Korean Job Discussion Forums

[joepeters]

I am planning to move to Korea in August. I have some general questions about obtaining a work visa.
I am hoping to find someone who has gone through a similar experience or who has some expertise on work visas in Korea.
I am currently completing my bachelors degree.
I plan on being done by July/August and leaving for Korea in mid-late August. However, I will not have the "hard copy" of my degree until around October. I have heard that I need to have my degree in hand in order to obtain the Korean work visa (I believe it is E2).
I have also heard that I need to be in Canada to get the work visa at least for the first time. I am hoping that some or all of the above information is incorrect or that there are some ways around this.
Basically I am wondering if
a) I can get a work visa from the Korean consulate in Canada with some other type of verified document from my University such as a notarized letter (if the degree certificate is not available yet) or
b) if I cannot get the work certificate without the degree can I get a work visa after I arrive in Korea?
I would have my degree mailed to me in Korea and spend the time securing a place, job etc. and then get the work visa.
I have heard it is possible to do visa runs to Japan and other surrounding areas. I am just unclear about whether it is possible to do this for the very first time of acquiring a work visa.
Any information would be greatly appreciated!
I have been checking with the consulate here, but things are still a bit unclear.
Cheers

[ttompatz]

First time around...

a = NO.
b = NO.

There are no shortcuts and no workarounds.

You need the consular interview in Canada for a first time visa.

You need a copy of your actual degree to be certified by the consulate in Korea before a visa confirmation number can be issued.


.

[Landros]

if you already have a bachelor degree then you can use that. I mean if you are talking about waiting on a masters degree or a PhD. You can do your visa from Canada with just a bachelors even if you are trying to get a job teaching at a university. But that would be up to the university I suppose.