Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SydCShell]

Hi there, I need some help.

I'm trying to get an E-2 visa while still living in the states. I sent all the documents to the school I'm going to be working for and they just sent me my visa issuance number. I figured out where I should go in Washington D.C. to finalize the process, but I've been getting conflicting information between the website for the embassy and talking to them.

Has anyone been through the process here that can help me out?

[kiteflyer]

I am returning to America to get my new visa this time, instead of going to Japan. (I'm in Korea, now).

I'd say show up and do your best.

MY QUESTION TO YOU IS: DO we ALL have to go to the embassy in D.C.? I live in NC, back home, and the Atlanta embassy is only 3 hours away. Where do you live?

[Ut videam]

[Zaria32]

I live in NC too, and I'll go to the Embassy in New York because my daughter lives there.

Please be aware that when you walk up, give them your visa issuance number, they will 1) want to take your passport, and 2) give it back to you 1 to 2 days later with the visa all pretty inside the passport.

[Mr Lee's Monkey]

I came to Korea at the end of August, 2007. I was sent an issuance number and given only 2 business days before I was to fly to Korea to actually go to DC and get the visa. I lived 3 hours (by car) from the Korean consulate in DC. It's SOP in DC to take your application for the visa and then have you come back in a few working days to pick it up, or have it mailed to you. When I arrived in DC and learned that they wanted me to come back days later, I explained to them that I was flying out in a matter of days. They insisted on seeing my flight itinerary. They then asked me to return after 4:30pm to pick up the visa (I'd arrived at the embassy at 9am) . I kicked around DC for a while and then returned to the embassy to wait for the visa. I went up to the window to say I'd returned to the office, and there was my passport on the desk of the clerk at the window. She asked me to come back to the window at 4:30, and that's when she handed the passport back to me.

[Khenan]

I just finished this process through the consolate in Seattle. I don't know what the website says about it, but here was my process:

Call and make an interview appointment; bring an unofficial copy of transcripts, PP, PP photo, visa issuance code, and $45; wait around for several hours; come back and pick up your PP w/ visa.

[joeheckel]

The visa process for me has been quite the hassle. The Houston consulate handles 4 states surrounding Texas and mandates an in person interview. They are requiring me to drive 700 miles for what will likely be a 5 minute interview. I did ask about alternative consulates.....apparently they work on a jurisdiction system so the visa processing is based on your permanent residence. I find it hard to believe in today's electronic age that we still need in person interviews for matters like this.

Anyone else having trouble with the Texas consulate?

[plynx]

[joeheckel]

That is great news to me. I am staying with my folks on Beaver Lake in Arkansas until I depart. The drive to Kansas City is way close than the drive to Houston. I received my visa confirmation number today and will be calling them tomorrow to see if they will let me get a visa in KC instead of Houston. That would save me over 400 miles of driving!

When I called the Houston office they told me of this "jurisdiction" that caused me to have to use the Houston office.....

I will get more info from the Kansas City office!

Thanks

[plynx]

[subicslugger]

When dealing with the consulate in Houston, if you dont like the answer you are getting, ask to talk to someone else.

[joeheckel]

Well it looks like I will be dealing with them irregardless. For some reason I thought I saw that there was a consulate in Kansas City but there is not. I will call them in a few hours when they open and ask.

Thanks for the advice....

I hope it isn't this difficult every time to get my visa updated!!