Korean Job Discussion Forums

taobenli · Joined: 26 Apr 2004

My god, talking to the Korean consulate is really confusing. They don't seem to really have any answers...

I will be going with my husband to Seoul and we will be studying Korean for 6 months (on student visas, D-4). Then we'll be moving to another city and I'll be switching to a research visa. My husband will want to get a job, though, and I assume that will be on an E-2. I asked the consulate lady if he can switch from a D-4 to E-2 in Korea, and she said he would have to return to the U.S. I asked if he can complete any of the required paperwork (background checks, etc.) ahead of time so he has it with him in Korea, and she said no.

He really can't prepare anything in advance, and really can't just run to Japan for this? When he starts work in March 2010, would an employer pay for him to go back to the U.S. and come back to Korea? I just finished the conversation with the consulate staff not really knowing what step to take next. Just buy two one-way tickets and hope for the best? (We'll be in Korea at least 2 years total). I mean, I know the U.S. is horrible about immigration issues, but some spelled-out rules and procedures would be kind of nice...

Thanks for any advice...

cruisemonkey · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 11:19 am Post subject:

It's highly unlikely any employer would pay for round-trip airfare to get him back to Korea.

If he's never had an E-2 before, he could have his degree verified by the KCUE here in Korea and be able to do a visa run to a third country. The employer has to initiate the process and most don't know anything about it (it sounds as though the embassy staff don't either) - you'd have to research the application process and explain it to them.

The validity of a CRC for a visa expires after six months; so bringing one from home wouldn't help. He'd have to apply for one after you have arrived in Korea... but he's got lots of time (six months).

taobenli · Joined: 26 Apr 2004

Ah, so the CRC can be applied for from overseas? (Doesn't have to be in the U.S.?)

We'll be doing language study for six months, but I assume he'll start applying for March-start jobs in November or December. Does the CRC need to be valid on the day one starts a job (would be basically a few days past 6 months, I assume), or just by the time one applies for a job? (He'll probably be applying with a recruiter even from Korea).

He'll definitely bring his diploma and copies, as well as a bunch of official transcripts.

I just find this whole process so mystifying...all the websites I go to for explanations are either unintelligible or defunct. At least for U.S. immigration you have (sometimes rather xenophobic and paranoid) checklists and do's (well, more DON'Ts) in big red print.

Thanks for the helpful information so far!

cruisemonkey · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 12:21 pm Post subject:

The CRC is needed when the Certificate of Recognition of Visa Issuance is applied for... so he may be OK bringing one from home (depending on when he applies).

taobenli · Joined: 26 Apr 2004

Hmmm...thanks for that. Maybe he can bring a CRC with him and see what happens. It's still hard to figure out whether to buy a roundtrip or oneway ticket for him though!

I just wish it was easier to get answers. I will be doing a different visa transition from my husband, from student visa to a weird researcher visa I'm required to have (A-3) for my fellowship. On this visa one cannot have an ARC because of a treaty (as weird as that sounds). But I'll be in Korea before the fellowship starts so will have an ARC then, and will be staying in Korea after the fellowship period ends so need one then. Wonder what I'm supposed to do with my ARC in the meantime? Asked the people who arrange this visa, and they said, "I don't know."