Korea E-1 Professor Visa — Eligibility, Period of Stay and Documents

Overview

E-1 (Professor) is granted to foreign nationals who meet the qualification requirements of the Higher Education Act and teach or supervise research at junior colleges or higher, or at equivalent institutions.

In practice the decisive points are the appointment rank (assistant professor or above) and the nature of the institution. Not every teaching activity is E-1: conversation instruction falls under E-2 and research at research institutes under E-3.

At a Glance

Scope of Activity

• Teaching by foreign nationals who meet Higher Education Act qualifications
• Research supervision at junior colleges and above or equivalent institutions

Who Qualifies

• Professors at academic institutions such as KAIST
• Professors appointed at the rank of assistant professor or above by junior colleges and higher
• Research professors in special fields at universities or university-affiliated research institutes

Required Documents

• Integrated Application Form (Form No. 34), passport and ARC, fee
• Employment contract or confirmation of intended appointment
• Copy of degree certificate and career certificate
• Institutional evidence such as a copy of the business registration (or unique number) certificate
• Proof of residence (lease, accommodation confirmation, utility receipts, etc.)

Application Process

1. Check eligibility — confirm your current status, career, degree and contract type match the requirements.
2. Prepare documents — foreign public documents need a translator's certification plus an apostille (or consular confirmation for non-member states).
3. Book a visit — reserve a slot at your Immigration Office via HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr), or file online where e-Application is available.
4. File and pay — submit the Integrated Application Form (Form No. 34) and pay the screening fee.
5. Review — respond to any request for supplementary documents within the deadline.
6. Result — on approval, the period of stay and status are granted; reissue your ARC if required.

Key Points

• Attending regular schools (elementary through university) within the original purpose of stay does not require a separate permit.
• Staff of institutions under the same religious foundation may move between D-6 and E-1 activities under an out-of-status activity permit.
• As professional-level status, adding or changing a workplace is handled by post-facto report, not prior permission.
• Documents issued in Korea must normally be dated within 3 months unless another validity period applies.
• Documents already on file in your alien registration record need not be resubmitted.
• Health certificates, drug test results and pre-employment medical reports must be submitted sealed by the issuing hospital (do not open).
• You must be in Korea when applying; leaving the country after filing may result in refusal.
• Screening fees are non-refundable once the application is accepted.
• The head of the Immigration Office may add or waive documents where necessary for review.

Frequently Asked Questions

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