Korean Job Discussion Forums

[geordieliz]

I'm having a bit of a problem with my school at the moment - my E2 expires in 2 weeks and my school had promised to extend my job (and therefore the visa) until April, so that I could synchronise some travel plans with friends.
I was told recently that they are not in a financial situation to extend the contract until then (they can't afford a new F Teacher, so they can't afford the lease on my apartment).. so I have to be out of my apartment and finished at my school on Feb 25th.

In the meantime, my parents booked a flight to come visit me, coinciding with the previously promised date of my departure - in April. With the news that I have no job, my parents have considered cancelling their flight and losing the money they have paid... more than $2000, but I have told them not to cancel it, because I was told by my school that I can remain in Korea on a 90 day tourist visa, changing the status of the visa from an E2 to a tourist visa.

However, when I've looked into this, the HiKorea Immigration website seems to suggest that I can only extend my stay for up to 30 days after the E2 visa expiration, "for travel or other miscellaneous purposes after completing their original business", and a departing flight ticket must be shown.

My question is: is it possible to change my visa from an E2 to a tourist visa, so that I can stay in Korea for more than 30 days... preferably up to 60 days?[/i]

[OculisOrbis]

You can't change your E-2 to a tourist visa. You have to leave the country and then you can return as a tourist.

You CAN get a departure extension for free for up to 30 days by going to immigration with an outgoing plane ticket (not return) and they will extend your departure date for up to 30 days (whatever the date on you plane ticket says). You may NOT work during this extension period. It is meant for travel or putting your affairs in order after you finish your job.

Call the immigration helpline for foreigners for more info. Just dial 1345.

You can get around the more costly options and just take the ferry to Japan when your E-2 expires and then turn around and come back. You may exit when your visa expires and re-enter as a tourist on the same day - if that is possible to coordinate with your travel, but you must leave the country to change to a tourist.

Do not stay in korea past your visa expiry date without making arrangements with immi or you can be subject to fines and it can restrict you from working in korea for a period of time.

[bobbybigfoot]

Korea is a tourist friendly country so I think you should be okay though you may have to head to Japan for a little visit.

Get the 30 day extension, can be done online and for a free. And you don't have to leave Korea.

Then head to Japan for a few days and return on a tourist Visa.

Problem solved.

[captainjonj]

You can extend your stay for 30 days online easily. Go to this link
http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/CvlapplInfoDetailR_en.pt?locale=en&cvlapplCd=12700000095

You have to log in with your ARC number. All you need is to upload a jpeg of your flight leaving Korea. Within in 3 days they will email you a confirmation letter which you can show at the airport.

When they ask why you want to stay just say "to see tourist sites in Korea". No problem, takes 5 minutes