Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sheisaeval]

So, my contract with GEPIK ends in February and I'm looking to find a NEW job not with GEPIK for the next year.

So, how does the renewing visa work? Technically my visa ends on February 13, 2010, because that is when I went to the consulate to get the visa, so my current school would need me to extend my visa until February 28, which is when my contract with my current school offically ends.

And then, to renew my visa with a completely new school that is not on the GEPIK system from March onwards, how would this work? Do I have to do everything to get the visa in the first place - the apostilled criminal background check, health check, 2 transcripts, etc? Would I need to go back to the USA for any of this, or can I just stay here through the whole process?

Also, do I need to get a letter of release for my current school? even though I will be finishing the contract so technically after the contract is over I would be free to work where I'd like

[mekku]

i don't have any experience with extending a visa for a few weeks so i don't know about the first issue.

as for the second, if you are working with a new company than you need a brand new E-2 visa- documents wise it's as if you've never had one before. you have to do the apostillized cbc, the diploma, the signed/stamped transcripts and so on. i personally think it's pointless to do it again, but governments aren't generally known for efficiency and logic. i have heard that you can go to japan for a few days to get your new e-2 once everything was processed and you have the visa number...i know for sure you cannot do it in korea, but i happened to be home anyway so i got mine while in the states on vacation. this was just a month ago so this information is recent.

if you are finishing your contract, there is no need for a letter of release. it's entirely pointless if your contract is finished and your school would probably think you crazy for asking. i wouldn't worry about it really. once you complete a contract your old job has no say or control of what you do after that so there's no reason really.

hope this all helps!

[jpotter78]

[themagicbean]

I'm in a similar boat. I have an offer that starts in March. My contract ends Feb 1. I want to go back to the US during February. I'd like to have the visa beforehand (duh).

I called immigration and the almost-English speaker told me first that I could just get a new visa in Korea without the CBC. Then he told me I would have to be out of the country to get a new visa (e.g., I would have to wait until February when it expires, then apply from abroad)?

Any info? Jpotter you mention a letter of release. I've seen release forms but it seemed like they were geared towards job-hopping mid-visa. What would the letter need to say "I give permission for my to-be-former employee to work at a new job because, [intelligence-related expletive], the [expletive] contract is over"?

[jpotter78]

I sent a pm.

[bish]

[neilsputnik]

So I plan to renew my E2 visa with a different employer. This is my first renewal. I have been in Korea almost a year.

I have:

-- sealed transcripts (new ones)

And the documents from my first visa E2 (notarized and apostled degree, original degree and criminal background checks).

1. So what is the process for applying from within Korea?

2. I understand that if I sign with a different employer I have to do a visa run?

3. How does a visa run actually work in practice?

4. Can I still use all the same documents from my first E2 visa?


I feel like such a NOOB again.

Thanks.

[jimmyjames1982]

This my current situation.

I am finishing my contract with my current public school(Epik) on Sept. 12th. I start at a new public school for Gepik Sept 20th.

I am transfering my visa before my contract is over to the new school and still completing my contract at my current school. This was all done with a recruiter through WorknPlay which is a reliable recruiter so I think the proces is legit.

I needed all documents again except the CBC. I needed a Korean CBC instead. I also needed a proof of employment paper from my current school, a release letter, copy of degree( I had it apostilled ahead of time just in case) recruiter didn't say anything about the apostille though. There were a few other documents that were easy.

I am actually going to Suwon tomorrow to do the actual transfer so I'll let you know how it turns out. I am a little skeptical because I heard too that if you change schools you have to do a visa run. I am being told that I do not have to leave the country eventhough there will be an eight day gap between jobs.

[neilsputnik]

Let me know how it goes.

It seems rather odd to have to get a my degree copied when I have a perfectly good apostled and notarized copy sitting in front of me.