Korean Job Discussion Forums

[toph]

Okay, I know there are tons of threads on here about the F4 already, but they're really confusing and I just need some clear answers.

First, I was born in the USA, but I'm 100% Korean (ethnically); my parents moved here from Korea ~30 years ago, and now hold US citizenship ONLY. I am not on my family register in Korea/hojuk, and my bday was 05/1988. So I know I'm eligible.

My ONLY question is: What documents does an AMERICAN gyopo need to obtain an F4 IN America? I've received an application from my consulate, but everything is in Korean (I can only speak it -.-), and so far, this is all I've been able to find out:

I will need:
"Your passport that won't expire for at least a few years
A completed visa application with recent photo attached
A copy of your birth certificate with your parent's names
A copy of your parent's US naturalization papers
A copy of your parent's Family Census Register (Hojuk Deungbohn) showing that they have given up their Korean nationality
$45 in cash or check (check only if you're applying by mail)"

Is there more/less? Is this even correct? Any help is really appreciated~!!!!!

[kalliope]

I'm in the process of obtaining an F4 visa as well.

As far as I know, the documents you listed in your post are the only ones that you need. I have been told though, that some applicants have to submit additional documents.

Did your parents formally renounce their Korean citizenship? I found out that this doesn't happen automatically when a person becomes a naturalized citizen of the U.S. If they haven't yet, they have to fill out a form and submit it before you can get the visa.

If you're having trouble with the information on the websites being in Korean, all of the Korean consulates have websites in English, too. You can get all the forms you need from the website of most Korean consulates.

Hope that helped!

[toph]

Thanks for the help~

Well, the websites I've gone too are in English, but for some reason there isn't any info on the F4. Only F1-F3. Then skips to F5. What the??~,, -...-

These are the websites I've been using:
http://usa-sanfrancisco.mofat.go.kr/eng/index.jsp
http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/InfoDetailR_en.pt

And the app the consulate sent was the only thing in Korean. I just forwarded it to my dad through email though, so I think the whole lost in translation thing should be okay. Do you know if there's any medical test/self-medical report we need to do?

[toph]

Oh also...and this is kind of a dumb question

So I'm not planning on leaving until January/February. Do you think I'm applying too early for my visa?

Lol...yeah, stupid question -.-

[ACT III]

Yes those are the correct documents. You should be fine, outside of that there has been some changes to the F-4 visa. It's now good for three years instead of two.

when you get your visa is up to you, I see very little benefit in waiting.

[kalliope]

Try the Chicago Consulate. They seem to have the most information.

http://www.chicagoconsulate.org/en/sub03/sub03_01.php

I agree with what ACT III said. Try and the process started sooner rather than later. That way you have time in case you run into any problems.

As far as I know, you don't have to complete a medical report like the E2.

You should also obtain a copy of your background check when it gets closer to Jan/Feb. They are now requiring it for F4 visa holders if they want to teach (at least this is what I have been told).

[toph]

Thanks for all the help~

Yeah, I checked the Chicago Consulate page, and they definitely are a lot more helpful. Ah, why can't the San Fran be of any more use~? -.-

Anyway...it doesn't look like I'm going to need a med-test, and I just got an email from my consulate so I think I'm good now

So yeah, appreciate all the help~!

[T-dot]

If you want to work in the school systems, EVERYONE needs to get a med+crim+diploma/transcript check done regardless of VISA status.

Hagwons are a different story. There are plenty of people with faked credentials with hagwons turning a blind eye.

[madkisso]

[bluebear847]

Hi madkisso, I'm running into the same problem as you did I have the family registry and they are saying we need my mother's birth certificate now. It was extremely difficult to get the family registry alone and to get that now is really hard. How did you get them to accept what you had. I have pretty much everything else. Also, does anyone know if I can apply for the F4 visa before I accept a contract. Everyone is telling me different things, the school I'm working with will not give me a contract unless they know for sure that I can get the F4 visa and apply for it just so that they know for sure that they have someone that can work for them by the time they need me to come. But the consulate visa lady told us that I need to find a job first, but I know in Korea people can get the F4 without a job and then look for a job.

If anyone could help that would be great!

[Sticks]

That's odd. Your family registry should have your mother's entry in it, isn't that effectively your mother's birth certificate? I managed to get my F4 with just my father's registry.

They also had some weirdass law changes in the late 80's to 90's concerning Korean descent through mother and/or father's side.

[robinsoncrusoe]

i got mine in two days.

-passport that expires in 2014
-completed visa app
-original birth certificate
-parent's naturalization papers
-$45 cash

and i got it in two days. the first time in my life i've ever applied for a visa, and it took less than 72 hours from start to end. i love the NY consulate.