Korean Job Discussion Forums

[EricaSmile84]

This question is for anyone who has completed an EPIK contract and immediatly flew home.

Although my contract doesn't end until February, I'm curious about what's going to happen when it does. (I'm also excited and drooling at the idea of being able to go back home to America)

Did you leave before the date on your contract? Mine's 2/28 but I'm thinking I'd have to leave before that time because of the new teacher that will be taking my position. Naturally, my co-workers don't know what to tell me which is why I'm asking on here. My visa expires 2/21 which makes me even more curious.

Anyway, yeah it's a specific question but any experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[jvalmer]

You'll need to get an extension on your visa. Immigration will give you an extension until the end of your contract, but if you have a ticket with you, they'll give you one to the date of your ticket (within reasonable time, of course). Don't book a ticket for 4 months after the end of your contract and expect immigration to give you a 4 month extension.

[ttompatz]

Immigration will give you a NON working extension of up to 30 days after the end of your contract...

BUT

If you remain in the country for more than 10 days after the end of your contract you risk losing your return airfare.

7.If Employee completes the Term of Employment without the intention to renew and leaves Korea within 10 days from the expiration date, Employer shall provide the airfare for Employee�s one way return flight to the employee�s home country either in the form of reimbursement or direct purchase.

.

[EricaSmile84]

Thanks for the advice. So I'm guessing you guys stayed until at least the last day on your contract. (in my case, I'll have to stay until 2/2 I was thinking I'd have to leave before that to make way for the next teacher who'll be living in my place.

[n�fara]

A friend of mine left on a Saturday, although his contract ended on a Sunday.

He inquired of the POE, and they told him he could be said to officially finish at 4:30 on the Friday, since EPIKers don't work on the weekends. Since February 28th, 2009 is on a Saturday, you could probably leave on that day (or Friday night, if you really wanted to)

However, not all POEs are the same. It's best to ask them closer to the time when you will be leaving.

[Jessie41]

I am in the same position as you. My visa also expires on 2/21, but I will have to remain until 2/28 to complete my contract and receive my ticket home. The last I heard from our EPIK coordinator is that we need the HIV/Drug addiction test to "extend" our E-2 visa, even if it is only for one week to complete the contract. I hope this is wrong, but he called immigration.

I considered extending my departure date, which can be done for up to 30 non-working days if you have your return ticket. But I don't think that is the type of extension needed, since I will still be working in some way that last week.

[ED209]

Despite what your contract says you MUST leave on the date your visa expires. You may want to take this up with immigration, or if you are happy leaving on the visa expiration date then take it up with your school ensuring hat you will receive full severance and airfare. Don't expect your contract to supersede immigration rules. You will be fined 100,000 for even been a day over, you will also be black marked which can make future E2 applications more difficult.

[Kimchieluver]