Korean Job Discussion Forums

cedarseoul · Joined: 16 Feb 2008 Location: nowon-gu

I had mine done today to renew my visa. For the most part, things went well - but evidently, I have high blood pressure. I had no idea - definitely something for me to look into more seriously.

Anyway, they want me to come back later or tomorrow and re-test my BP, which I'll certainly do, but I'm wondering - if my pressure stays high (the "top" number was around 150 each time they took it), is this going to be a "deal-breaker" with immigration? I don't really think I should be rejected over something like this, but I'm not quite clear on what does / does not matter to K-Immi.

Has anyone else dealt with high BP in the visa application or renewal process? Any insight?

Thanks!

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

It 's not a deal breaker. Most schools don't care. I've had numerous check ups where by BP was much higher than that. The next time you have a check up try to relax

poet13 · Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 6:53 pm Post subject:

They didn't ask you if you had been drinking the night before? They did with me. Mine was getting high...180 over something, so I have changed my diet to much less salt and grease.

cedarseoul · Joined: 16 Feb 2008 Location: nowon-gu

I didn't drink last night; I'm honestly not surprised by the diagnosis, as I kind of thrive on stress (e.g., NASDAQ). Still, though, it was disconcerting. But I imagine everything will be fine at immigration; I'll post confirmation once I have it.

Thanks for the insight.

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

Ut videam · Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Location: Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

My blood pressure tested extremely high when I went for my pre-ARC health check back in March. Got my ARC without a hitch.

As an aside, I knew the reading was inaccurate or a fluke, as I'd had two separate readings come out perfectly normal when I donated blood in the US a couple weeks before returning to Korea. The hospital here used one of those automated machines, and didn't even bother with a second reading or the other arm when the first one came out high.

icicle · Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Location: Gyeonggi do Korea

No it is definitely not a deal breaker with immigration ... I have high blood pressure and told them ... And it tested high (even on my normal medication) and shows so on the report I submitted to immigration and it does not prevent you from getting the visa (Though as the OP said if you do test high it is worth investigating further .... but that is for you later)... It is mainly the drug test and the infectious deseases stuff that will be an absolute deal breaker with immigration ...

Zaria32 · Joined: 04 Dec 2007

There's also such a thing as "white coat hypertension..." you went to the hospital to have your health check, may have been a little tense over that hence high blood pressure.

By all means go back...and if diet and exercise dont work RAPIDLY to reduce your blood pressure then start on some medication...getting that blood pressure down is very important.