D-2 to E-2 Visa Transfer

Can You Change Your D-2 Visa Status to an E-2 While in Korea?

 

If you are already in Korea on a student (D-2) visa and want to teach English full-time, here’s good news: switching to an E-2 is possible without leaving Korea for the designated countries. Before you let your D-2 expire, you must sign a contract with a school and apply for the E-2-1 visa while in Korea. 

 

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Student Visa (D-2) Holders

 

The D-2 visa is for students enrolled at a university in Korea. Part-time work is allowed only with prior approval from both the university and the immigration office. Work limits are:

• During semesters: up to 20 hours per week
• During holidays or breaks: full-time work (in theory, but limited)

Degree Categories:

• D-2-2 Bachelor's Degree
• D-2-3 Master's Degree
• D-2-4 Doctoral Degree

Note: Warning: Working without approval from the university and the immigration office is illegal and can result in fines or deportation.

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Can I apply while my D-2 Visa is about to expire? 

 

After your graduation, a D-2 visa remains valid for only 30 days. For this reason, students should apply for an E-2-1 visa at least 2–3 weeks before their D-2 visa expires. Before your graduation, interview with schools and see if they are willing to sponsor an E-2-1 visa. You must have a signed contract to apply for an E-2-1 visa transfer. 

 

If your D-2 is about to expire while your E-2-1 is still processing, immigration may provide a temporary extension. However, if your D-2 expires before you can submit your E-2-1 application, you will need to go back to your home country and apply for the E-2-1 or go on a visa run (leave Korea and re-enter).*We do not advise going on a "visa run," unless strictly necessary. 

 

Note:  While it is possible for holders of the D-2 (Student) visa in most of the designated native English countries (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States) to transfer to an E-2-1 visa within Korea, please check with your Korean embassy, consulate or KVAC (for the U.K.) in your home country regarding applying for your E-2-1 visa application by post/mail, as some require that the applicant apply in person.

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How to Transfer from a D-2 to an E-2 Visa

 

To transfer from a D-2 visa to an E-2 visa, ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Must hold a valid D-2 visa in South Korea
• Must be eligible for an E-2-1 Visa

E-2-1 Eligibility Requirements:   Be a citizen of a country where English is the primary language. (U.S.A., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, U.K., Ireland, and South Africa) Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in one of the 7 native English-speaking countries. Be a native speaker or have completed junior high school (7th grade) and lived for at least 10 years in a native English-speaking country

• Must have a signed contract from a registered educational institution in Korea
• The position must meet E-2-1 visa requirements
• Required documents must be submitted and approved (see below)

 

Once you sign a contract with a new school, you can begin your visa transfer process. 

 

Visa Application

The school does not need to apply for a VIN; you simply need to book an appointment and visit your local immigration office to apply for the E-2-1 visa.

 

The processing time at Korean consulates and embassies varies by region and season, but it generally takes 5–15 business days. If you want to know how to check the visa application progress, see our guide on how to navigate the Korea Visa Portal. 

 

Related article: E-2 Visa General Documents and Timeline

 

Note: Once your visa application has been submitted, you must remain in Korea. Immigration officials process extensions or changes to your visa on the assumption that you are still in the country. If you travel abroad during this period, your application will be automatically cancelled.

 

Documents to Prepare for an E-2-1 Visa

 

General Documents 

• Notarized and Apostilled Bachelor's Degree
• Apostilled Criminal Background Check
• VIN Application Form
• E-2 Visa Health Statement
• 4-6 Passport Photos
• Copy of Passport
• Resume
• Employee Contract
  • Signed by both the teacher and the school
• Proof of Residence
  • School housing (provided by the school)
  • Your housing (prepared by you) 
• Your Residence Card (RC)

Fee Payment: Pay the visa transfer fee (KRW 130,000)

 

Once the visa is processed, you will receive an updated residence card (RC) that reflects your new visa status.