새 직장 이직 및 이적 가이드 Guide to Changing to an E-2 Visa
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BRIDGE SUPPORT GUIDE
Teacher Transition and Onboarding Guide
Moving to your new school
| ⚠ CRITICAL ⚠ |
| 1. All steps must be completed before your ARC card expires 2. If your passport has less than 15 months of validity renew it first then apply with the new passport 3. If you changed your name or any personal details register the change within the valid period then renew again |
| Immigration rules and school requirements can change without notice. Always confirm the current rules yourself before you act. Check directly with your immigration office or with the BRIDGE team when anything is unclear. |
Welcome to your next chapter with BRIDGE. Read this guide carefully so your move to the new school goes smoothly then reply to confirm you have read it.
01. Tax Documents REQUIRED
| Action | Request your Withholding Tax Certificate (원천징수영수증 or 근로소득원천징수부) from your current employer |
| Alternative | If your employer cannot provide it visit the nearest Korean Tax Office (국세청) with your ARC or ID |
| Note | This document is mandatory if you have earned any taxable income in Korea |
02. Housing and Relocation
| Accommodation | Contact us immediately if you have not received any details about your new housing |
| Moving | If housing is provided you are responsible for arranging and booking your own moving service |
| Keypad Password | Door codes for new apartments are usually released on moving day once the previous tenant vacates |
03. Immigration and Legal Compliance
| HiKorea Booking | Book your appointment at hikorea.go.kr immediately. Select the immigration office assigned to your residential district. Call 1345 for English support if needed |
| Office Visits | School managers are not legally obligated to accompany you to appointments. Be prepared to attend on your own unless told otherwise |
| Letter of Release | If your current contract end date overlaps with your new contract start date you must secure an official Letter of Release from your current employer |
04. E-2 Visa Medical Check-up
| TIME IT CAREFULLY Take the test from about one week before your start date and finish it quickly once you begin Never take it long in advance. An old result will not be accepted |
| Ask For The Right Test | Say clearly that you need the E-2 visa medical examination. A general health check or a company physical will not be accepted. The E-2 test includes the drug screening that immigration requires so name it exactly when you book and again at the desk |
| Where to Go | Use a hospital near you or wait until you move and use one near your new workplace. Either way is fine as long as the hospital is designated by the Ministry of Justice |
| Cost | Usually somewhere between 60,000 and 120,000 KRW. Each hospital sets its own price so call ahead and confirm the amount and what is included before you go |
| Timing | Results usually take several days so book the test with that gap in mind. Visit early in the morning as some clinics open at 7:00 to 8:00 AM or go on Saturday |
| Preparation | Avoid strong painkillers cold medicine and fast food before the exam. These can affect your blood pressure and lab results |
| Sealed Result | Immigration may ask for the original sealed result so do not open the envelope. Keep a copy for yourself before you submit it |
| If Delayed | If you cannot finish the test before day one tell your new employer on your first morning so they can help you find a local clinic |
05. Professional Etiquette and Dress Code
| Attire | Metropolitan schools enforce a clean business-casual dress code more strictly than rural or smaller franchises. Keep your appearance neat and professional |
06. Workplace Change Report
| If your new contract starts before your current one ends you must have a Letter of Release Report the change within 15 days from your first day at the new school |
| In Person | E-2 holders normally report in person. Book on HiKorea and note that appointments can only be made after your contract start date |
| Which Office | Go to the office covering your new residence. Your home address decides the office not your school |
| Address Change | If you move house report the new address within 15 days. Immigration slots fill up fast and a booking can push you past the deadline. Do not wait for that appointment. Go to your local district office (주민센터) and file the address change yourself. It is your responsibility not your school |
| Check the Card | When your ARC comes back confirm the new address sticker is attached on the reverse side before you leave |
| Fee | Fees are revised from time to time so check the current amount on HiKorea just before you go. Payment is by revenue stamp sold inside the immigration building |
| If You Are Late | Late reporting can bring a fine and it can count against you at your next extension or visa application |
| Side Work | E-2 covers teaching at your registered institution only. Never take extra work on your own. Ask your employer for permission first and check with immigration whether separate approval is needed. Private tutoring and online classes without that approval can cancel your visa |
| Adjusting to a new environment usually takes 4 to 12 weeks. Take a deep breath and do your best. Our team is here for you. If you run into a communication barrier or an administrative issue reach out to the BRIDGE team anytime |