice (VGN) and an actual visa?
A: VGN is the consulate's approval document (digital). You print it and bring it to Korea. The actual E-2 visa stamp is applied to your passport by Korean immigration at the airport. VGN = approval; visa stamp = official entry permission.
The Reality Check: What Most Teachers Don't Know
Most teachers think the hardest part is getting the visa number from immigration. It's not.
The hardest part is NOT PROCRASTINATING after you get that visa number.
Teachers receive their visa number from employer, then think "I have 6 months, no rush." They procrastinate. They delay. Then suddenly it's month 5 and they realize they're running out of time. They panic.
But your job start date doesn't care about your timeline. Your employer doesn't care. Immigration doesn't care. If you're late getting your visa, you lose your job. That's it.
The teachers who succeed are the ones who:
Apply at consulate within 1-2 weeks of receiving visa number (not months)
Use in-person application if possible (faster, more control)
Keep everything tracked and documented
Call consulate to confirm status (don't assume they got it)
Don't procrastinate. Ever.
Don't be passive. Be aggressive. Keep pushing forward. Your visa won't appear by itself.
Your Complete Timeline (Start to Finish)
Here's your journey from interest to working in Korea:
Week 1: Sign contract with Korean employer
Week 1-6: Gather 8 documents (Part 3 strategies)
Week 6: Mail documents to employer
Week 7-9: Employer submits; immigration processes (10-15 business days)
Week 9: Receive visa number from employer
Week 10: Apply at consulate (within 1 week of getting visa number)
Week 10-13: Consulate processes and issues VGN
In-person: 5-10 business days
Mail: 11-20 business days (including shipping)
Week 13-15: You receive VGN, book flights
Week 15-16: Arrive in Korea, clear immigration
Week 16-18: Begin working, complete post-arrival requirements (ARC, medical)
Total: 15-18 weeks from contract to starting work
Some teachers stretch this to 20+ weeks by procrastinating. Some compress it to 12-14 weeks by moving aggressively.
The choice is yours.
Key Takeaways for Part 4
You understand the visa number approval process (10-15 business days at immigration office).
You know your visa number is NOT your actual visa—it's just an approval number from immigration.
You understand the consulate application stage and realistic timelines (5-10 business days processing + shipping time).
You know the seven biggest consulate mistakes to avoid.
You understand what a Visa Grant Notice is (consulate approval that you bring to Korea).
You understand that the actual E-2 visa stamp is applied at the airport by immigration, not by the consulate.
You understand what happens when you arrive in Korea (immigration stamp, ARC, medical exam, bank account).
You know the complete 15-18 week timeline from contract to starting work.
Most importantly, you understand that the immigration office process is handled by your employer—but the consulate process is YOUR responsibility. Don't procrastinate here.
FINAL CHECKLIST: Before You Sign That Contract
Before you commit to teaching in Korea, make sure:
✅ You're from one of the 7 eligible countries
✅ You have a bachelor's degree from English-speaking institution
✅ Your criminal record is clean (no prosecution history)
✅ You're in good health
✅ You found a legitimate employer (checked Facebook groups)
✅ You reviewed and negotiated the contract
✅ You understand the 15-18 week timeline
✅ You're ready to move fast (no procrastination)
✅ You have a plan for fast-track document gathering (Channeler, etc.)
✅ You know your local Korean consulate and its jurisdiction
✅ You understand you'll apply at consulate within 1-2 weeks of visa number
If all of these check out, you're ready.
Sign that contract. Call your university. Start your FBI fingerprinting via Channeler. Get moving.
Korea is waiting.
BONUS: What to Do During the Waiting Periods
While you're waiting for documents and approvals, don't just sit idle. Here's what smart teachers do:
While waiting for documents to process (Weeks 2-6):
Research your teaching position (curriculum, students, schedule, office location)
Learn basic Korean phrases (greeting, numbers, "thank you," "sorry")
Research neighborhoods where you'll live
Join Facebook groups: "Teachers in Korea," "Expats in [Your City]"
Connect with current teachers at your future employer
Plan your first month in Korea (where to stay, what to buy)
While waiting for visa number (Weeks 7-9):
Research your new city thoroughly (transportation, restaurants, shopping)
Book short-term accommodation for first month (Airbnb is smart—gives flexibility)
Get travel insurance (covers visa delays, illness during travel)
Research flights and prices (don't book yet—wait for confirmed visa)
Learn about Korean culture, customs, and etiquette
Watch YouTube videos about living in Korea
While waiting for consulate visa (Weeks 10-13):
Book your flight to Korea (now that you have confirmed approval)
Buy winter clothes if arriving in winter (Korean winter is cold)
Research your neighborhood in detail (commute, restaurants, coffee shops, gym)
Prepare English lesson plans if possible (get ahead)
Start following Korean news and culture (context for your new life)
Get excited—you're actually doing this. You're really going to Korea.
Using these waiting periods productively prevents boredom, keeps you motivated, and prepares you for success in Korea.
Your Next Step: After you get your visa number, apply at consulate WITHIN ONE WEEK. Don't wait. Don't procrastinate. In-person is faster if possible. Mail is acceptable if distance is too far.
The Hard Truth: Your job start date is fixed. The immigration office doesn't care if you're slow. The consulate doesn't care if you procrastinate. If you're late getting your visa, you lose your job—and your chance to move to Korea.
You're Finished: You've now completed all 4 parts of this comprehensive E-2 visa guide. You know what to expect. You know the timeline. You know the mistakes to avoid. You know exactly what to do at each stage.
Now it's execution. No more reading. Start moving.
Call your university registrar today. Start FBI fingerprinting via Channeler today. Apply for jobs today.
Korea is waiting. Don't keep it waiting.
You've got this.
