Korean Job Discussion Forums

[losing_touch]

Well, I thought that I would post this. I read time after time that the new regulations state that an applicant who has not taught in Korea must return to their home country to obtain their first E-2 visa. This is NOT the case. The job ads say it. The recruiters say it. Reading through the regulations today, they state:

The following outlines the differences when applying for visa issuance through overseas consulate.

* By rule, must apply from the Korean consulate that is located in the applicant�s country.
※ When applying from a third country is permitted:
- Those that have worked in Korea as a Professor (E-1), Foreign language instructor (E-2), or Researcher (E-3), and have no record of law breaking
-�Those whose education level has been verified by domestic verification agency (�Korean Council for University Education�) that was created based on Law on Korean University Education Association
▶By rule, must go through an interview at the consulate. (However, those that applied for visa issuance from a third country may skip this portion as situation warrants)

So there you have it. My employer was correct. My degree is currently being verified by the KCUE.

http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/InfoDetailR_en.pt?categoryId=2&parentId=382&catSeq=385&showMenuId=374

[tick]

"...and have no record of law breaking"

That's great news as I am presently living in a "third country". However as I overstayed my E1 visa by a few days before leaving Korea the last time I wonder if in the eyes of Korean Immigration I have "a record of law breaking"?

[esetters21]

[gteacher]

[Tobias]

Can't these guys do this interview business via video link?
What kinds of questions are they asking?
How long is it?

Surely it can be done through a web camera. This is a TESOL job I'm talking about here. It's not like one is getting a job at the FBI or CIA. You shouldn't have to fly back on a long flight only to spend 30 minutes being drilled at the consulate. And are these interviewers psychologists? What kind of training do they have that makes them qualified to be interrogators?

[losing_touch]

Although I have not and will not go through the process, I have read that it is more of a formality than anything. The whole thing seems like a joke! Yes, they will do a webcam interview if you can't make it to the embassy. However, that embassy (or consulate) would be the authority issuing your visa. Thus, it seems that you would need to be in the states to do this.

[ytuque]

[losing_touch]

[RufusW]

Great Stuff losing_touch, recruiters definitely don't seem to know about this loophole - everyone should be taking advantage!

Can I piggyback? Can we have a rolecall of anyone who has actually done this? Who was your employer? How easy was it?

I'm going to try it myself, probably from within Korea.

[Tommy]

I overstayed my very first visa by a few days. What I'll be doing in four months:

- Fly 16 hours to Canada for ~$1000
- 5 minute interview consisting of, "Do you like kimchi? Do you know Korea has four season? You are very handsome"
- Wait 3~4 weeks for verification
- Fly 16 hours back to Korea for ~$1000

Cost: a shit-load of money
Time: wasted
Sense: none

What am I saying??! K-logic makes perfect sense!!!

[ytuque]

[losing_touch]

Wow, aren't you special. You know a bad word in Spanish. It is a shame that it took you a second post to contribute anything of value. I might add that it is not of much value. Everyone should know that an embassy / consulate has the authority to make decisions on a case by case basis. Duh?

[gteacher]

[Sushi]

I returned to Korea to work a day later than I should have. I stipulated when I was returning, but got mixed up with my flights and when I arrived the immigration wanted me to go to japan and get a new visa. My boss went to bat for me, and i got away with just writing a letter of why I was late. Immigration was pissed, and told me not to make the same mistake again. Would that be a black mark against me. Anyone know

[gteacher]