Korean Job Discussion Forums

[waseige1]

OK....

I am here in year one of my EPIK contract. I like it. I am going to renew.

My school requires ALL teachers to get a physical during the year. I have not done this and they told me I have until December to get it done.

I understand I will have to get another physical for immigration to renew my E-2.

What I want to do is wait as long as I can and then get ONE physical to cover both needs. I know there is a time limit on the physicals for immigration. They can not be over xxxx days old.

My question is this.....

How old can the physical be and immigration will still accept it?

Thanks......

[OculisOrbis]

not sure of the validity period, but if you plan to use one check for both, you need to get two copies at the hospital - both your school and immigration will require originals and they keep them.

[Rusty Shackleford]

The same thing happened to me. When I was renewing last Feb, POE wanted a medical check. I stalled for about five months and got it done in late January. It seems like you don't need a medical for VISA renewal. Immi weren't too concerned about my dodgy photocopied medical check form.

[egrog1717]

Tell your school that you want them to pay for it... See how long they let you put it off.

[ddeubel]

Immigration doesn't require a physical. They only require blood work (HiV and cannabis/drugs). But I've also heard some rumblings that they look the other way now that one teacher took them to court for it being unconstitutional. Don't know the outcome but have it just in case.

As for the physical. You just got to go through the motions and get a piece of paper. A number of the int. health clinics so one for foreigners, if you are in Korea.

Used to be a physical wasn't asked but every few years. Now it seems employers are asking for it every contract.

DD
http://eflclassroom.com

[thoreau]

Did you get a physical during EPIK orientation?

[calicoe]

I arrived here a year ago on an EPIK contract, and had the required, initial physical. I am on a 16-month contract (ends Feb.).

I had to get my visa extended last month, because it was only for one year. My school then asked me to get another physical. I just completed it today - bloodwork, urine, lungs, etc.

My question is: why did I have to do this physical again? I was under the impression that I only needed it for contract renewal or every 2 years.

[chris_J2]

[Rusty Shackleford]

[calicoe]

They did. I wanted to confirm that I didn't have to get another one yet. Now, I want to find out who's hoop.

Thanks.

[shifter2009]

[calicoe]

I saw one of my Ko-teachers a little while ago after coming back from my physical. Obviously, she asked me if I had it done and if everything went alright. I told her yeah. Then she asks me if i had blood done .... uh, yeah. But, wtf is that particularly important to her?

Then I asked her how often Korean teachers needed to do a physical; she just gave me one of those long stares, as if to warn me that I'm treading in dangerous territory. She then said every two years, but for EPIK teachers it's different. If she thinks my first question was difficult, wait until I ask her WHY EPIK teachers seem to be "different".

WTF? Does anyone know if a yearly physical is required or not? My coordinator can't even give me a straight answer.

[chris_J2]

shifter2009 wrote"

[fermentation]

[waseige1]

I appreciate the discussion and hope someone is getting some help for this, but....

Does anyone know the answer to my question?

IF I am required to get a physical for renewal.... How recent must it be ?????????????