Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Meenam]

I'm sure I'll get blasted for this, but yes, I've read all the threads I can find, and either they didn't cover it, or they were 6+ years old. And since I know some of the standards have changed and I don't want to spend several more hours searching, I'm just going to ask it again. Boo, hiss, blah. I am just hoping for a concise, simple answer.
I am planning on making a move to korea with my wife (Korean national) and am wanting to apply for the F-2-1.
1. What do I need to prepare before I go so I have all the documents i'll need in hand when I show up?
2. What about applying for an E-2? Still required if I want to teach? What about a proofreading/translation gig? Still needed?
3. What about the 30 Mil. won i keep reading about? From the sounds of it, it depnds on which office you apply from as to whether they ask you for it. Anyone know one that doesn't?

Any other useful information that anyone has and willing to share will be much appreciated. Thanks.

[big_fella1]

I applied in country so my procedure may have been different but:

1. http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/InfoDetailR_en.pt Click on visa issuance guide and then residential visa F2. You must use Internet Explorer for this.

2. The requirement for an E2 in addition to an F2 went maybe 5 years ago, you can work on your F2 but you must still go through all the E2 nonsense if you want a public school job - normally.

3. You are almost certainly required to show 30 million, either in cash, an apartment deposit or have an employment contract for the next year.

I guess the reason that most of these posts get flamed is that there are no exact answers. Immigrations ruling vary place to place, minute to minute, and person to person.

Just go to or contact the consulate/embassy and take it from there.

If you are really worried pay a migration lawyer.

I find Korean immigration a pleasure to deal with when compared to Australian Immigration.

[jonbowman88]

The best thing you can do is call the immigration office or embassy depending on where you are and they will tell you exactly what you need. It will vary depending on where you go

[AussieGav]

Yeah everything said is pretty much right I think. I also applied in country from an E2, but if you are not yet here I would contact the Korean Embassy where you are. Perhaps you can get an F2 through them which might save some hassles when your here (although I agree with the big fella in that Korean Immi is always good to deal with). God luck with it all.

[T-J]

The required documents are listed on the immigration website here. Get everything you need together and come on a tourist visa, apply when you get here. It takes about two weeks to get your visa.

[b-class rambler]

PM sent

[winterwawa]

You can get an F2 in your home country (go to the local Korean Embassy) before coming to Korea. Then go to your local immigration office once you settle in Korea and get the -1. The F2 is a married VISA the -1 gives you permission to work.

As an F2 holder you can work any job you want as long as you have the qualifications. Technically speaking, there are no restrictions on the type of employment you engage in as long as it's legal and you pay taxes. You can even teach privates as long as you are registered as a private tutor with the local Minister of Education and pay taxes on your income.

[Meenam]

thanks all for the concise answers. this was all very helpful. if anyone else has anything else to add, feel free. Oh, and how long does it take to get the -1 added to the f2 (just curious)?

[T-J]

[Meenam]

oh....so even if you have it issued outside the country? or does that only apply to in country? from what i understood, if you applied outside the country you had to go to the korean immigration office in korea to have the 1 added..no?

[T-J]

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

[b-class rambler]

If it's issued outside the country it's just an F2 and you go to the immigration office where you're living on arrival in Korea to get the -1 added.

The time that takes will depend on the office. I had mine done at Sejongno office (the one near Anguk station) in exactly a week, making the total time starting from the day of submitting the initial application at the consulate, and finishing with the day I got my ARC and my passport back from the immigration office in Korea, add up to 9 business days (8 and a half, actually!)

I'm not sure whether the way I did it is faster than getting a tourist visa first and doing it that way.

[winterwawa]

I strongly recommend you get the F2 before coming to Korea for several reasons.

1. First, immigration will do what amounts to a criminal background check before they issue the F2-1 in Korea. Since you are not living in Korea, there is nothing for them to check, so it is possible for them to ask you for a CBC from your home country before issuing you your F2. If you have previously lived in Korea, then maybe they will use your previous stay in Korea, if not, it could turn into a big headache.

If you get the F2 while in your country, the Korean embassy there can do the background check and you won't even know they are doing it. Less hassle for you.

2. Coming here on a tourist VISA and applying could raise suspicions about whether your marriage is legit or if you married for a VISA. That is why "stuff like wedding invites, pics over a period of time etc" would be a good idea if you decide to go the Tourist VISA route. Believe it or not, Immigration can refuse to give you and F2 VISA if they think your marriage is not legit and they are beginning to check more closely now than when I got my VISA 3 years ago.

3. If you apply in Korea, your wife is going to have to prove she has financial solvency in the case that you are not working. This requires at least (the official amount) 30 million won. Although I have heard of cases where they issued the VISA with less than that amount in the couple's bank, but he had a good job and could prove his income.

4. If you apply in Korea, you will have to have your name added to your wife's family register before they will issue your F2 VISA. The process is not that difficult, but it is time consuming. I think you can avoid this if you get your F2 in your home country as the K-embassy will (I think) do it for you.

I am no expert and I could be wrong on some of the technicalities, (and if I am, I am sure someone will point it out) but I think it would be easier to do in your country and then go to immigration and get the -1 when you get settled. Either way, you have to go to the immigration office within 90 days after you arrive in Korea in order to get your ARC (Alien Registration Card).

It seems like b-class rambler has actually gone through the process of getting his F2 out of Korea, so if I am wrong about anything, maybe he can set the record straight. Which ever way you decide, good luck.

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

I applied for an F2 for a second time in NZ (they would ONLY issue for 3 months) then get to Korea and it was done for a year quick smart. (I didn't even have to speak)

Passport and ARC couriered to me 2 weeks later. Experience done.