Korean Job Discussion Forums

wawawawonder · Joined: 30 Mar 2008

I worked in Korea from August 07 to August 08. On leaving, I encountered some problems at Incheon Airport.

Why? Because, I had outstayed my visa by one day (actually only nine and a half hours of that particular day, not that it makes a difference). A stupid mistake, I know.

As a result of this, I was taken back through the security checks etc to the immigration desk whereupon various forms were filled out and signed, and I was allowed to leave without paying the fine associated with outstaying visas.

Does anyone have any concrete experience of knowledge as to how this aberration will affect future visa requests? Sure, I could just go ahead and apply and see what happens. However, that would involve handing in my notice in my current job. And that's not really a risk I want to take.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 2:08 pm Post subject:

In theory it shouldn't be a problem, but it will mean you will have to be interviewed at the K-embassy/consulate to get another visa; however, with Immigration... who knows?

jurassic82 · Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Location: Somewhere!!!!

I wouldn't worry about it. There have been many people on this board who have admited to over staying their VISA and have had only the inconvenience of having to do the interview. I haven't heard of anyone so far being denied a VISA for over staying their VISA. My advice be prepared to do an interview and stop stressing.

ChinaBoy · Joined: 17 Feb 2007

meangradin · Joined: 10 Mar 2006

I know of someone who forgot to hand in their arc at the airport, and have been refused a new E visa because they have a "mark" on their record. In typical Korean fashion, she was told she had to go to a Korean consulate in her home country to resolve it, but once there, they told her she had to resolve it in Korea. As far as I know, she still has been refused a visa.

Big Mac · Joined: 17 Sep 2005

With the new Visa regulations things have changed a lot. I know someone who had a problem because they overstayed their Visa several years ago.

If you overstayed your Visa at some time in the past, they will tell you that you cannot apply for a new Visa in a third party country, such as Japan. You will have to go back to your home country to get a new Visa. It appears that this is their punishment for people who have broken Visa laws.

If you are in your home country anyway and are applying for your new Visa there, you have nothing to worry about. However, if you are in Korea at the moment and don't want to have to fly home to get a new Visa, then it will be a problem.

I've never heard of anyone being denied a Visa becuase of this issue though.

moosehead · Joined: 05 May 2007

I'm one of those who overstayed (by mistake) for 2 weeks - in 2006. I had to sign some kind of form and that was it.

I've since been issued new E2 visas (and C4) w/o any problem or question, nothing.

I don't know what the procedure is - some people get fined, some report difficulties in the future - it seems all very arbitrary.

I think for the OP's situation it's not going to be a problem - but why do you need to tell your employer before you actually get ready to leave? I've started looking for new jobs before and never said anything until I was ready to leave - then you give notice - not before.

fruitcake · Joined: 18 Apr 2004 Location: shinchon

moosehead · Joined: 05 May 2007

yes, you can fly out the same day - apparently the other poster was referring to leaving the day after

MissT · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Location: Korea

wawawawonder · Joined: 30 Mar 2008

Thanks to everyone for their helpful and encouraging replies.