Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bry0000000]

I just called the Korean Consulate in Seattle to schedule an interview for an E-2 visa, and I was told that the soonest they could interview me was halfway through September because they have a lot of interviews scheduled and they're backed up. This kind of sucks for me because my job starts on Sept. 1st.

Anyone else have problems with the consulate being backed up? Is there anything I can do about it?

[anamika]

I also spoke with them today (this morning), and set an interview for Sept. 3. I don't have any insights about why you are being told mid-Sept, but maybe try calling again and talking to someone else. Maybe someone there is going on vacation in Sept and you had bad luck with calling at a cutoff time??

If it really came down to it and there was no other choice, you might consider going one way to LA and then from LA to Korea. The visa process is apparently much simpler in LA, though you have to show up (no appt. necessary) on a Tues or Thurs morning. With some airlines, a LAX-ICN ticket may be up to $200 less than a SEA-ICN ticket, so that might cover your SEA-LAX fare. However, of course there are still plenty of extra costs associated with spending a couple of days in LA, and even if you explain things to the school I don't know if they could reimburse you for SEA-LAX. But if all else fails (and you can stomach following such contorted procedures due to consulate inanities, not to mention dragging luggage around LA because there is no left luggage facility at the airport), it might be worth looking into.

[timmayyyyy]

I live in LA and last year (March '0 when I got my E2 visa (first-timer) at the LA embassy, I didn't even have to do the interview. I asked if I did when I picked up my passport, and they said no, it's okay. Don't know if that's still the case but just sharing my experience.

[kinerry]

Chicago is bad as well, lines all day. Not backed up though.

[bry0000000]

Thanks for the info, everyone.

So is it possible for me to try to go through a different consulate? I know each has their own region that they're suppose to deal with. For example, you're advising me to go to LA's consulate. Would it be possible to go through SF's even if I'm from Oregon?

[bry0000000]

Thanks for the info, everyone.

So is it possible for me to try to go through a different consulate? I know each has their own region that they're suppose to deal with. For example, you're advising me to go to LA's consulate. Would it be possible to go through SF's even if I'm from Oregon?

[greasypeanut]

[vitald]

I'm expecting my visa issuance number any day now and am supposed to start teaching September 1st. When you guys scheduled your interview, did they ask if you actually have the issuance number? If not, I'll just schedule mine right now and will hopefully get my visa number by the time my interview day arrives. (I'm in Seattle too, I hope they're not that backed up)

[bry0000000]

[anamika]

[bry0000000]

Thanks for the reply.

So if I were to go through LA to get my E-2, would I even have to show up or do they just need my passport and visa ?

[anamika]

[smoggy]

I live in Phoenix, so I did a phone interview for 2 mins. with LA. If you tell them that the Seattle Consulate is backed up, and that they suggested you try LA, then possibly they will interview you on the phone. They rec'd. the info. on Monday, and I had my visa on Thurs.

[Rory_Calhoun27]

[elizabethbennet]

The Seattle Consulate is still backed up - I just got my appointment today for the 22nd! And they're telling me that I can't do my interview at another consulate because they've had complaints and my application might be rejected if I tried it. My job is supposed to start on the 10th so this is, obviously, also not good.