Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pidgin]

Could experienced F2 visa-getters chime in with good/bad immi. offices that they went with??

When I say good/bad, I guess I'm referring to processing time (minimal), overall service (or lack of problems) and that old urban legend(?) of millions of won in the bank (absent).

So, which offices served you well, and who should I avoid??

PS: I realize this has been done to death here, but I'm afraid it's not organized and the search engine, well...blows.

Help?

[The Grumpy Senator]

I was in and out of the Anguk office in less than 30 minutes. My card was ready a week later and was sent to my home. My wife had gotten all the neccessary paperwork done beforehand (I am not sure how many phone calls that took).

Overall, it was easy and painless.

[IncognitoHFX]

Might want to avoid Suwon Immi. I had decent service with them, but I had everything organized and ready when I went in. Friends of mine weren't so lucky and had quite a nasty run around.

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that no one who works there can speak a word of English. It's strange, but it is true.

[kprrok]

This doesn't really matter unless you plan to move just to the office's jurisdiction just to get the processing. You have to get the VISA at the office where you live. You can't get the F2 in Busan if you live in Suwon.

KPRROK

[pidgin]

I see. So if I live in Bundang, I only have one choice of Immi. offices?

I guess I was under a different impression.

[Dysupes]

Just to be clear you can't do ANYTHING at an immi. office that isn't the one you got your alien's card from. I tried to get a... wait for it... multiple re-entry permit in Busan and was told they cannot issue that to me since I got my card in Masan. The airport can do a single re-entry and so could they but only Masan could do a multiple. Oh yes, most wired country in the world... uh huh. [/i]

[Imbroglio]

Upon renewal of your second F2 visa, only your wife need be present with the proper documentation.

[kprrok]

[pidgin]

But for certain can ONLY apply for the F2 at the one immi. office which corresponds with where you live. yea?

[skdragon]

[merkurix]

As much as we would love to have a choice, you must go to the immigration office in the jurisdiction of your Korean wife/husband's address. I mistakenly went to Suwon Immi. and it was a big waste of time. After waiting for 9 hours ( we went home for a while; our number was 612 and they were serving 49 when we arrived--there were only 3 bureaucrats working that day). We went there because my address at the time was in Suwon, but my wife's address on her family register was in Uijeongbu. 9 hours later, they said I had to go to THAT office. I went to Uijeongbu immigration later that week and in less than 20 minutes we were out the door with a card that asked me to come back a week later for a brand-new F-2-1 visa and an amendment to my passport.

(Ain't that right ttompatz )

[merkurix]

Oh, and don't forget to pay for a multiple-entry permit once you get your F-2. Have your wife ask for one there and pay them (50,000 won I believe).

[Scouse Mouse]

Uijeongbu immi are a dream! I have never had a problem there, and my F-2 was processed in 20 minutes, and I had a new card in less than a week.

As I am British, there was no charge for the multi-entry visa.

[kprrok]

[pidgin]

My understanding is then,...to apply at the immi. office that covers the area where you and your spouse "plan" to live. It is often the Korean's home as; school-sponsored housing is not generally accepted as a suitable abode. Right so far??