E-2 Visa FAQ – CUBE Recruiting ❓ How long will it take to prepare all the visa documents? ➤ It depends on your nationality, but it usually takes 3 to 6 weeks. For Americans: Apply for an FBI background check ASAP, as it can take months. Contact us if you need help with expediting options. ❓ I have a misdemeanor on my criminal background check. Can I still apply? ➤ It depends on the immigration office. In most cases, immigration has become stricter and rejects applications for anything more than speeding tickets. Some schools may still accept, but most will hesitate due to risks. ❓ How long does it take to get a visa once documents are ready? ➤ Usually 3 to 4 weeks after submitting visa documents to Korea. ❓ What kinds of teaching jobs are available in Korea? ➤ Most common: elementary schools and private academies (hagwons). Also available: kindergartens. Rare: middle/high schools (due to the focus on entrance exams). Private tutoring is illegal under E-2 visa — F-visa is required to do tutoring legally. ❓ Am I allowed to work another job besides my school? ➤ Generally no. E-2 visa restricts work to one school only. Exceptions may be made with written permission for additional hagwon work. Private tutoring on E-2 visa is illegal and can lead to fines or deportation. Working in restaurants or media is also a violation. Be cautious. ❓ What if I want to stay in Korea after my contract ends? ➤ E-2 visa can be renewed as long as employment continues. After 5 years (with Korean test passed), you may apply for a permanent residency visa (F-series). If married to a Korean, you can apply for F visa and gain more job flexibility (e.g. private tutoring is allowed with license). ❓ Where can I find immigration offices in Korea? ➤ You can find the list of all immigration offices from the Korean government site. (Click link in image for more info.) ❓ What are the salary and benefits like? ➤ Salaries typically range from 2.1M to 2.4M KRW per month ($2,000–$2,300 USD). Hagwons may pay more for highly qualified teachers. Bonus: One-month salary given after 1-year contract. Deductions: National health insurance (50/50 cost split), income tax (2–4%), pension (4%). U.S. and Canadian citizens can claim pension refund when leaving Korea. Schools usually cover airfare and housing. Typical housing is a one-room apartment. If you leave your job, schools may stop housing support immediately. If you move out on your own, schools may reimburse rent difference only up to housing allowance amount.