San Francisco US Visa Guide: Korean Consulate E-2 Application Process

E-2-1 Visa Application at the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in San Francisco
 

If you are planning to work or teach in Korea under the E-2-1 visa, the first step is obtaining your Confirmation of Visa Issuance Number (CVI No.) or VIN Number. Once you have this, you are ready to submit your visa application through the Korean consulate.

 

Note: We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, we strongly recommend directly contacting the consulate for the most current guidance, assistance, and any updates or changes.

 

If you live in the following state(s) and territories, you will use the Korean Consulate in San Francisco to complete your visa process: 

Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Northern California

 

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How to Submit Your Visa Application

 

Option 1: In-person Appointment

Visit the consulate within the operating hours along with your documents. You must schedule an online reservation in advance.

Work Hours: Monday–Friday, 09:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. (Submit before 4:30 P.M.)

 

 

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Option 2: By USPS Mail (Post)

Alternatively, you can also mail your documents to the consulate (USPS with Tracking ONLY). Post to the Korean Consulate in San Francisco

 

 

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Required Documents

 

Below is a complete list of documents you will need when submitting your E-2-1 visa application.

 

 

2) Original Passport  (more than 6 months valid)

 

3) Copy of Passport

• Photocopy the page that has your photo and personal information (Data Page)

4) 1 Passport-type Color Photo

• Size: 2 X 2 inch
• Natural color
• Taken within 6 months

4) E-2 Consul’s Checklist (Printed and Completed)

 

5) Visa Fee:  45 USD

• Cash, Money Order ONLY

For Mail/Post Applicants: Self-addressed Return Envelope (USPS with Tracking ONLY)

• Prepaid label or stamp with tracking to return the passport 

For in-person pickup: You must bring your valid photo ID, such as your driver’s license. Passports will not be returned to a third party, such as family members. No appointment needed for pickup. 

 

For Korean Americans/Descendants Korean ancestry applicants may be asked for additional nationality documents(기본증명서, 제적등본, 가족관계증명서) to verify dual citizenship. (Proof of loss of nationality, renunciation of nationality, etc.)

 

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Korean Consulate Contact Information

Mailing Address:

Korean Consulate General in San Francisco (ATTN: Visa Department)
3500 Clay St., San Francisco, CA 94118
 

Phone Number: +1 415-921-2251

Email for Visa: koreavisa1@mofa.go.kr

 

Working Hours (Civil Service): Monday–Friday, 09:00 A.M.- 5:00 P.M.

 

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Processing Time 

The visa processing time is approximately 2 ~ 3 weeks (currently 3 weeks due to the high volume of applications in 2025). All submitted documents with the visa application will not be returned to the applicant except the passport. E-2-1 is a single-entry visa and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. After 2 weeks, please check your application status online. If it has been approved, please print your Visa Grant Notice by visiting the Korea Visa Portal.

 

Related Article: How to Navigate the Korea Visa Portal Site

 

Last Updated: 12/1/2025