When can I apply to extend my E-2 Foreign Language Instructor stay, and what documents do I need?

You can apply for an E-2 extension from 4 months before your stay period ends until the expiration date. If you apply after the expiration date, you will be charged a fine. Prepare the documents on the list below.

Prepare these documents

• Basic documents (application form, passport, registration card, fee)
• Employment contract: both the original and a copy
• Copy of the business registration certificate (사업자등록증): for your workplace
• Copy of the private academy establishment and operation registration certificate (학원설립운영등록증): if you work at a private academy
• Student enrollment status, class timetable, and withholding tax ledger for earned income (근로소득원천징수부): if you work at a lifelong education facility or a corporate company
• Criminal record certificate and proof of education: only for current residents who are subject to supplementary submission
• Income amount certificate: if your income is reported as business income, not earned income, your employer and you must file a request for correction
• Proof of residence: lease contract, housing confirmation from your employer, utility bill receipt, dormitory fee receipt, etc.
• Class timetable

Native English teachers invited by the Ministry of Education or a city/provincial Office of Education do not need to submit the criminal record certificate, education verification, or hiring medical examination documents.

Application steps

1. Prepare the documents above. You can usually get the income amount certificate from Hometax.
2. You or your agent applies at the immigration office with jurisdiction over your address (출입국·외국인관청). You must be in Korea on the day you apply. You cannot apply or use an agent from overseas.
3. The review looks at your employment contract, workplace situation, class timetable, and more.
4. The extension fee is 60,000 KRW. If you visit in person, you usually pay with revenue stamps. If you apply online through HiKorea, you can pay by card, bank transfer, or mobile phone payment.

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• If you apply before your stay expires, you can stay while you wait, even if the result comes late.
• If you have unpaid health insurance premiums, the permitted period may be shortened to 6 months or less. Pay in advance and keep the receipt.
• If your workplace or contract terms have changed, check with immigration first before you extend.

Check the exact documents and how to submit them once more at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the Immigration Contact Center (외국인종합안내센터) at 1345.