메디컬체크, 건강검진] E & F Visa Medical test (Including Drug) – Approved Clini…
본문
Official E-2 Visa Medical Check & Drug Test Guide for English Teachers in Korea
Do NOT ignore this guide simply because you have previous experience living in Korea.
The E-2 visa medical examination is NOT a normal health check. If you proceed incorrectly based on personal judgement, it may lead to visa rejection, Immigration delays, or even cancellation of employment. If you have any health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, that could potentially affect your ability to carry out the work, you must inform your employer.
1. When is the E-2 medical check required?
To legally work as an English teacher in South Korea, you must register with the Immigration Office and, in most cases, the local Office of Education. For this process, an official Employment Medical Certificate including a drug test is required.
- When applying for your Alien Registration Card (ARC) after arrival
- When changing employers
- When renewing or adjusting your E-2 visa if Immigration requests it
Even if you change jobs within the same Immigration jurisdiction, a new medical check may still be required at the officer’s discretion.
Your employer might come along with you for the medical check-up, but as you're an adult, some employers will simply let you go by yourself.
Generally, you need two copies of your new check-up results ready by the final week before starting your new school. For instance, if you begin work on March 1st, you should aim to visit the clinic around February 25th and collect the results by the 28th. If you haven't managed to get them ready, make sure you let your employer know the reason on your first day and ask them to help you arrange a visit as quickly as possible.
2. You MUST use an officially designated hospital
- General health checks from ordinary hospitals may be rejected
- Check for a local hospital first. If you can't find one, ask your employer/recruiter, but you must tell them the specific location for the check-up (e.g., Yongsan-gu, Seoul).
3. Appointments & result delays
- Some hospitals require advance appointments, Some places require a visit first thing in the morning.
- Some send samples to external laboratories, which may delay results
- The results can take anywhere from the same day to over two weeks, so pick your clinic carefully with your visa timeline in mind.
If any part of this process feels unclear or difficult, simply contact the Bridge Team
4. Validity period & timing
You must apply for your ARC within 80 days of arrival
- Expired results can be rejected by Immigration
5. Request the correct number of sealed copies BEFORE the exam
- All results must be issued in sealed envelopes
- Opening the envelope will invalidate the document
- If you do NOT yet have an ARC:
- Immigration submission
- Office of Education submission
- Employer record
- Usually 2–3 sealed copies are required
- If you already have an ARC:
- 2 copies are sufficient
6. What you MUST prepare before the exam
- Original passport and ARC (if you already have one)
- 2–3 passport-style photos
- Medical check fee: approximately 60,000–180,000 KRW
7. Standard E-2 visa medical test items
- Blood pressure check
- Height & weight measurement
- Vision test
- Chest X-ray (tuberculosis screening)
- Urine analysis
- Blood test
- Dental/oral check (hospital dependent)
- Drug test (including TBPE or equivalent)
Some hospitals may still include it as part of general infectious disease screening.
8. Medication & special health conditions
- Painkillers and prescription medication may cause false positives
- Avoid unnecessary medication for 3–4 weeks prior to testing if medically safe
- Declare all medication to the hospital in advance
- If menstruating, consult the hospital regarding urine testing
- Chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or depression must be disclosed during hiring
9. Final checklist before attending
- ✅ Confirm appointment if required
- ✅ Maintain 8-hour full fast
- ✅ Prepare passport, ARC and photos
- ✅ Request sealed copies in advance
- ✅ Prepare medical fee
- ✅ Confirm result processing time
Still unsure about timing, documents, or hospital selection? The Bridge Team is always available at: bridgejobkr@gmail.com
10. Legal basis
Under Article 76 of the Enforcement Rules of the Immigration Control Act and Appendix 5-2, E-2 visa holders are legally required to submit an employment medical certificate including a narcotics screening from a designated medical institution.
This examination exists to protect students, public health, and national immigration integrity.
Final authority always rests with the Immigration Office. Local hospital procedures, Office of Education rules, and jurisdictional guidance may differ.
BRIDGE