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Korean Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
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idonojacs
Joined: 07 Jun 2007
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 Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2007 12:38 am Post subject: |
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Now I'm confused.
Are you saying that now Americans need a passport and valid visa to travel within the United States?
No wonder there are such long waits to get a passport.
Things sure have changed while I was away.
Do you have to speak Toki Pona now, too? |
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hogwonguy1979
Joined: 22 Dec 2003
Location: the racoon den
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| Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2007 1:41 am Post subject: |
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i knew there were some idiots around here just didnt think they posted in the travel forum
i figured this one out from the get go. The woman was asking if she would be hassled about not having an onward ticket when checking in for her trip to Seoul from ATL. since she would be coming here on a 30 day tourist visa on arrival or whatever they call it here. I told her it depended on who was behind the counter, we've no problems many times and some times even with our e2s or coming back from vaction with an e2 we've been hassled big time
very simple question, you folks went wacko |
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idonojacs
Joined: 07 Jun 2007
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| Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2007 8:20 am Post subject: |
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hogwonguy1979
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| i knew there were some idiots around here just didnt think they posted in the travel forum |
I will assume you were referring to me, and not to the OP.
| Quote: |
| i figured this one out from the get go. |
Are you sure? Absolutely sure?
Cause I'm not. I'm not exactly an expert on international travel regulations. I just followed the checklist from my recruiter. Plus I've read the info on this site, etc.
But none of what the OP has said so far makes any sense to me. And apparently it did not make much sense to the other posters, who have been trying to help her.
You are making too many assumptions here. And assumptions are a very bad idea when making such an expedition.
Atavistic was right:
Start over. Details. CLEAR, WELL-WRITTEN DETAILS please.
I don't think the other posters were trying to be rude; they were trying to help. But they can't without some clear answers from the OP.
The OP is going to teach English on a one-year contract, right?
The OP has an E-2 visa in her passport, right?
The OP has a plane ticket, one way to Korea, right?
The OP has a passport good for at least the duration of the contract, right?
The OP has all the other paperwork, right?
Allright, then what is the question?
And why is anyone talking about a tourist visa? |
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elliemk
Joined: 01 Jul 2007
Location: Sparkling Korea!
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| Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2007 8:54 am Post subject: Are you sure? Absolutely sure? |
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Okay, last time trying to explain myself.
I am coming from Atlanta, GA to Ulsan, South Korea.
I do NOT have an E-2 visa currently.
At first, I was going to get a tourist visa because of the lack of time to get everything in order.
Now, in the last 24 hours, my new boss wrote and said he is sending the contract, letter of reference and required document about the establishment of the school.
Also, I just found out that the Korean Consulate in the U.S. has NEW requirements as of July 14, 2007 (yesterday).
Now, they will no longer authenticate documents from the U.S. Now you have to go to a Superior Court Clerk's office and get documents notarized ($3.00 each). And THEN you go to the consulate and get your visa.
AND, if you got your degree in another state, THAT state has to issue the apostille.
Anyway, life just became a lot more complicated. So, I'm going to run now and try to figure out how the hect I can get all this done without paying another $200 or $300 for all this stuff. |
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idonojacs
Joined: 07 Jun 2007
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| Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 2:52 am Post subject: |
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That's interesting; the rules are always changing, which is one reason why you should not rely too much on what you read here, especially from older posts. Check with the offical sources, wherever possible.
But even then, you might get bad info.
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| AND, if you got your degree in another state, THAT state has to issue the apostille. |
I don't know what an apostille is, but I do know the first Korean consulate I checked with told me something about getting something like this, I forget exactly what, and they were wrong. I got my visa from a nearer consulate without a problem.
Some posters rag on recruiters, but I'll tell you, a good recruiter is indespensible at times like this to cut through the red tape and get straight answers. That's how I cleared up this misinformation.
Look, if no one else is going to tell you, I guess it's up to me.
It is illegal to work in Korea without a work visa, specifically an E2 for teaching English. Any prospective employer who tells you otherwise is lying. Do you want to work for a liar?
My first job offer came from a recruiter who was in a hurry and wanted me to come over on a tourist visa. He insisted it was legal. I humored him for awhile, but said no. No. No!
It was the best thing I ever did. I got a job offer from an honest recruiter and employer who was willing to wait for me to get all the paperwork in order. I didn't buy a plane ticket until after I got a signed contract. And then I left about a three week cushion to finish the visa process. A good thing, too. You need to leave room for human error, on your part, or others.
Yes, it take time to jump through the hoops. But if you take shortcuts, it may end up costing you more in the long run.
Before I got on the plane they looked at my passport, closely, and at my visa. I don't know whether they would have let me on the plane without a visa, but I wouldn't want to try finding out.
Do it right. There are always more jobs out there.
Good luck. |
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elliemk
Joined: 01 Jul 2007
Location: Sparkling Korea!
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| Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 3:03 am Post subject: RE: That's interesting; the rules are always changing, |
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Well, the law went into effect on July 14, 2007. I have talked with Korean Consulates in San Francisco and Atlanta. I have talked with the Secretary of State's offices in Sacramento and in Atlanta. The information is correct now.
My boss is a friend from when I taught in Korea before. He is not a liar and has already waited for me when he had lots of other applications. He will continue to wait. I probably won't make it to Korea on my hoped-for date of August 1st with these new regulations. Instead, I'll have to send everything to Korea after I have the correct apostilles, etc.
Having worked for Hyundai in Korea 10 years ago, I know lots about the country, customs, etc. I also know it is illegal to work without a visa and illegal to teach privates. I do plan on obeying the laws while I am there.
I'm excited about coming back and appreciate your comments!
Ellie  |
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