Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Pyongshin Sangja]

I am leaving my current uni in March, 8 months into the contract, for another uni. My current bosses are going to release me. Will I have to do a visa run to Japan to get a new E-2 or can my old one be transferred to a different employer? Anyone got any ideas?

[rapier]

Should be no problem: in my experience you cannot transfer your E2 to a new employer though.
Your old employer must go to immigration with you, nullify your current E2, get you a 2-week exit order, and your new emlpoyer must send you on a new visa run before time is up.

[kangnamdragon]

You have to go to Japan when you change jobs.

[schwa]

I changed jobs & didnt have to go anywhere except my local immigration office. I assume my E2 was transferred. The only visa stamp in my passport expired in 2000 & presents no problems leaving & coming back to Korea. (But I have to renew my reentry status from time to time.)

Worth asking more questions at immi. Some offices might interpret the rules differently.

[wylde]

that is news to me schwa..

all info i have tells me an E2 is void when you change employers and a visa run is required..

but if you say so..

in light of this new evidence if is probably worth your while to question immi cuz this board seems to be split..

ps. when visiting immigration, take an older korean with you, maybe your boss. they are easily understood and have better tactics for sticky situations.

[hellofaniceguy]

You are asking the wrong people here for that kind of information; you need to ask immigration. It's their call and it's 50/50!

[canukteacher]

I have changed jobs, and this is what took place (unless the laws have changed this is what should happen)

1. Your current employer must cancel your E-2 with immigration. This can be done by phone.

2. Before you go to immigration to have a change of workplace approved and stamped in your passport YOU MUST go to City Hall in the area where you are moving to and have your address changed. I know this from experience. Have your new employer take you to the City Hall, and do what is necessary. Immigration WILL NOT change your workplace until you do this.

3. Once you have new address in place go to immigration and they will stamp Change of workplace in your passport.

4. Your Visa IS NOT extended, but just before it expires you go back to immigration with your contract, etc. and they will extend it. You DO NOT HAVE TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY.

Like I say, I have done this before, and unless the laws have changed, what I have outlined above is correct.

Good Luck!

CT

[wylde]

we all have our own experiences..

if we are all correct, korea is even worse than i thought..

i know 1 thing to be true, you know another and joe blow knows another thing too

i did this in july and i had to leave.
could also depend on how much so-ju you give the immigration officer too....

straight from the pages of efl-law.com

6) Do I need a Letter of Release?
6. If you are finishing one contract without completing the contracted period of employment, and changing jobs within Korea, you must leave Korea to receive a visa at a Korean embassy outside Korea. This is known as the visa run. Many people go to Fukuoka in Japan to achieve same.

ref - http://www.efl-law.com/faqans5-6.html

these guys know the drill..

go to immigration.

[schwa]

Okay, in fact I finished my first contract before taking the new job. Cant speak to the op's exact situation (early release).

But I do think a lot of needless visa runs are undertaken by people who do finish their contracts. I wonder if regulations changed & employers & some immi offices arent up to speed yet.

Good advice to have a Korean along for more complex procedures, to help explain, fill out forms, & ask questions. I had to present a document from my former boss saying I'd fulfilled my obligations & a copy of my new contract (immi phoned both parties to doublecheck). Had to do the cityhall change-of-address thing too but in fact they allowed me 30 days after the new visa issuance.

[Pyongshin Sangja]

Wow. Thanks. I think.

[canukteacher]

Thank you Wylde...........I know nothing.

[wylde]

you are welcome

[wylde]

[Pyongshin Sangja]

Well, according to the new uni I do have to do this run. Wish there were a way to avoid it. Anyone else?

[Pyongshin Sangja]

Anyone else out there? I guess I should talk to Immi.........