Korean Job Discussion Forums

[oldtactics]

I've noticed a lot of questions from posters about the exact process of getting an E2 visa but there don't seem to be a lot of recent posts outlining the whole process. This post: http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=115207 from Bafsy is helpful for hagwon teachers but I thought I'd post a step by step guide to getting an E2 visa for public school employees (EPIK in my case).

And so it begins!

1. Order 3 or more transcripts from your university, ensure that they'll be sealed and stamped. Mine were $7.50 each.

2. Email recruiters, post resumes on Dave's, start investigating jobs
I recommend making a new email address specifically for this task, as you'll get about 20-30 emails a day at the beginning. On the same token, avoid putting your phone number on your resume.

3. While you're looking at jobs, get a criminal record check - $10+
I live in a smallish town north of Toronto and I walked into my local police station, asked for a CRC with VSS, and picked it up a week later. Your mileage may vary, depending on where you live.

4. Get copies of your CRC and diploma notarized by a lawyer
I went to a walk-in notary on Richmond in Toronto - found on google. Walked in, handed over my original diploma and CRC as well as a copy of each. In and out in 5 minutes, $40.

5. Get copies of CRC and diploma certified/notarized by Korean Consulate.
I recommend getting to the consulate in the morning if possible, as it was extremely busy in the afternoon. Take a number and bring your original paperwork as well as the notarized copies plus photo ID, a sealed transcript and a photocopy of your passport. Each consular stamp costs $2.20.

(Note: It may be possible to send your original diploma to Korea rather than getting a copy notarized, other posters might have info about that)

By this point you should have a job offer and have an address to mail your application paperwork to.

6. Mail the following to your recruiter/employer:
Application form with medical checklist, personal essay
Notarized copy CRC with VSS
Notarized copy to diploma
2 photocopies of passport information page
2 passport photos
Sealed transcript
Two sealed recommendation letters

I had time to spare so I mailed mine registered lettermail through Canada Post. It cost about $22 and arrived in Korea in about 8 days.

7. Wait.

8. Receive two contracts + notice of appointment, giggle with glee

9. Apply for work visa at Korean Consulate:
Bring one signed contract, visa application form (from website), CRC, sealed transcript, passport, passport photo, notice of appointment and photocopy of passport info page. They only accept applications from 9.30am to noon, so try to get there early.

edit: The Toronto consulate website also requests your original degree as part of your application package. Best to send/bring it with your application.

10. Wait.

11. If all goes well, pick up wonderful completed passport with work visa in about 5-10 business days.
You can check the status online and if there's any paperwork missing, they update the status and request it.

Note: Most will notice that I didn't have an interview. I inquired when I dropped off my application about booking an interview and I was told that I didn't need one. No idea why. Your experience may vary.

The time between the day I applied for my CRC to the day I picked up my work visa was about 6 weeks. If you live too far to drive into Toronto, add time for mailing your paperwork there and back.

That's the scoop!

[Lucky28]

Was this your first visa application?

[cruisemonkey]

[oldtactics]

[ChinaBoy]

Please don't come to Korea if you "giggle with glee" upon seeing your contract. Especially if you expect that contract to be upheld.

[cruisemonkey]

[oldtactics]

I've been to Korea before, I meant 'giggle with glee' that the contract was finally here. I am excited though, you can't take that away from me!

[DC in Suwon]

[cruisemonkey]

oldtactics,

I don't want to take anything away from you (I'll leave that to the Ks) However, I'm confused - you say you've been to K-land before; but also that this is your first visa application. Explain please.

[oldtactics]

Traveled to K twice to visit friends, this will be my first time working there.

[cruisemonkey]

I too had been to K-land (once) as a tourist several years before I came to work; at that time, I never dreamt I would one day live and work here. As I'm sure you know, being a tourist and actually living/working here are two completely different 'animals'. If you have friends here already, that's a huge 'bonus' (especially if they're in the same city), and will go a long way toward mitigating the inevitable effects of culture shock.

Will you be at a hogwan or public school?

Good luck.

[verseinu]

This might not be 100% accurate....but it seems that if you have a public school job and they send you a letter of appointment then you won't have to have an interview.

oldtactics - did the letter of appointment from your employer play the same role as an issuance number?

[oldtactics]

Yes, but they're not really the 'same' according to immigration. The main difference is that the letter of appointment is a physical document, so you can't apply for your visa until you get it in the mail from your employer.


I can't speak for anyone else about the interview issue, but it wasn't even mentioned to me and when I asked about it when I handed in my visa application, the woman was quick to tell me that I didn't need one.

[cruisemonkey]

[vyvy]

Do I need to call ahead to book an interview. Or they will give me an interview once I hand in my documents???