Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bettypie]

The new E-2 visa regulations seem to require a health screening. Can this be read as a drug screening for foreigners? Just wondering. I'm no degenerate, but could use a little heads up in this department.

[cruisemonkey]

[polonius]

and when you take the test, things like sleeping pills and cold medicine will cause a positive drug test. So, the nurses at Seoul National always tell us not to take any of these pills before hand.

[bettypie]

Okay, good to know. When does this screening happen? After arrival, or before I can even leave?

[polonius]

The medical check is done in Korea. You need it in order to get your Alien Registration Card. You technically have 90 days upon entry to apply for the card, but I always suggest that you get it ASAP, as you can't get medical insurance without it. You are paying for health insurance from the moment you enter Korea on an E2 (or at least should be, by law.) So, if you wait awhile to get the ARC, you will still be paying into health insurance that you cannot benefit from. You can still go to the doctor, and it will cost you more for the prescription, visit and meds, but you can also get the difference back once you have your health insurance. Why bother with the hassle though? It is also more difficult to get things like a cell phone and internet service.

[pinoy0320]

Can you inform us on the whole health check process?

I heard you just take a blood/urine test, or is there more to it?

[polonius]

Different hospitals will do different things. The most important and mandatory are blood, urine and x-ray in order to find STD's, Drugs and TB. Seoul National University hospital does a more comprehensive examination including eye tests and a whole slew of tests with your blood and urine.

[rollo]

Apparently the Korean government is going to make the drug testing much more thourough. New laws because of some legal challenges. Cannibis will be tested for!

[Straphanger]

[Bibbitybop]

[bettypie]

[polonius]

[david]

I use sleeping pills and cold medicine fairly regularly. How long should I avoid taking these prior to the administration of a drug test?

Their is another question I would like to ask. I tested positive, but was issued a visa number. When I was issued the visa number I went to Japan. The official in the consulate informed me that I would be permitted to get the visa, but could only do so in Guam. ( Past visa overstay )

I returned to Korea, resumed working, and booked a flight to Guam that wa supposed to leave this week. I was canned on Friday and the reason given was the positive drug screen. ( Apparently a local school board official saw this and demanded I be let go. ) My visa number will be cancelled by my employer tomorrow.

I've heard that my positive result will be on file at immigration when I apply for another E2 visa? Is this true? If true does it disqualify me from applying for and accepting another ps job?

Sorry for the ramble, but my understanding of the law is attributable to a handful of Korean recruiters.

[nyenglish]

[lyshrestauri]

Has anyone been required to give a hair sample during the screening? Or is it strictly blood and urine?