E-2 Visa

Today I sent in my E-2 visa application. One of the last things I needed to do! Like many other application processes, it involved a bigger envelope, application papers, and a return envelope inside. This time, though, I included a padded return envelope because it's my passport they will be returning. I am a little nervous to have sent my passport out, but since I need the visa to be stamped inside it I can't really do anything about that.

Because the Chicago Korean Consulate General covers Michigan, I guess that I could have gone to Chicago instead of sending it via mail. But it takes a few days to process the application and then stamp the visa, so I'd rather not spend my precious airfare money on hotels.

One thing that still confuses me is that the Consulate website and my recruiter had both stated that since I was a first-time E-2 visa applicant, I would need to have an interview and that they may request additional documents. I called the Consulate to see what documents they would need for my interview, and the lady I spoke to (both times) said that I would not need an interview or any additional documents. I will probably still call to make sure that my documents arrived okay, and my phone number is on the application just in case I do end up needing an interview. I hope this works out alright, though! I haven't heard anything as to why I am getting contradictory replies regarding the interview, so if anyone knows please let me in on it! I'm curious. Of course, I'll post the reason, too, if I hear...

Here is what I sent:
-A cover letter with my name, visa issuance number, phone number, and home address. (The visa issuance number was given to me by my recruiter after my documents went through immigration over in Korea.)
-Visa application form with passport quality photo attached.
-Consul's Checklist (Essentially a questionnaire that asks about your criminal record, health, college degree, and basic information.)
-Passport (Yes! My real passport.)
-A photocopy of the passport info/picture page.
-Self-addressed return envelope. (PREPAID W/ POSTAGE)
-$45 MONEY ORDER made out to the Korean Consulate General ***(NO PERSONAL CHECKS ACCEPTED.) ***

Helpful websites:
Chicago Korean Consulate  -search "English instructor" to jump to E-2 information
APC's E-2 Visa Instructions


Once you've been approved for a visa, it will take 2-3 days to have your visa entered into your passport.


Again, thanks for reading and feel free to post any questions or even any topics you would like me to talk about.

:) Kaitlin