Using Previously-Submitted Documents

Applicants currently teaching in Korea may be eligible to obtain and submit official certified copies (원본대조필) of some of their previously-submitted documents in order to save time and simplify the application process.

These documents can be obtained from either the regional Offices of Education that holds the originals (if initial E-2 visa was through a public school/institution), or from your local immigration office (if initial E-2 visa was through the private sector/hagwons).

IMPORTANT NOTICE
  • We cannot process the original versions of any previously-submitted documents.
  • Certified copies of documents that were submitted in relation to other visa types and not specifically for the E-2 teaching visa will not be accepted.
TEACHERS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS/INSTITUTIONS
Certified copies will be acceptable if they meet all of the following conditions:
  • They were submitted in relation to your current and/or previous E-2 visa
  • They are issued within the current application period
  • They are issued by the institution that holds the original documents
    • Applicants who have been teaching in Korea and have changed schools multiple times must obtain the certified copies from the institution that is holding on to the original documents.
    • We cannot accept certified copies of previous certified copies.
  • They include clear information regarding their issuance
    • Certfied copies issued by Offices of Education/public schools must include the following information on every page:
      • Certified copy stamp (원본대조필 도장)
      • Date of issue
      • Name of issuing institution
      • Name of issuing party (person)
      • Pen-ink signature and/or official ink seal of issuing party and/or institution
If copies are double-sided, both sides must be marked with the above information to be valid for processing.
TEACHERS IN PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS/HAGWONS
Teachers at private institutions may receive copies of their previously-submitted apostilled CRC and apostilled degree certificate from their local immigration office.
  • These copies must be submitted with an itemized receipt from the immigration office that specifically includes what copies were requested from them.
  • Applicants must submit all other required documents, such as sealed transcripts and/or additional documents for the EPIK process.

Validating Certified Copies

Applicants that wish to use any certifed copies of any documents must obtain the Certificate of Entry & Departure (출입국에 관한 사실증명) to prove that the previously-submitted documents are still valid to be used in making certified copies.

  • This can be obtained from any local government office (e.g., citizen center, district office, immigration office, etc.).
  • When requesting the document, the record should start from the applicant's date of birth.

If the certificate confirms that the applicant has been outside of Korea for a period over 90 consecutive days since the submission of the previous documents, then those previous documents are no longer eligible to be processed for certified copies. The applicant will be required to submit new original documents in order to continue with the application process.

Copy of Residence Card and Visa Grant Notice

Current teachers in Korea must also submit a photocopy of their valid Residence Card (both sides) and a copy of the initial Visa Grant Notice they used to enter Korea on the E-2 teaching visa (if still available).

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