C-4-5 Visa for English Camp Teachers in Korea

Planning to teach at a summer or winter English camp in Korea? You’ll need a C-4-5 visa. Designed specifically for short-term, paid teaching positions lasting 90 days or less, this visa is your ticket to a short-term teaching adventure.

This guide breaks down exactly what the C-4-5 visa is, the documents you need to prepare, and how the application process works step-by-step.

■ View our latest camp jobs: English Teaching Jobs in Korea

1. What Is the C-4-5 Visa?

The C-4-5 visa is a short-term employment visa that allows you to legally work and get paid in South Korea for 90 days or less. For English teachers, this is the exact visa required for summer and winter camp positions. It’s important to note that the C-4-5 is different from the standard E-2 visa. While the E-2 is meant for full-time, year-long teaching contracts, the C-4-5 is strictly for short-term engagements.

To get this visa, you will need to apply directly through the Korean embassy or consulate that oversees your home region before arriving in Korea.

2. Required Documents

Document preparation is a two-way process. Both you and your Korean employer have specific items to gather.

Documents You Must Prepare:

  • Passport (must be valid for at least 6 more months)
  • Completed visa application form
  • One recent passport-style photo
  • Visa application fee
  • Flight itinerary (round-trip ticket proving departure within 90 days)
  • Apostilled copy of your bachelor’s degree
  • Apostilled national criminal background check

Documents Your Employer Will Provide:

  • Signed employment contract
  • Official invitation letter
  • Business registration certificate
  • Educational institution establishment documents
  • Lifelong education facility designation documents (if applicable)
  • English camp operation schedule and class hours

■ Note: Getting your degree and background check apostilled for the C-4-5 is exactly the same process as doing it for an E-2 visa.

■ Need help with your documents? Step-by-Step Document Guide

3. Application Process

Here is how the application process generally unfolds from start to finish:

Step 1: Prepare Personal Documents

Start early. Secure your passport, complete the application form, get your photos ready, and most importantly, initiate the apostille process for your degree and background check as these take the most time.

Step 2: Sign Your Contract

Carefully review your employment offer. Double-check the camp dates, compensation, teaching hours, and housing arrangements. Once everything looks good, sign the contract and send a copy back to your employer.

Step 3: Receive Employer Documents

Your school in Korea will gather their required business and camp operation documents, along with the official invitation letter, and send them directly to you.

Step 4: Apply at the Consulate

With all documents in hand (yours and the employer’s), submit your application to the Korean embassy or consulate assigned to your jurisdiction. Make sure to check their specific submission guidelines before visiting.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Is the C-4-5 visa the same as an E-2 visa?

No. The C-4-5 is strictly for short-term employment (90 days or less), like summer or winter camps. The E-2 is for standard, year-long teaching contracts.

Do I still need an apostilled degree and background check for a short camp?

Yes. The Korean government requires an apostilled bachelor’s degree copy and an apostilled national criminal background check for the C-4-5 visa, just like they do for the E-2.

Where do I actually apply for the visa?

You must apply through the Korean embassy or consulate that has jurisdiction over your permanent address in your home country. You can find your specific consulate here: List of Korean Consulates.