Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tombirner]

I started work in a small town (public elementary school) near Gwangju in November. Got the E2 visa. Got my criminal background check on the internet, and haven't yet had a medical exam.

Essentially, I'm not happy here, and want to move to Seoul, to a Hagwon, which is ready to hire me. I can't tell you how complicated the visa situation sounds...everyone tells me something different, and it changes every day. I hear I have to stay at my current job at least three months (and does that mean I can only apply after three months or only be granted after three months), then I hear nine months (ditto), then I hear it's always possible with a release letter, then it seems I'll get a release letter automatically when I give my notice at my school, then I hear I don't get a release letter...

Can anyone tell me anything definitive on my situation?? I am trying to get a job at a Hogwan in February, though if it happens in April, that's fine too. Of course the school's director is hearing different things from Seoul immigration than I'm hearing from Gwangju immigration. I guess I'm worried that I can't be guaranteed a new E2 visa, but it seems I have to quit my current visa first, thus risking being in a position where I no longer have my E2 visa and am denied a new one. Is there any way to apply for a new E2 without necessarily canceling my new one (in case I don't get approved)? If not, anyone know of my chances of getting a new one so soon into a contract? And do I have to go back to America? How does the release letter affect things? If I leave my contract, isn't my visa canceled anyway, and am I then able to obtain a new E2 visa with another school?

I also have heard that it's incredibly easy if you've already gotten an E2 visa... that you don't need a new criminal check, you can go to Japan instead of America, etc.

This is madness. Please help.

Oh, and yes, I copied and pasted this from another thread...