Job Discussion Forums

unsung · Joined: 23 Apr 2005 Posts: 34

Do any of you worldy Dave's ESL trooper know how long it takes to get a Certificate of Eligibility? I'll be in Seoul when my employer sends me the goods. Warm fuzzies to anyone who can help me out... Very Happy

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

For a visa? Figure 4-8 weeks.

unsung · Joined: 23 Apr 2005 Posts: 34

ionix- · Joined: 25 May 2005 Posts: 37 Location: Miyakonojo, Japan

To get the CoE, it takes between 1 and 8 weeks (I got mine in 1 week). For the visa (When you actually apply for your visa and you have your CoE on hand), it takes 5 business days.

randerso · Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 5:30 am Post subject:

For a Work Visa: Check the specific timelines for the country you are applying from. It's same day in Canada/America, but can take up to 14 days in China. I don't know the time guidelines in Korea - but I'd call and find out. They should be able to give you a rough idea without the specifics of your case.

For a CoE: It depends on your new province's immigration office. Are they swamped? Slow? Mine took 2 wks, but my Employer put my start date as early July to speed up the process.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

seoulmon · Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Posts: 13

OK! I got an answer you will LIKE and one that is REAL. Check it:

The first step in obtaining a work visa is for your sponsor or guarantor to obtain a "Certificate of Eligibility" on your behalf. The guarantor can be your employer, a school, a relative, etc. The guarantor must contact the local immigration office in Japan in order to apply for your certificate. Once you have the completed certificate, you can then apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate nearest you. When applying for a work visa, submit your valid passport, one 2" x 2" photo, a completed visa application form, the original Certificate of Eligibility, and one additional copy of the certificate. There is no fee for the visa and it will usually take two business days to process.

This is from the Dace's ESL message baord. I've linked it here so you can peruse it at your leasure.

ionix- · Joined: 25 May 2005 Posts: 37 Location: Miyakonojo, Japan

This is incorrect, at least for Canada. I have just received my visa (36 hours ago) so I guess my experience should be considered as very accurate.
I got my CoE within 1 week but I was told I was super lucky and it usually takes about 5 weeks.
The visa took the whole 5 business days. I went to the consulate at 4 business days (Because I was passing by) and they told me it's not done yet and it's always 5 business days.
I hope this can clear some rumors on this forum.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

seoulmon,

You should highlight the correct information. The original poster wanted to know how long it took to get the COE. That takes 4-7 weeks. Reread the FAQ that you cut and pasted from. What you highlighted in bold is how long it takes to get the visa after you have the COE.

seoulmon · Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Posts: 13

ionix- · Joined: 25 May 2005 Posts: 37 Location: Miyakonojo, Japan

Wrong, as soon as it is submitted, you have no say over the length of the process. It's in the hand of immigration and they take the time they deem necessary according to urgency, how many they have to do and other factors that are unknown to mortals Smile

Guidelines published by MoJ are 4-8 weeks

unsung · Joined: 23 Apr 2005 Posts: 34

GOT IT!

June 9th Start
June 23th Finish

Thus, the answer....

COE 13 days, VISA 1 day