Korean Job Discussion Forums

[HunterORL23]

So to make a long story short I am scheduled to leave on the 30th for a public school position in suburban Seoul for my second year in Korea. I finished my 1st contract up in late May and I have been home in America all summer.

I just sent my documents to my coteacher (we are not going through a recruiter because I was recommended to this school by my previous school) and she e-mailed me back saying that my diploma was not apostilled. (She never told me I had to have it apostilled, but I should have remembered that it was required last year so it is both our faults)

The reason why she is just now getting my documents two weeks before departure is because the FBI check and the apostille for that took FOREVER. I sent it in early may and just got the apostille back a week and a half ago.

Now after my degree gets apostilled by the state she wont receive that via fedex until 5 days before I leave which is not enough time to produce an alien registration number, then send more documents to Atlanta Korean consulate for the visa, and leave on the 30th. The school is fine with having me change my plane ticket but I don't know if this will effect my start date on the contract or if it will cause problems on that respect.

Can't immigration just see that I had an E2 last year and taught public school in the same province and just assign me a number without this? It's so upsetting that I have to push this back for something that is so easily mistaken by my coteacher and myself.

Has anyone had a similar situation or can offer advise?

[hank25000]

I feel for ya but understand that governments do things their ways and that takes time. Will you have to change your plane ticket? Perhaps. Will the school be cheesed off about the delay? Perhaps. Will it start you off on the wrong foot?... Roll with it

[ttompatz]

You have 2 options.

1) Change your plane ticket (if you can). Get your visa and then come to Korea.

side note to others: It is ALWAYS a bad idea to get the ticket before you get the visa.

2) If you can't change your ticket or the penalties are too high then come as scheduled. Enter as a tourist and do a visa run to Japan after you get your visa confirmation number.

side note: do be aware that the airline may not let you board your flight to Korea without onward passage from Korea (if you want to enter as a tourist and without an actual visa). Be prepared for problems at the airport.

Since you HAVE had a prior E2 the visa run is an option.

.

[HunterORL23]

I just did what the school told me to, they told me to get the ticket since the visa would not have been received until a few days before actual departure. No one had a choice with that part. Its ok, I guess thats what we get for not having a recruiter to clarify things between both parties.

[koreatimes]

[ttompatz]

[matthews_world]

Can airlines change the departure dates of nonrefundable tickets?

You'll definitely need more time to secure apostilled documents.

If you are ballsy and since you have a job there as you claim, work undocumented if you need to and then send your documents back and forth until their finished and sign the contract from the month they are ready. Of course, this could result in a fine, time in a Korean slammer and deportation.

[Skippy]

You would get more sympathy if you where a green behind the ears newbie but you have a year under your belt. You have taught in Korea for a year, you have done the process before and you had a whole summer in which to get ready! You have been coasting and now when it comes to the start now you start getting ready. Here is a hint - ALWAYS keep up to date. Read Dave's more often. Find some good Korean blogs and read them once a week. Every few months ask yourself what do I need to do for the future will I need a new CRC or is my passport is up to date, etc.

I keep saying this do not expect logic when it comes to bureaucracy. The Korean kind can be very strange. I have not been back home for a few years, so I have had not chance in which to kill, rape or steal anything. Yet when I get a new job I will have to get a new CRC. Them's the rules.
Also why should you be given a break for your mistake. You did not follow the instructions! Welcome to life it is not fair.

Your second piece of advice is this. Take what ever your co-teacher, boss, Korean friend know with a huge heaping of skepticism. Here is a question to help you.
Who knows more about Korean immigration laws. A) Korean Co-Teacher B) Hagwon owner/boss C) Waygook who has been in Korea for 6 months.
The Answer C)
So many times I have had to be the one to help bosses and that step thru the processes of getting an ARC card, immigration laws, taxes, etc. Always double check everything. Koreans sometimes will not say they do not know what to, they will say they will do it or even yes they understand. A weird way of saving face. So many times I have heard Ya Ya' - okay I will and then .....nothing.

Also this is the Land of the Last Minute. Everything gets done at the last minute. You ask a teacher back in June for something in September, they will either NOT do it at all or wait till August 15th.

I would not recommend coming here in a tourist visa. Public schools are given more leeway from the government in the immigration process but they will rarely do the illegal work thing.

Last piece of advice. If you want quick you will have to shell out some dough. Look into the services like apostille pros or that. Pay that extra for express.

Good Luck.