Korean Job Discussion Forums

[icnelly]

A friend of mine is a hagwon teacher, and is contemplating a graduate track here in South Korea. He's got a couple of questions:

Do I need a student visa? If so, will that have any bearing or make any kind of changes to my current E-2 visa? should I tell my employer about my college plans?

This thread talks about a student visa:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=36510&highlight=Student+Visas

But what about already having an E-2???

This one offers some definitions for visas:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=16261&highlight=Student+Visas

[ttompatz]

If you are here on an E2 you can "ADD" an activity not covered under your current visa with a simple application and 60k won (and the attendant documentation like the university acceptance, etc.)

The same can be done if you are on a "student" visa if you decide to switch from E2 to D2. You can ADD E2 activities but you need to submit the same documents that an E2 applicant does to obtain the visa.

You will also have to show that you can do both activities (show schedules and time tables) before approval is granted.

The only real difference is "who is your sponsor".

On an E2 with added activities, your employer is still your sponsor but you don't need to worry about showing "proof of funds".

On a D2 you need to show "proof of funds" because YOU are your sponsor and not the employer but you are not tied to your employer like an E2 visa holder is.

[icnelly]

Thanks Ttompatz. great info as usual.

I take it this is a immigration application? Anyone done this before?

[OiGirl]

Yes, you make this application at immigration.

You had asked earlier...some employers might be quite unhappy about a teacher who decided to study. And if you are adding D2 permission to an E2, you might be required to submit a letter from your employer giving you permission to study.