Korean Job Discussion Forums

cherrytree3003 · Joined: 23 Mar 2010

Hello!

I'm from the UK and looking to move to South Korea to teach for one year at the end of June. I'm eligible for the F4 visa and, having read several threads on this forum and other websites, I'm kind of at a loss as to what the tangible benefits of this visa are over the E2. I've read that 'it is like having dual nationality' but what will this actually boil down to once I am there? As I only intend to be in South Korea for 1 year anyway - should I just apply for the E2 visa? It's just that the F4 visa process seems a lot more complicated and time-consuming compared with the E2....maybe I've got it wrong!!! Any tips from anyone who knows the process from the UK would be appreciated Very Happy

jvalmer · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

Yes, it's worth it. It's a 3 year visa and indefinitely renewable. It allows you to work virtually any white-collar job.

Do you have any relative in Korea? Are you male or females?

crossmr · Joined: 22 Nov 2008 Location: Hwayangdong, Seoul

most people describe it as pretty easy to get as long as your korean ancestry isn't in question. less paperwork than the E2. It also gives you a lot of freedom if you get into a job that you don't particularly like. You can simply walk away and find another one.

DHC · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

The F-4 is also convertible to F-2 then F-5. If you intend to remain in Korea for any length of time it is definitely in your best interest to obtain the F-4.

Captain Corea · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Location: Seoul

jvalmer · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

crossmr · Joined: 22 Nov 2008 Location: Hwayangdong, Seoul

Captain Corea · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Location: Seoul

Murakano · Joined: 10 Sep 2009

red_devil · Joined: 30 Jun 2008 Location: Korea

It used to be 2 years renewable indefinitely, now it's 3 years.

F4 visa gives you all the rights as a Korean citizen except eligibility to vote in Korean elections which they are in the middle of changing to allow.

Renewing a F4 is as simple as going to immigration, getting a new stamp and paying the fee. You can renew within 1 month of expiration.

skim234 · Joined: 02 Sep 2009

If any more confirmation were needed, my F4 lasts for 3 years from when I got it Oct 2009.

It is DEFINITELY worth it. It's a bit of a hassle since I had to get my father to go to the Korean Embassy in the US to fill out documents, but in the end it was all worth it.

I'm teaching right now but I want to maybe find a "real" long-term job here, and that's really only possible thanks to the F4.

DHC · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

crossmr · Joined: 22 Nov 2008 Location: Hwayangdong, Seoul

nicmunny · Joined: 02 Jan 2010 Location: Jangyu, Gimhae, Korea

As others have said, the F4 is definitely worth it.

I my husband's case it wasn't difficult at all to obtain either. The only things that may be an issue is getting your family registry... once you have that though, it is a breeze. We sent for his on a Thursday and received the following Tuesday.

And yes, it is three years.

And lastly, it is superior to the E2 because it is not tied to your job at all.

Good luck.

cherrytree3003 · Joined: 23 Mar 2010

Thanks everybody for your responses - I think I'm going to go ahead and apply for the F4. I spoke to my mum (who is Korean and now a British citizen) and she says she has all the documentation (she thinks), so hopefully the visa application will be painless.