Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Col.Brandon]

Hi all,

I've been a long time reader of this forum, but this is the first time I've posted for a couple of years.

Anyway, I have a small problem and would like some advice. I work for a major franchise hagwon and the time has come to leave for greener pastures; a man has his limits. The manager has asured me that there will be no problem getting a release letter when I leave on December 31st. So far so good.

I sussed out a potential job through a friend, and they're interested in hiring me, but here's where it gets tricky: The new company has ties to the old one - the new company's director started the old company then sold out to the new owners. So he's telling me that he can't be seen to be "head-hunting" me from my current employer. It's bad form, apparently. He tells me that if I was to make a clean break, he could then hire me "fresh".

So, here's my question: How can I make a clean break from my current employer without jeopardising my E-2 visa? If I go to Japan I can't get a new visa until my old one would have expired, right?

Has anyone been through this process before? I assume I have to go to immigration and do some kind of paperwork. I tried the FAQ on this site, but it just seems to be a collection of hearsay and flame fests.

Cheers.

[oneiros]

If you're director supplies you with a letter of release, most of your problem is over. You need to go to immigration with your director and cancel your current visa with them. They'll give you a two week exit order. (ie You have two weeks from that date to leave the country.)

At that point, you should be free to apply for a new visa with the other school. Once you get the blue visa paper, you can do a visa run to Japan for the new visa and you're set.

[Grotto]

I'm pretty sure that with a letter of release you will have no problems getting a new E2 visa. When you leave your job go to the immigration office with your boss and file the letter of release along with any other paperwork. When you turn in your ARC and leave the country you are eligible for a new E2 visa pretty much immediately.

If you need any conformation on this pm Gord he's the expert in this area

[Col.Brandon]

OK thanks, guys. So the "no new visa until 12 months is up" thing is only if you do a runner? That's a relief.

Seems the only thing I have to worry about now will be enduring the uncomfortable silence between my boss and I on the way to the immigration office. What are some good ice-breakers to get the conversation going?
"Do you find a lack of interpersonal skills to be an advantage or a disadvantage in your line of work?"
"Are you planning on growing a spine at some stage?" That'll do for a start

[oneiros]

My boss pretended that she couldn't remember where the immigration office was on the drive down. This was a city of 200 000 people, and the immigration office was right beside the major landmark/tourist attraction in the city. I'm still not sure what game she was trying to play (Oh no! I can't find the office! I guess you'll have to stay after all.)

[McNasty]

Since you have already found another job, prior to going down with your boss to immigration to cancel your visa, be sure to get the release letter and actually cancel your visa.
I had an experience where I broke a contract and got a new job and both the oldand the new employers claimed that I could simply transfer my current E2 over.
While that may very well be true under certain circumstances(not sure which as they seemed unsure themselves) immigration can be pretty inconsistent in their methods.
So cancel the old E2 and get yourself a new one no matter what they claim.

McNasty

[Col.Brandon]

OK, cheers - will do. I don't have another job yet. I've got a week to go. I'm being extremely paranoid this time, because even when you do do your homework beforehand, things can still turn sour.

I even interviewed a co-worker about the place before I signed up. I don't know what planet he was on, but the place turned out to be far less rosy than the picture he painted.

[Col.Brandon]

OK, now I gotta make the trip to the immigration office. I was wondering what I need to bring along. Should I have a list of grievances, for example?

[oneiros]

If you have a letter of release, you just need that, and your employer to come down with you to sign the forms.