Korean Job Discussion Forums

AussieGav · Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Location: Uijeongbu

I am looking for some information/advice about F2 visas and the current immi changes.

I am palnning to marry my Korean girlfriend in March.

How long does it usually take to obtain the new visa? the site suggests 3 weeks.

How different is the employment climate with this visa opposed to the E2?

With all the changes being introduced, will there be any difficulties in swapping visa?

Is there a need to do a visa run?

Any information or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

My F2-1 visa was ready to pick up 1 hour after I applied for it. Assuming you have all the documents required in correct order you can go from E-2 to F-2 in one afternoon (wrong!!)

A lot of employers will be happy to see an F-2 visa applicant nowadays as it suggests stability and so much less red-tape.

There are no difficulties swapping visa's. The F-2 visa is designed for those marrying Koreans and the immigration office will expect you to apply for one after you are married.

You don't need to do visa runs after getting an F-2. The only things you are required to do with an F-2 are to renew it once a year, and to report to the local -Gu office when you change address.

AussieGav · Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Location: Uijeongbu

Thanks heaps for that, its what I thought but sometimes the reality is different to expectations.

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

Actually, on second thoughts, I think it's renewing your F-2 which takes one day.

The actual going from E-2 to F-2 takes 10-14 days and you have to leave your passport with them.

Sorry for the confusion!!

tob55 · Joined: 29 Apr 2007

The F2-1 is not hard to get, but you have to go through all of the red tape to get it done. Besides getting everything ready, there were a couple of Korean notorized documents that had to be taken care of before I was able to finalize the process. It took 2 fulle weeks to get the F2-1 which I had to go back to immigration for. The second and subsequent renewals take place at the same immigarion office and you go in and give them the money, they stamp the back of your ARC and you are good to go. As a general rule the secon renewal moves you from a one year to a two year limit, and by the third renewal you are eligible for your F5 which gives you permantent residency if that is an option you want to consider later.