E2 Visa Instructions for Ireland: A Complete Guide
- teikmike
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
A step-by-step guide for Irish nationals on obtaining an E2 visa to teach in South Korea. Includes required documents, processing steps, and FAQs. Introduction
Congratulations on deciding to teach English in South Korea! Securing your E2 visa is a crucial step, and we are here to guide you through the process. This guide will provide detailed instructions on obtaining your E2 visa from Ireland, including document requirements, submission processes, and useful tips to ensure a smooth application.
If you haven’t applied for a job yet, consider filling out our one-minute online application to connect with top schools in South Korea and receive free assistance with the hiring and visa process.
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
To apply for an E2 visa, you need to prepare and authenticate several documents. Below is a breakdown of each requirement:
1.1 University Degree
Must have a four-year Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
Get a notarized photocopy of your degree from a notary public.
Have the notarized copy apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) in Ireland.
1.2 Criminal Record Check
Obtain a National Criminal Record Check from Ireland’s National Police & Security Service.
Ensure the record is less than six months old.
Have the criminal record check apostilled by DFAT.
1.3 Health Statement
Complete a self-assessed health questionnaire (provided by the Korean government).
Upon arrival in South Korea, you will undergo a full medical examination (blood test, TB, HIV, and drug screening).
1.4 Passport Photocopy
Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining.
You need at least two blank pages for your visa stamp.
Provide a photocopy of the passport's information page.
1.5 Resume
Print a copy of your updated resume.
1.6 Signed School Contract
Once accepted by a school, you will receive an employment contract via email.
Print and sign the contract.
1.7 Passport-Sized Photos
Submit five passport-sized photos (taken within the last six months).
Keep one extra passport photo for the final visa application stage.
Step 2: Send Documents to Korea (Visa Issuance Number)
Once all documents are gathered and authenticated, send them to your employer in South Korea. The school will then submit them to the Ministry of Justice and Immigration to obtain your Visa Issuance Number (Confirmation of Visa Issuance Number).
Processing time: 7-12 business days
The visa number will look something like UJBO 08007392.
Your school will email you the Visa Confirmation Number, which is needed for the next step.
Step 3: Submit Application at the Korean Embassy in Ireland
After receiving your Visa Issuance Number, you need to submit your visa application to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Dublin.
Required Documents
Completed E2 Visa Application Form
Valid passport with at least six months left before expiration
Passport-sized photo (2x2 inches)
Visa Issuance Number (provided by your employer)
Visa fee (check with the embassy for the latest amount and payment methods)
Processing Time
Each embassy has different processing times, ranging from one hour to five days. It is advisable to contact the embassy beforehand to confirm their processing time.
Step 4: Receive Your E2 Visa
Once your visa is approved, your passport will be returned with the E2 visa stamped inside. You are now ready to travel to South Korea!
Korean Embassy in Ireland - Contact Information
Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Dublin
Address: 15 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland
Phone: +353-1-660-880
FAQs
1. How long does it take to process the E2 visa?
Processing times vary by embassy but typically range from 1 to 5 business days.
2. Do I need a degree in Education or English?
No, you can have a degree in any discipline, but you must be a native English speaker from an approved country.
3. Can I apply for an E2 visa without a job offer?
No, you must have a signed contract from a Korean employer before applying for the visa.
4. Can I get my visa in another country instead of Ireland?
Yes, but you must check with the Korean embassy in that country to ensure they accept E2 visa applications from non-residents.
5. What happens if I fail the health check in Korea?
Failing the medical exam (drug, TB, or HIV test) may result in your visa being revoked and employment terminated.
Conclusion
Obtaining an E2 visa from Ireland can be a straightforward process if you carefully follow each step. Make sure to prepare all necessary documents, authenticate them properly, and submit them on time. Once you receive your visa, you can embark on an exciting journey to teach English in South Korea!
For more information and updates, stay connected with teachenglishinkorea.org!
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