E-2 language instructors: six-panel drug screening for applications from November 2
한국 비자·출입국 공지What was announced
For E-2 visa or Visa Issuance Confirmation applications submitted on or after November 2, 2026, the health certificate presented at foreigner registration must include six drug tests. MDMA and ketamine are added; drug-test results are valid for four months.
What you should know
The Ministry of Justice posted Korean and English guidance on HiKorea on November 3, 2026. The attached Ministry Notice No. 2026-374 took effect on November 2, 2026, so this is an implemented requirement, not a proposed change.
Applicants whose E-2 visa or Visa Issuance Confirmation application was submitted on or after November 2, 2026 must provide an employment health certificate containing six-panel drug screening when registering as a foreigner. The stated submission stage is foreigner registration; this does not say that every visa applicant must submit the certificate with an initial visa application.
The revised panel adds ecstasy (MDMA) and ketamine (KET) to methamphetamine (MA), cannabis (THC), cocaine (COC) and opiates (OPI). Use a Ministry-designated medical institution that can issue the certificate with all six tests. Drug-test results are valid for four months from the date the result is determined. The general health-certificate validity printed on the attached form does not extend this shorter drug-test validity.
The notice specifies the application-date threshold above and gives no end date. Check your application date and the tests included, then follow the attached guidance and Ministry notice when preparing for registration.