Korean Job Discussion Forums

[stew1988]

OK guys, I'm in a bit of a bind...

I did a midnight run and I want to return on another E2...

- It has not yet been long enough for my VISA to expire naturally, however, having got my Korean wife to talk to immigration, they told us that my VISA has in fact been cancelled...

So, I assumed that would mean I could return...

- I am now thinking that my ARC is different from the VISA and does not get cancelled if the VISA is cancelled. Is this true? I didn't hand it in at the airport, so will I have to wait for it to expire even though my VISA has been cancelled?

Bit of a horrible situation as I want to return to Korea A.S.A.P...if it is the case, is there a way of canceling my ARC? Surely if my VISA has been canceled, my ARC becomes null and void too?

Cheers.

[Skippy]

Wife is Korea! Um why not try for an F-series visa.

Also consider calling up immigration and ask if your ARC has been canceled. Also consider come over... then go to Japan and hand in your ARC when you go.

[stew1988]

I've read so many contradictory things and it doesn't seem like I can get a definitive answer, not even from immigration. The way I see it is that I may or may not be accepted again into South Korea at this point in time...I do know that I didn't hand in my ARC, I also know that my VISA has been cancelled and thus my boss / recruiter have spread some muck about me to immigration...obviously my side of the story is invalid in terms of Korean immigration and rights of the foreign teacher are completely non-existent, then again, everybody here already knows that anyway...

That being said, you may ask, why the hell go back then? I'm going back because it's important for my marriage and it's where I need to be for whatever reason. Just hope they allow me to go back even though I still have the ARC.

[stew1988]

Japan's not an option because I don't have the cash. I'm looking to take advantage of the Korean perks, i.e:flights etc...the F2 Visa is not appropriate right now because you need to provide proof of funds and so on, this will also take the free flight out of the equation.

[Skippy]

Well if your visa has been canceled, then come over. Come on a tourist visa. Then work on your F-series visa. OR then go E-2 and visa trip to Japan.

Unless you have done some serious crime. Did you molest a student or steal a whole bunch of money, then you are likely safe. Unless the school can actually point towards some crime committed, your fine. They can complain and bad mouth but stop likely not.

I think with another E-2, if you go that route will likely mean getting the paperwork again - CRC, degree, etc.

[stew1988]

I'm in the UK now, so no issue about paperwork and whatnot. I've got all of my documents ready and that's not really the concern...

As I said before, the F VISA route is not really a possibility at the moment. The aim is to get an E2, work until the end of my contract, and then, when financially better off and with another years experience, get an F2 VISA and hunt down a University position or something involving adults. I need the E2 at the moment because I need what comes with it, i.e: the free flight and no need to prove self sufficiency...

No, I did not molest any children and I did not steal large sums of cash...I did not trash my apartment with a baseball bat, and I did not physically hurt any Koreans with my evil 외국인 hands...as for how my underhanded recruiter and boss portrayed me, I have no way of knowing...

I'm just not sure I can go back yet. My VISA is cancelled, so I'm informed. I do however still have my ARC. Does this make a difference or will the ARC end as soon as the VISA is cancelled?...

The man at the Suwon Immigration told me that my VISA has been cancelled...he told me that I could technically return, however I have been reported as a midnight runner and I could encounter difficulties...he would not give me a yes or a no, but he sounded negative...seeing as he is immigration, I'm sure that he is bound to say that to me though, rather than just saying, "OK MR..., feel free to come back at your leisure"...

[northway]

Having an F-2 doesn't mean you can't get your flight paid for. I know several F visa holders who have had schools pay their airfare.

[stew1988]

Hi guys. Just thought I would post a bit of an update, just in case anybody is remotely interested hehe...

I called Korean immigration and they gave me the following piece of information.

My VISA is cancelled and I am within my rights to reapply for another E2...they told me that because of my history (running out on a contract), my chances of getting another one issued are not good. They said they could not possibly say yes or no and that the decision will be up to whatever officer is dealing with my case...

So, fingers crossed... I could do with a bit of luck, hopefully the officer is feeling merry on soju at the time!

[Skippy]

[stew1988]

Cheers skippy. I was thinking along similar lines. I am definitely going to give the E2 reapplication a shot. I've read many stories of people being able to return after a midnight run and I've noticed very few stories of people being rejected. I could be completely wrong of course.

[Skippy]

[nickwils]