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]

cross posting the identical message to multiple forums is not a nice thing to do.

quick answers to your query are:

a) no
and
b) no.

You need the actual degree to get the certified copy made of the degree.
(immigration requirement)

You, as a first time applicant, are required to have a consular interview in Canada before you can get your E2 visa.

(unless of course you are willing to fly to Korea at your own expense, fly home at your expense, do the interview and then return on the employers dime).

.

[joepeters]

Thanks for the info, and sorry for the multiple posts. Coming back on the Employers dime is a better option for me personally right now, thanks for the alternate idea as well.