Korean Job Discussion Forums

[OBwannabe]

Ok, I've got my criminal background check, diploma and transcripts in hand. Now what is the step by step process that I must go through before coming to Korea?

I'm Canadian btw.
So I take my CRC to the Korean consulate? Right?
How about the transcripts...do I have to do something with them? And how about the diploma? I also take that into the Korean consulate?

With all the changes I've been reading about online I'm more than a little confused and I've only got 5 business days before I fly back to Korea(with no job) so I really want to get all this sorted out.

When I first worked in Korea back in 2005 all I had to do was scan my passport and bring my diploma along with me. Oh ya, and send my transcripts ahead of time. Oh...those were the days.

Help plz!!

[Donkey Beer]

Correct me if i'm wrong, but don't you need an employer to sponsor you in order to get an E-2 Visa?

Passport, CRC, Diploma, reference letters (optional), and passport pictures would surely be nice to have.

Why aren't you using 20 recruiters to ensure that you have a job waiting for you and to expedite the process? It might be harder to get the airplane money out of your employer if you don't.

[drama_addict]

You need a job before you can apply for an E2 Visa. Without an employer to sponsor you, you cannot apply for an E2.

If you come to Korea without a working visa and attempt to get a job, you'd be trying to work illegally. That would mean deportation if you get caught, or if any Korean felt like reporting you.

[ttompatz]

[OBwannabe]

Actually you guys make some valid points.

The reason I'm coming back without a job yet is because I've been unable to find one!
My old employer bought a round trip ticket for me at the end of my contract because it just happened to be cheaper for him. So I'm taking advantage of the free ride back.

All of my belongings and bank account are in Korea. So I consider it my home even if I don't have a job at the moment.

I really thought I would have found something by now, but I've sent my resume, cover letter and picture to loads of recruiters. As many as 15 I'd say. I've heard back from four of them. And then, after emailing them back....they disappeared!

It seems as though many of the employers these days want someone who is already in Korea. Either because they need someone right away, or they are trying to get out of paying for I flight I suppose. It's not like the good old days anymore.

When I first applied to work in Korea 4.5 years ago the recruiters wouldn't leave me alone. After sending my resume to the first recruiter in 2005 I had a job within days. And the only reason it took that long is because I turned many of them down.

I'm starting to think having experience is working against me. They want the naive, fresh-meat straight out of college

[OBwannabe]

[ttompatz]

[OBwannabe]

Question.
Will I need my passport when I take my CRC and copies of my diploma to the Korean Consulate? As I'm renewing my passport I won't get it back until Thursday morning. I fly back to Seoul on Monday.

Even though two days should easily be enough time to get it sorted, I would rather get it done asap.

Cheers.

[ttompatz]