E-2 English Teaching Visa for Canadians
The E-2 conversation-instructor visa is how most Canadians teach English in Korea β Canada is one of the seven designated English-speaking countries and one of the largest sources of E-2 teachers. The steps match the main E-2 guide; this page covers only what is specific to Canadian applicants. Always confirm your exact list with 1345 or your Korean consulate in Canada.
What differs for Canada applicants
Apostille β Canada joined in January 2024
Canada's accession to the Hague Apostille Convention took effect on January 11, 2024. Canadian documents now get an apostille instead of the old two-step route (authentication by Global Affairs Canada, then legalization at a Korean consulate) β many older E-2 guides still describe that route; it's outdated. Who issues the apostille depends on the document: Global Affairs Canada for federal documents like the RCMP check, and the provincial competent authority in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Quebec for documents issued or notarized there (Global Affairs Canada covers the remaining provinces and territories).
Criminal record β the RCMP fingerprint check
Korea requires a national-level, fingerprint-based RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check β a name-based local police check is not accepted. Get fingerprinted at an RCMP-accredited agency, receive the certificate from Ottawa, then have it apostilled by Global Affairs Canada. The whole chain commonly takes 6β8 weeks, and the check must be issued within 6 months of your visa application β start early, but not so early that the window closes.
Diploma β notarize, then apostille in your province
Have a copy of your bachelor's diploma notarized, then apostilled by the competent authority for where it was notarized β the provincial authority in Ontario, BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Quebec, or Global Affairs Canada for the other provinces and territories.
No TB test before the visa β health check after arrival
Canada is not on Korea's designated TB-screening list, so no TB certificate is needed for the visa itself β only the signed health statement. The actual employment health check (tuberculosis plus drug screening) happens after arrival at a designated hospital in Korea, before your Residence Card; your school will point you to one.
Where Canadians apply
After your employer obtains the visa issuance confirmation number from immigration in Korea, you apply at the Korean mission for your region β the Embassy in Ottawa or the Consulates General in Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal. A short interview is common β check your consulate's appointment process.
Frequently asked questions
Do Canadian documents need an apostille or the old authentication for the E-2 visa?
An apostille β since January 11, 2024, Canada is in the Apostille Convention, and the apostille replaces the old authentication-plus-legalization route. It comes from Global Affairs Canada (federal documents like the RCMP check) or the provincial authority in Ontario, BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Quebec for documents issued or notarized there.
Which criminal record check do Canadians need for the E-2 visa?
A fingerprint-based RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check, apostilled by Global Affairs Canada β name-based local police checks are not accepted. Budget about 6β8 weeks for the full chain; the check must be issued within 6 months of your application.
Is a TB test required for Canadian E-2 applicants?
Not before the visa β Canada is not on Korea's designated TB-screening list. You do a full health check (TB + drug screening) at a designated hospital after arriving in Korea, before your Residence Card.
Where do I apply for the E-2 visa in Canada?
At the Korean mission for your region, after your employer gets your visa issuance confirmation number: the Embassy in Ottawa or the Consulates General in Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal.
Ready to start? Follow the full guide
This page covers only what's specific to Canada. The complete E-2 guide has every step and document, with a checklist you can stamp as you go.
Open the full E-2 guide βNot sure which visa? Find my visa β
This is a guide β confirm before you act
Get into Korea is an independent guide, not a government body and not legal or administrative advice. Requirements change often and depend on your nationality and situation, so details here may be outdated or not apply to you. We take no responsibility for any decision made from this page β always verify your exact case with the official sources below before you apply or pay any fee.
Official sources β verify here