Korean Job Discussion Forums

[*wanderlust*]

My documents were submitted for processing July 13 and as of today (July 24) I still haven't received my visa number. How long have the rest of you waited on average? A search indicates it's normally 10 business days (already passed as of today), has anyone waited longer? Also, is there a holiday in Korea during this period in July? Any info appreciated!

[Morning_Star]

You mean visa issuance number or your E2 visa?

[*wanderlust*]

Sorry, visa issuance number. I still need to send my docs to the consulate to get my actual E-2 visa once I receive the number.

[Morning_Star]

It's supposed to be around 2 weeks?

That sucks since you still need to get your E2 visa.

[*wanderlust*]

Exactly, I'm getting pretty worried about arriving on my actual start date. Anyone know if they are ever rejected if you have a degree and a clear criminal background check? Anyone know if it's a long weekend in Korea (July 24)?

[indyflyguy]

My documents arrived on July 8th, and I got notice of my issuance number on July 21. So about 2 weeks should be about right. Perhaps your school didn't get the documents to immigrations right away?

[*wanderlust*]

A friend of mine is the head teacher so I know that they were submitted the 13th. I had always heard 10 business days as a max so that is why I'm starting to becoming concerned.

[nfld_chingu]

My school took only one day to get my visa issuance number. I have no idea how they did it. Must have called in a favor ...

[Sector7G]

Probably most people on Dave's reached the " starting to become concerned" stage the first time around. Usually it's just the typical way they do business here. On my first contract here 2 years ago I did not arrive until a full week after the new term started due to a delay in getting the visa issuance number. Apparently I was the only one who had been worried about it.

[Kikomom]

It'll depend too on when the teacher you are replacing is leaving. They'll be trying to match your arrival to that one's departure as close as possible. Leaving you about a week or so to rush off to the consulate for your visa and get back in time to pack and catch your flight.

[hockeyguy109]

Ah memories. I went through the same worries when I first came here. Don't worry, they'll fly you out, even if it takes an extra week or so to get everything in order. Go get some taco bell, and enjoy you're remaining time in the western world!

[*wanderlust*]

I'm actually replacing one of my best friends, my biggest concern is that I have no idea what I'm doing and would like a day or two of overlap so that I can shadow her.

[hockeyguy109]

I literally got my number 2 days before they wanted me to fly out. It was completely rushed and a big jolt. So a warning on that.

As for cheese and sour cream,
You can buy plenty at Costco in Korea, unless your deep in the middle of nowhere. But Taco Bell is a whole different story.

[wakingup]

It depends on your school. Standard is 10 business days for the visa issuance number, but most schools don't submit it immediately. Just because they've said to your friend it was submitted on X day doesn't mean it was all completely submitted on X day. (I'm not saying they didn't for sure; just pointing out that lags and communication issues are pretty common on stuff like this.)

Most stories I've heard are about the same - it's hurry up and wait all the way. Best to just go with the flow. Though it never hurts to send an email "just checking" after two weeks or so. Really depends how close your start date is.

Whether or not you have overlap will be more up to your school. Your friend might know if they normally let people have training days or not - some schools do, some schools don't. Does this school normally give those days (and pay for them)?

[*wanderlust*]

Yes, they've agreed to pay me for two days of shadowing which I think I'll need.