Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Weigookin74]

The reason I ask is that there needs to be changes to the E2 Visa. There are enough English teachers here that we should have a Japan like system. It's time for the system to evolve to stop abuse. If the gov really wants to weed out bad schools, let us have ownership of our visa for 3 years. I propose we do a medical test once every 3 years for imi to keep renewing it. I believe Japan lets you be unemployed up to 3 months so that you can line up another job. With their visa, you can do privates and pay tax on it and change jobs if necessary. This should be the number one priority of all E2's that want to stay here long term. It would give more freedom to get our own apartments. I mean paying key for one year and never knowing when we will have to leave makes it hard. It would be better if we could get our own place then we won't have complaints. Maybe some of us would like to buy a decent car, etc.

[TheUrbanMyth]

There is NO foreigner rep board.

But do go ahead and let us know how those proposals pan out.

And as a side note...now that lots of people are coming over here is really a bad time to be pushing for changes.

They didn't change when they didn't have enough teachers...why would they change when they have a surplus?

[PatrickGHBusan]

OP,

Your idea has merit. In fact it could be actively pursued if done in a reasonable way.

However, you grossly over simplify the Japan visa system. In Japan you are free to change jobs at will. You still need to fill out paperwork. You former employer and new employer need to fill out paperwork. This is because the work visa remains a sponsored visa. Japan does not just hand out teaching visas to a person that applies. That person needs to be sponsored by an employer.

Now the word you may have been looking for is streamlined. In Japan the visa system is more streamlined so that changing jobs is easier.

The appartment issue is also interesting because you show the good side of it only. A more flexible visa would not change the appartment rules and key money deposit requirement.

In Korea you can be unemployed and stay. If you lose your job, simply have your visa cancelled, fly out and come back on a tourist visa while you look for work.

Or, if you lose your job, usually getting notice before, look for other work and have your visa transfered to the new position.

In clear language:

Sponsored visa

To get a work visa, you need to find a company willing to give you a job. You will also need the appropriate qualifications. If you have a four-year degree from a reputable university, that should be enough. If you have anything less then things will be more difficult. For example, if you have a 2-year degree or diploma, or an MBA from an institution nobody has heard of, then you and your potential employer will have to argue your case with the immigration department.

When you find a company willing to employ you, that company will sponsor your work visa application. All they have to do is fill out forms giving details about the company and saying they will employ you. This is easy enough, but in theory you are not allowed to actually start work until your visa comes through, which takes one to two months.

[oskinny1]

We would lose two things if we changed to the Japan visa system. Flight payment and the apartment, though I could see a school providing an apartment allowance.

Also, I don't believe that the Japan system is so cut and dry. You can't just quit and start a new job, you need to get some form of LOR and do some visa wrangling.

[Juregen]

[Senior]

Personally, I think all E2 VISAs should come with free puppies and [Mod Edit].

Seriously. If you don't like the VISA system in Korea, you are free to pursue employment in a country whos VISA you do like. Korea doesn't owe you anything. They're free to stipulate what ever VISA regulations they please.