Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cherrytree3003]

Hi,

I'm an F4 visa holder who will be starting a Seoul public school position in the next few weeks. I am already in Korea and I am somewhat confused as to what to do regarding the ARC/residency card. I asked my recruiter whether I needed to apply for an ARC, she said no, but I should apply for the residency card - which involves a trip to immigration. She doesn't seem to be able to help me much more than this. I have googled residency card but came up with nothing. Basically, could someone confirm what my recruiter has said is correct? If so, what do I need to take with me to immigration? And where is it? Sorry, I am totally clueless when it comes to matters of Korean bureaucracy!! Thanks in advance for your help!

[optik404]

You need to apply for a ARC card within 3 months of arriving in Seoul. There is a Immigration Office in Mok-dong/Omokgyo. Take your passport and someone that speaks Korean if possible. They mail it all back to you within a week.

[aphase]

Hi, I have an F4 also.

The residency card is pretty much the same thing as an ARC, it just says something a bit different at the top. E2 visa holders have an ARC which says something like 외국인등록증 at the top or something along those lines.

The residency card says "외국국적동포국내거소신고증" but the card pretty much looks the same except its a different color than a regular ARC.

Just ask for it at immigration, i applied for my F4 visa while I was in Korea so I never had to ask specifically for the card, they just gave it to me. and yes you need the card, so be sure to get it.

[Zoisite]

Ahhhh I applied for an F-4 VISA, in order to teach in Korea... but I had the same question in mind... Is there benefits over having a residence card... likeeee if you want to buy stuff online or something, would the card number allow you to do stuff where a typical E-2 ARC would say 'Unusual Number'??

[pkjh]

You need to report and get the resident card within the time period they mentioned. Otherwise they will switch you over to a tourist visa.

And you will still experience issues when buying things on line and applying for things. The second set of number are 1-4 for that first number after the birthday on Korean ID's. However all foreigners, including F4 visa holders, start with 5 or 6.

[Zoisite]

[cherrytree3003]

Ok, thanks for the info. Does anyone know specifically what I will need to take to Immigration to get the residency card?

[kalliope]

I have an F4 and got my residency card a few weeks ago.

I am assuming that you already have the F4 visa? If so, I would just bring the documents you submitted to get the visa to immigration to get the residency card. I got my visa processed in the states and thought that I wouldn't need to bring anything with me, but they asked me to submit a copy of my father's naturalization papers. So just bring everything with you so you don't have to make another trip.