Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pandemic902]

Hey all, here's my dilemma:

My passport expires Dec 31st 2008. I'm going to finish my PS contract September 5th, fly out to SEAsia for a few days then come back on a tourist visa and get my docs finalized for a job starting in October. I'll make a trip to the embassy ASAP to apply for passport renewal and fly out to Japan for the visa run.

1) Will Korea let me back in even though my passport expires in less than 3 months?
2) Will the CDN Embassy require my original old passport while they are processing the renewal? This would effectively mean I'm stuck in Korea while it's being renewed, no?

Any wisdom on this matter is greatly appreciated

[JungMin]

Why not just go and get it renewed before it expires?? It only takes a few weeks and then they will send it back to you.

[n�fara]

Perhaps I'm wrong, but I thought you couldn't fly anywhere but home if you have less than 6 months on your passport? Or do you mean that you will go ASAP before your current visa is finished and renew your passport?

To piggyback on your question though: I'm wondering about passport renewal in Korea though, too. I'm too far away from either Seoul or Busan to go to the Embassy/Consulate if I want to renew my passport. I'd have to fly there especially, and they are only open during weekdays from 9-4:30, which is exactly when I work. Is there any other way?

[pecan]

It can be done one of two ways. If it is simply an extension you need, they can do that right there at the Embassy. They will just stamp in the amendments section in the back and extend the validity of your passport accordingly.

However, if you require a new passport, they will have to send it to the NPC, the National Passport Center, for processing, which will take some time.

Give them a call at 02-397-4114 (that is off the top of my head, but I am pretty sure it is right).

-Nut

[n�fara]

Thanks very much, Nut.

I didn't know you could get an extension on your passport. Is that only a short term extension, or would someone be able to extend their passport for another year or two?

...

Maybe I should call that number and find out some more information for myself!
Thanks again.

[Ut videam]

The US will NOT extend your passport by placing an amendment in it. You must apply for a renewal prior to expiration.

http://seoul.usembassy.gov/amend_passport.html

If you meet the requirements, however, you do NOT have to appear at the Embassy to obtain a renewal passport.

http://seoul.usembassy.gov/renewal_for_adult.html

[pecan]

Thanks for correcting me on that. It's been a few years since I received the extension on my passport.

Good to know they no longer do that as of 9/26/05.

Again, thanks for the correction.

-Nut

[n�fara]

But, I believe pandemic902 is a Canadian.

Same rules for both countries?

[Ut videam]

http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/korea/passportservices-en.asp
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/korea/renewal-en.asp

Doesn't say anything there about extending by amendment. It does say you can renew by mail if you have a guarantor.

Here, it says that (only?) a limited-validity passport can be extended by amendment:

http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/korea/amendment-en.asp

[red_devil]

For US Citizens you can download the passport renewal form, fill it out, and mail it back in.

[Ut videam]

[xhaling]

I came back into Korea with less than 2 months left on my passport. I did have a year's visa on it though (Korean logic).

I sent off the form with my old passport to the (British) embassy, and had a new biometric one back to me within 2 weeks.

Get it done now, it'll be less stressful than waiting.

[Kimchieluver]

I had the Canadian Embassy mail me the passport renewal application forms and filled out the paperwork. I had a medical doctor (Korean) as a guarantor. You send it directly to the Canadian Consulate in Seoul via registered mail. You will need to send them a money order as well. It takes 2 to 3 weeks for your new passport to be hand delivered back to you along with your old one.

When you get your new passport, go to immigration and update your file. It is quick and easy. There is no immigration fee.

[n�fara]

hi Kimchieluver,

Did the doctor know you for at least two years?
What if you don't have anyone that fits the guarantor criteria that's known you for that long?

[ttompatz]