Korean Job Discussion Forums

Darkray16 · Joined: 09 Nov 2008

I told my hagwon that I would prefer to hold onto my passport and go get the ARC myself. I've gotten an ARC before and am familiar with the procedure. The hagwon, by the way, is Avalon, a large franchised hagwon.

After hearing what one of the Avalon hagwons did last year during the h1n1 scare(they demanded all passports and fired the entire staff when they all refused), I'm especially not liking the idea of giving my passport to anyone but immi.

Am I being reasonable? And, better question is, is it possible for me to get the ARC on my own? I've gotten my health done and have the original in hand.

Thanks in advance.

frankly speaking · Joined: 23 Oct 2005

I have always had the admin get my ARC for me. A long time ago, we had to get fingerprinted so I did it myself then but the school took me. I have never had a problem handing my passport over, but I also have never given a school any reason to screw me either.

I think that if you don't mind getting your ARC yourself, I would just say simply that you have already made the arrangements to do it yourself and that you appreciate their help but it isn't necessary for them.

Don't talk about the passport, just talk about getting the ARC.

If they have some other excuse for needing the passport, just bring in a photo copy for them.

ontheway

Darkray16 · Joined: 09 Nov 2008

Possession of my passport is nothing small. I consider it the most important possession I have right now.

runthegauntlet · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Location: the southlands.

MattAwesome · Joined: 30 Jun 2008

they are doing you a favor.

sulperman · Joined: 14 Oct 2008

I see where you are coming from, but I would much rather have them do it (I HATE going to immigration), then if they happened to try to hold on to it (which 99% wouldn't happen) I'd just demand it back and get it. Only a real pushover wouldn't be able to get somebody in the office to give you back your passport. Easier to demand something in the office than go to immigration, IMHO.

But not that unreasonable, if that is how you feel, do whatever you want.

jlb · Joined: 18 Sep 2003

It's actually quite easy to do it yourself. Just phone your local office and find out their location, etc. Find out what papers you need and what the fee is.

Then, go do it!

At my uni, we all do our own ARC's/renewals, etc.