Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jen_the_great]

I'm sorry if any of this is redundant, but I did a few searches and couldn't come up with exactly what I was looking for.

First, does anyone know a cheap notary or lawyer in the GTA? I live in Brampton, but obviously need to go to downtown Toronto to see the consulate anyway. Someone close to the consulate would be ideal if you have any ideas. I'm going to try calling some places on Monday, but I'm not sure what the fee should be.

Is a notarized copy of your degree still okay in lieu of the original for the new E2 guidelines? My Laurier arts degree might not be worth much, but I don't want it to get all bent out of shape on the way to Korea. Plus, someone at my old school had their degree mysteriously lost. I don't want to take that chance.

I worked in Seoul last year, but with the rush and the easy E2 guidelines, my hagwon just sent me to Japan instead of dealing with rushing paperwork through immigration. I know how the visa issuance numbers work, but I don't know how long it'll take and honestly, I wouldn't mind another free trip to Japan. From the day you Fedex your stuff to Korea, how long does it generally take to get your visa in your passport and ready to go? If the school wants me in Seoul by the weekend of May 24th, do you think I'd be able to complete the visa process in time? I have all the documents but need to do notarization and consulate stuff.

Lastly, because I'm an idiot, I lost my passport the last time I was in Seoul in bloody Technomart. I also lost my wallet, my keys, and all my cash. It was a bad day. It also means I don't have my first E2 anymore because that passport has probably been sold on the black market by now. Immigration wasn't able to give me a new visa, but did restamp my re-entry stamp so I never had major problems leaving and entering Korea. I've heard first timers aren't allowed to go on visa runs anymore, so I'm wondering if I'll have an issue because I'm not a first timer, but obviously don't have an old work visa to prove it. I know this might be a tough questions because most people aren't stupid enough to lose their passports, but does anyone know if I'll be turned away if/when I go to Fukouka?

[jen_the_great]

bump. Just wanted to check if anyone knew anything.

[darkcity]

can't answer all your questions, but i had the same inhibitions as you regarding sending my original degree.

my employer said that sending 2 copies notarized would be fine. but seeing as how my uni was overseas and I'd have to get it notarized by that country's consulate, i just sent the original. a replacement diploma would only be $10 anyway.

as for how long it takes...i fed exed my stuff on 4/15. would've taken only a bout two, two and a half weeks after that to leave, but i screwed up some of the paperwork and have to wait a few more weeks now. proably won't get there till june, really frustrating. make sure your photos are the proper size and your transcript is actually a transcript and not just a confirmation of graduation.