Korean Job Discussion Forums

Snowkr · Joined: 03 Jun 2005

I just came from the immigration office in Gyeonggi. When I worked in Korea before (different province), I don't remember having to give them my passport for 2 weeks while they processed my alien registration card.

Now the Gyeonggi office has my passport and told me it was their policy to keep it until the ARC is issued. I don't worry about this as much in Korea as I would in other countries but since when do they keep the original passport while processing the registration card??
I'm really not too comfortable with this...

IlIlNine · Joined: 15 Jun 2005 Location: Gunpo, Gyonggi, SoKo

Lighten up. Standard procedure. You'll get it back.

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

Been here 5 years and they took mine every time....Busan.

I find it strange that you didn't have it taken before.

Mosley · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

It's standard procedure but...did they tell you it would take 2 weeks? I've always had my card ready in 3-4 days.

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

Suwon office?

Did my card in a day.

lowpo · Joined: 01 Mar 2007

merkurix · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Location: Not far from the deep end.

As long as it's not your boss who says they must keep your passport, you should be okay.

Snowkr · Joined: 03 Jun 2005

I can't remember exactly but I think I had my card in one day as well in Gangwon Province in 2005.

2 weeks did seem quite long but then again... it could be the time of year as well. The last time I applied for one, it was not such a busy time with foreign teachers entering the country. It could also just be that Gyeonggi is not as efficient as other places... who knows?

I was pretty hesitant to let them have it. I will lighten up after a few days... hopefully

Snowkr · Joined: 03 Jun 2005

I can't remember exactly but I think I had my card in one day as well in Gangwon Province in 2005.

2 weeks did seem quite long but then again... it could be the time of year as well. The last time I applied for one, it was not such a busy time with foreign teachers entering the country. It could also just be that Gyeonggi is not as efficient as other places... who knows?

I was pretty hesitant to let them have it. I will lighten up after a few days... hopefully

SeoulShakin · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

5 business days for me in Seoul, and yes, they kept my passport. Standard procedure. It was sent back to me with my card.

kat2 · Joined: 25 Oct 2005 Location: Busan, South Korea

Each immi office is different. Busan is notorious for being hte most strict. I've processed 3 visas here (well 2 new E2s and one renewal). Even for the RENEWAL they kept it! I couldn't believe it! Anyway, its safe. they'll mail it back to you if you don't want to go pick it up.

I do vaguely recall that in cheongju in 2003, we got while we waited, but I think my boss had greased palms all across the city, so that's probably not standard.

BS.Dos. · Joined: 29 Mar 2007

10 days in...err...wherever it is I actually am.

Snowkr · Joined: 03 Jun 2005

That's right.

Chuncheon got mine processed and returned to me in less than one hour. Now I remember. Every second friday they would send officials to Wonju to aid foreign teachers. It was quick, painless and very efficient.

Wish Gyeonggi was the same! I'm not that comfortable handing over my passport in a foreign country. If I didn't love this country so much....

davyteacher · Joined: 27 Aug 2004 Location: Busan, South Korea.

Mine has gone for three months, but that`s for the F-5 visa.

normalcyispasse · Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2007 10:57 pm Post subject:

SOP. Two years and both times they've kept my passport.