E-2 Visa Extension in Korea: Fee, Documents & Timing (2026)

Q: How much does an E-2 visa extension cost?

The standard stay-extension fee is 60,000 won. If you file on HiKorea you pay online by card or bank transfer; in person you pay at the office. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount on hikorea.go.kr.

Q: What documents do I need to renew my E-2 visa with the same school?

Typically the application form (form 34), your passport, ARC, renewed employment contract, the school's business registration (and academy registration for hagwons), a class schedule, an income or withholding-tax receipt, and proof of address. A new health check or criminal background check is usually not required for a same-employer renewal. Confirm the exact list with your immigration office, as it can vary.

Q: What is the difference between extending my E-2 visa and changing employers?

An extension simply renews your stay with your current employer. Changing employer is a separate procedure that requires the new school's sponsorship documents and, case by case, a release from your previous employer. If you are switching schools, treat it as a workplace change, not a renewal.

Renewing your E-2 visa to stay with the same school is one of the simpler pieces of Korean immigration — as long as you start early and bring the right paperwork.

A guide to extending your E-2 teaching visa (체류기간 연장) in South Korea, from OK Recruiting, a Korea-based recruiter (since 2006). General information, current as of 2026 — confirm specifics on HiKorea or by calling 1345.

In short

Apply up to 4 months before your stay expires (and no later than the day it expires). The fee is ₩60,000. File online on HiKorea or in person at your immigration office. A same-school renewal needs your renewed contract, the school’s business registration, an income/tax receipt, your ARC, passport, and the application form.

Apply early — the deadline is real

4months

You can apply for a stay extension from up to four months before your expiry date, and you must apply before your current stay ends. Filing on time keeps your status legal while immigration reviews it. Overstaying is an illegal-stay offense — it can bring fines, deportation, and a re-entry ban, so don’t leave it to the last week.

In-person visits require a visit reservation (방문예약) booked through HiKorea, and slots fill fast in the busy March and September periods — book several weeks ahead. Filing online through HiKorea’s e-application avoids the appointment entirely, and a same-school E-2 renewal is generally eligible for online filing (though some offices still route E-2 cases in person — check for your district).

Documents for a same-employer renewal

For a straightforward renewal with your current school, you’ll typically need:

Application form — the 통합신청서 (별지 제34호서식), available on HiKorea
Your passport and Alien Registration Card (ARC)
Your renewed employment contract
The school’s business registration (and academy registration certificate, for hagwons)
Your class schedule / timetable, stamped by the school
An income/tax receipt — the withholding-tax receipt (근로소득 원천징수영수증)
Proof of address (a lease or equivalent)
The ₩60,000 fee

A new health check or criminal background check is usually not required when you renew with the same employer — those are new-hire items. Some offices may still ask, so confirm your exact list on HiKorea’s E-2 guidance or with 1345 before you go; document sets vary by office.

Fees, timing, and travel

Apply from	Up to 4 months before expiry
Deadline	Before your current stay expires
Fee	₩60,000 (confirm current amount on HiKorea)
Where	HiKorea online, or your immigration office (with 방문예약)
Re-entry under 1 year	No separate re-entry permit needed

As a registered foreigner, you can leave and return within your remaining stay without a separate re-entry permit as long as you’re back within one year. For trips longer than a year, apply for a multiple re-entry permit (valid up to two years) before you go.

Extending vs. changing employers

This guide covers a renewal (연장) with your current school. Moving to a new employer is a different procedure — a workplace change (근무처 변경) — which needs the new school’s sponsorship documents and, depending on your case, a release from your previous employer. If you’re switching schools, treat it as a workplace change, not a renewal, and confirm the requirements with HiKorea or 1345.

Frequently asked questions

When can I apply to extend my E-2 visa?

You can apply for a stay-period extension up to four months before your current expiry date, and you must apply before your stay ends. Filing on time keeps your status legal while immigration reviews the case. Overstaying can mean fines, deportation, and a re-entry ban.

How much does an E-2 extension cost?

The standard stay-extension fee is ₩60,000. If you file on HiKorea you pay online by card or bank transfer; in person you pay at the office. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount on hikorea.go.kr.

Can I extend my E-2 visa online?

Often yes — HiKorea’s e-application handles many stay extensions, and a same-school E-2 renewal is generally eligible, with no appointment needed. Some offices still route E-2 cases in person, where you must book a visit reservation (방문예약) first. Check your case on HiKorea or call 1345.

What documents do I need to renew my E-2 visa with the same school?

Typically the application form (별지 34호), your passport, ARC, renewed employment contract, the school’s business registration (and academy registration for hagwons), a class schedule, an income/withholding-tax receipt, and proof of address. A new health check or criminal background check is usually not required for a same-employer renewal. Confirm the exact list with your immigration office, as it can vary.

Do I need a re-entry permit if I travel while my E-2 is valid?

No separate re-entry permit is needed for trips under one year — as a registered foreigner you’re covered as long as you return within your remaining stay. For trips longer than a year, apply for a multiple re-entry permit (valid up to two years) before you leave.

What’s the difference between extending my E-2 and changing employers?

An extension (연장) simply renews your stay with your current employer. Changing employer (근무처 변경) is a separate procedure that requires the new school’s sponsorship documents and, case by case, a release from your previous employer. If you’re switching schools, treat it as a workplace change, not a renewal.

Sources: stay-extension fee, timing, and re-entry rules per Korea Immigration (hikorea.go.kr) and Korea’s Easy Law portal (easylaw.go.kr). Document lists and fees vary by office and change over time — confirm your case on HiKorea or by calling 1345. As of 2026.