Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dg347506]

I am asking for clarification on the process of transitioning from an E2 to E7 Visa based on previous threads I have read.

Here's my situation:

For my current, E2 Visa, job, the contract completion date is August 31st. My new, E7 Visa, job needs me to begin work on September 1st. I contacted immigration and they told me that I meet the qualifications for an E7; however, it usually takes a week or more to change from an E2 to E7 visa and they cannot BEGIN the transition process until after my CCD (8/31). Obviously, this puts me in a bind because I would like to begin my new job the next day (9/1). The only other option I am being given is to request a Letter of Release from my current job (which they would grant). But that would result in me losing out on a substantial amount of money (severance pay, last paycheck...etc) that is due to me from my current job.

I am inquiring about the following:

[1] Has anyone ever successfully transferred from an E2 to E7 visa while the previous contract was still in effect? Essentially, I am asking if it is possible to get a new visa without a LOR from my current job.

[2] Is a visa run necessary for the transition from an E2 to E7 visa?

Thank you in advance for your insight.

[ttompatz]

[dg347506]

Thank you for your reply. Could you possibly walk me through how the visa run would work in my case?

Specifically, when can I do the visa run if I don't want to terminate my contract with my current employer: anytime in August? or do I need to wait until August 31st (my CCD)? Side note: my last actual day of work is July 25th, but my contract goes until 8/31 because I am supposed to be on vacation.

Also, as I understand it, my new employer needs to prepare my E7 visa number through immigration before I go on my visa run? Will immigration grant this without a LOR from my current contract?

Finally, would the visa run terminate my old contract and thus cause me to lose my severance pay / last paycheck from my previous job?

Thank you for your very valuable information.

[ttompatz]

[dg347506]

My ARC doesn't expire until September 12th, unfortunately.

What if I were to get a Letter of Release on August 18th (the day after my last paycheck) and just sacrifice my severance pay. Would that be enough time to transition from an E2 to E7? Would a visa run still be necessary in that case?

Thank you!

[ttompatz]

[dg347506]

Wow. Really?

But what about the week or more transition period from an E2 to E7 visa that immigration is telling me about when I talk to them on the phone?

From what they are telling me, if I waited until September 1st to visit immigration, I would have to wait another week (or more) for them to change my visa before I could start work.

Thanks for the continued replies.

[ttompatz]