Korean Job Discussion Forums

offtokorea · Joined: 02 Jul 2010

I'm leaving my current job early and starting a new job in March. I'll need to transfer my current visa and get it extended. The new place just sent me an email requesting the following things via MAIL:

1. Your passport
2. Your Foreign ID card
3. Release Letter from your current school

What the hell? Even if I could get my current school to give me a release letter early (I doubt it), is it legal to walk around with neither passport nor ARC (I think that's what they mean by ARC)?

This makes me very uncomfortable. Has this happened to anyone else?

Lastrova · Joined: 30 Dec 2010

Scanned or photocopies, of course. If they want the originals, you know where that job should go.

offtokorea · Joined: 02 Jul 2010

Ah, this may be a language issue. Hopefully she just meant copies! Thanks.

sshemma · Joined: 18 Feb 2010

Im transferring and starting a new job in March too, and was asked for the same thing. It's basically just insurance for the new school, as the visa transfer can't be processed until after the finish date of your old school so they basically have no guarantee that your not going to screw them over and take another offer between now and then! So they want to hold on to your documents until you arrive.

But its only a request from the school and not necessary, so just give them your word and send them the photocopies.

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

rowdie3 · Joined: 22 Sep 2003 Location: Itaewon, Seoul

This means that they are going to transfer the visa for you at immigration and save you the trip. They are doing you a favor.

I do this every year when I renew my contract. I hand over my passport and ARC to my company's HR guy and then a week later they come back to me via courier with the extension. No biggie.

You will not be arrested in the street if you do not have your ARC on you at all times. This is just how things are done here.

What would the company do if they actually stole your passport and ARC from you? Sell in on the blackmarket? I don't think so. Have a little faith in people.

seoulsucker · Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2011 4:12 pm Post subject:

Under no circumstances should you relinquish your passport and/or ARC to anyone but an immigration officer who will provide you with a receipt which stands as proof that your legal documentation is being processed. If you're staying/working with the same company you've been with for years and years, then maybe I could understand the expedite/courier thing. But for a new job asking you to mail it to them? C'mon, people. This is expat 101 stuff.