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Korean Job Discussion Forums
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justaguy
Joined: 01 Jan 2008
Location: seoul
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 Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 4:53 am Post subject: |
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| Forward Observer wrote: |
| Been married for 10 years, applied for my F5 visa and got it in exactly 1 month and 3 weeks. No kids. |
I am in a similar boat. I hope I am as fortunate. |
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tob55
Joined: 29 Apr 2007
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| Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 1:11 pm Post subject: Just when you think... |
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The rules apply differently at different locations, and to my great surprise someone has been informed of this. The regulations regarding the length of getting the F5 visa do state "up to" three months or longer. This is what I was told when I applied in January 2008. For me and many others it takes around 3 months, give or take a week. However, as some have mentioned in this post or in other posts in the forum they received their F5 much more quickly. I am familiar with how the general process works and it may be that some immigration offices are more time efficient than others, or they do things differently. The main thing is that what has been established as the rule is being interpreted by some to mean the guideline. This is okay to a point, but when it comes to those who have no ties to the country by being married or married with children, then no one is welcomed to apply and this is the problem.
I could come up with a list of long term forum members who have lived and worked in this country for 5 - 15 years or longer existing on E2 and other visas simply because they have no hope of ever receiving their F5 visa, even when the immigration regulations say they are entitled to receive it. All they want is fair representation. This is the type of issue that is probably much more important than worrying about how to get out of fulfilling immigration regulations regarding criminal background checks or doing health examinations, or any of the other silly things being discussed in other areas of the forum. We look for answers and try to go about it the right way, not half cocked and loaded to fight against the people who have opened their borders to allow us the opportunity to work and live here. I am all for human rights, I am all for fair treatment to all, I support non-discrimination as much as anyone, but sensationalism and self promotion at the expense of the real issues really bothers me as it does others who have chosen to remain silent, lest they be judged to be on one side of the fence or the other. We will find a way, it will take a little time, but we will find a way to help the long term expats who want to move forward with their lives here. |
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FMPJ
Joined: 03 Jun 2008
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| Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 4:40 pm Post subject: Re: Just when you think... |
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| tob55 wrote: |
| even when the immigration regulations say they are entitled to receive it. |
I think if you look closer you'll find that the only thing they were "entitled to" is the right to apply for an F-5. No one is entitled to any visa status until the Immigration Office approves their application.
History has shown, though, that Korea isn't interested in giving an F-5 visa to someone without family ties in Korea. This is too bad, and hopefully it will change for the sake of those long-termers with real and genuine commitment to Korea. |
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tob55
Joined: 29 Apr 2007
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| Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 10:01 pm Post subject: You are right |
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FMPJ wrote:
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| I think if you look closer you'll find that the only thing they were "entitled to" is the right to apply for an F-5. No one is entitled to any visa status until the Immigration Office approves their application. |
You are right, and I am not mentioning entitlement in the same way as it may appear, i.e. I have done this or that, so you must give me something or some benefit with no questions asked. Of course the proof is in the process, but herein lies the problem; long term expats aren't even being given the opportunity to apply. I have talked to several who experienced this first hand when the immigration people simply said, sorry you cannot apply because, because, because. This is the part of the equation I am working on personally to help some of my long term friends in this country that should have the same opportunity to get their F5 visa even though they are not married to a Korean. Thank you for pointing out this clarification. I appreciate it. |
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Forward Observer
Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Location: FOB Gloria
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| Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 12:29 am Post subject: |
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Oh hey, forgot to mention something (may have been mentioned before) - they tried to give me my old ARC back with F-5-B scribbled on the back side. I asked for a new card, they asked me for 10K won, and 20 minutes later, I got a new GREEN colored card. They let me keep the old one too. Why they did that, I have no idea. But now I have two ARC cards, I'll keep the old one as a backup in case I ever lose the new shiny green one.  |
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Welshguy
Joined: 17 Feb 2009
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 4:36 am Post subject: Re: Link to Information |
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| tob55 wrote: |
Thanks Welshguy for the information. Do you have a link to the information you provided? That would help people so they could go and see it for their self. No doubt you are right about the earnings being the most difficult to achieve since in fact the current labor regulations prohibit E2 visa holders from having extra sources of income in most situations.
The next thing I would wonder about has to do with what actually constitutes the length of stay at 5 years. I have spoken with a few immigration officials and they seem to think ANY time out of country breaks the time of sojourn. Also, the employment requirement actually forces people to stay at the same location unless they have received a new E2 visa without having to leave the country for a visa run.
Thanks for the update and hopefully it will give some people a starting point. |
tobb55. Sorry for the late reply. Unfortunately, I do not have a direct link to the information I provided. I got emailed the information direct from the Ministry of Justice.
Regarding the length of stay issue. I was told by immigration that as long as you have your E2 Visa consistently for 5 years and have obtained the relevent re-entry permit (Single or multiple), then you are permitted to leave the country on holiday (up to 1 month) without any break in the time of sojourn. However, I did inquire into this rule requirement sometime ago. I will look into this requirement again as it has a direct bearing on my future application. I will have had my E2 Visa for 5 years at the end of 2010. I did, however, go home for 2 weeks to get married in December 2007. If immgration consider ANY time out of the country as a break in your sojourn status (MY F5 APPLICATION CAN ONLY BE APPLIED FOR DECEMBER 2012), then I will be MOST DISPLEASED  I have been in Korea for 8 years now, but left Korea 2006 on a Visa run.
On another note, I have also sent another email to the Minsitry regarding what income constitutes "F5 income".I.e. Income that the Ministry and Immigation will accept as credible income. Income inquired about refers to Academy Income and income from the public schools. The last thing anyone wants is to have an Academy job and a public school job (legal through permission letters) only to have your Academy income not count towards your $60 000 (W80 000 000) income requirement.
Answers to the above to follow shortly ......  |
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tob55
Joined: 29 Apr 2007
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| Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 1:06 pm Post subject: ARC |
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| Forward Observer wrote: |
| Oh hey, forgot to mention something (may have been mentioned before) - they tried to give me my old ARC back with F-5-B scribbled on the back side. I asked for a new card, they asked me for 10K won, and 20 minutes later, I got a new GREEN colored card. They let me keep the old one too. Why they did that, I have no idea. But now I have two ARC cards, I'll keep the old one as a backup in case I ever lose the new shiny green one. |
I believe it depends on the location and how up to date they are on things. It could be that you simply got someone who wanted to save some time. You obviously picked up your new visa in the office. How were they about doing the extra service for you? Not that it matters, but I have found that the information provided by most people others who are going through the same things.
On another note, those of you on F2 or F5 visas that would like to get together some time in the near future to visit please send me a PM. I am trying to set up a casual gathering of folks to meet and network. I learn new things from some of the regulars here, and even though I have been in country for the past five years, some of you have been here much longer. It would be nice to sit down and discuss some of the common issues we have all faced as long term and permanent residents of the country. I was thinking about a week or two in the future for getting together on a Saturday or even Sunday depending on what works for everyone. Just let me know and I'll work on setting up the time and the place to gather. |
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Cheonmunka
Joined: 04 Jun 2004
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| Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 2:20 pm Post subject: |
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Must be damned near impossible for a teacher to get aound the 80 million annual income.
Is that fair dinkum? |
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tob55
Joined: 29 Apr 2007
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| Posted: Fri May 08, 2009 12:44 pm Post subject: Right |
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| Cheonmunka wrote: |
Must be damned near impossible for a teacher to get around the 80 million annual income.
Is that fair dinkum? |
At least to legally get 80 million won per year. Remember, we are talking about E and other visa types which are much more restricted in their employment than those on the F2. This is one specific area that I would personally like to have answers to regarding the application process. I have recently been asking some questions and hopefully will be receiving some answers soon that might help any long-term E2 people who are considering applying for their residency visa. |
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tzechuk
Joined: 20 Dec 2004
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| Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 6:07 am Post subject: |
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| Actually, with the right qualifications and experience, a university professor CAN get that much. We are hoping to bring a guy over and giving him at around that much, if not more. |
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tob55
Joined: 29 Apr 2007
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| Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 1:17 pm Post subject: Salary |
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| tzechuk wrote: |
| Actually, with the right qualifications and experience, a university professor CAN get that much. We are hoping to bring a guy over and giving him at around that much, if not more. |
The university scene is a different story and depending on the institution of higher education it most likely can be done, however, the public schools and especially hagwons are not likely to ever ante up 80 million KRW for any teacher regardless of qualifications. This is why it is a realistic impossibility to "qualify" for or meet the income requirements if someone is on an E2 or other series visas. I am sure some of the higher up research universities could and probably would pay top end salaries just to be able to attract the type of person you are writing about. |
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mack the knife
Joined: 16 Jan 2003
Location: standing right behind you...
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| Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 4:47 pm Post subject: |
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| Actually, with the right qualifications and experience, a university professor CAN get that much. We are hoping to bring a guy over and giving him at around that much, if not more. |
That's a very, very exclusive club. |
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tob55
Joined: 29 Apr 2007
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| Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 3:06 pm Post subject: Club Activities |
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| mack the knife wrote: |
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| Actually, with the right qualifications and experience, a university professor CAN get that much. We are hoping to bring a guy over and giving him at around that much, if not more. |
That's a very, very exclusive club. |
That is why we are doing what we can to help some of the long term expats on E2 and other visas work through the process. IF we can help someone, anyone do it, then it will give us much more footing on how to help others in the same or similar situation. Your comments about the exclusivity of the club is very real, and it speaks directly to the issue of making the process fair for everyone who desires to make Korea their residence on a more permanent basis. |
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spyro25
Joined: 23 Nov 2004
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| Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 4:08 pm Post subject: |
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| hey if i've been f-2-1 for the last year and 10 months, but then i go to england to study for a year with my wife, does the 2 year f-2-1 clock begin again from scratch, or can i apply for the f-5 directly when i get back? |
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tob55
Joined: 29 Apr 2007
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| Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 1:31 pm Post subject: Travel |
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| spyro25 wrote: |
| hey if I've been f-2-1 for the last year and 10 months, but then i go to England to study for a year with my wife, does the 2 year f-2-1 clock begin again from scratch, or can i apply for the f-5 directly when i get back? |
Not the same way as the E2 and other visa does. Just make sure you have a multiple entry stamp. If you have the opportunity to come back and get into the country again during the year it would be best. I know on the F5 you can be out of country for up to one year without losing the status. As it relates to you going to the UK for study, I would think that as long as you maintain some residence in Korea while you are traveling it would be the same, but I never left the country for travel after receiving my F-2-1.
Of course the F-2-1 is a residency visa, so I am not sure what the particular guidelines for that visa are anymore. Perhaps someone who has gone through this personally would be a better person to ask, but I am fairly sure as long as your F-2-1 doesn't expire during the time you are gone, you should be good to go by returning some time during the period of study. Anyone else know? Let us know if you have done this. |
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