Korean Job Discussion Forums

[stew1988]

Hi guys. You probably know my situation now. I want to get an E2 again but I did a runner in the past. My VISA is cancelled however I have been told I may or may be issued the E2 again...that's not the point of this post though...

I know that I want to teach older students and working with college / university students or teaching business English is more my aim. The trouble is, I can't find anything like that from here in the UK. As a result I was thinking of doing the following...

1. I have all my documents ready and sorted out.
2. Book a flight to Korea.
3. Hunt around Korea in person for University jobs, jobs with adults and editing / proof reading positions.

If I found a job I would have to do a VISA run to Japan in order to get my VISA issued, am I right in thinking this? Do you think employers would sponsor this?

Just wanted to know what you guys thought of this idea.

Cheers.

[iggyb]

Did you ever complete a full year contract? If you had, then you could get the visa run waived and have your visa status changed in Korea. If not, last I heard, you would need to go to Japan.

There are certain times of the year that are prime for college jobs. I don't remember when they are, but being in country is pretty much necessary especially in this current job environment. Adult hakwons are also hard to come by. And if you are aiming at Seoul, competition this year is going to be higher due to the number of jobs SMOE is cutting. Somewhat similar for GEPIK and Gyeonggi Province and to a lesser extent the other urban areas in the country.

In short, being in country is a big help.

But, if you've never completed a contract, and you have done a runner, it won't look good, and you might have to settle for a kids hakwon or a job in a smaller city or rural area.

I came this time on the tourist visa waiver they have with the US and found a job. Since I'd completed a few E-2 contracts much earlier in Korea, I was able to change my visa to an E-2 in Korea.

[modernseoul]

[mohair_blues]

not sure how it is with the UK, but I'm guessing it's all the same,

if I were you, I would go to the Korean embassy/consulate in the UK and talk to one of them about how you go about getting an E2 visa

dont lie about your past. tell them you did teach in Korea before but it didnt work out and you had to go home before the contract end - dont need to go into detail, just say personal and family reason

you will get the best answer on how to get your E2 visa there instead of asking people what ifs/theoretical questions here

I've scanned through your other post, it seems you're really keen on living in Korea

other options may be
working at a factory, working at a company (other than teaching) - but that company needs to convince Immigration that no Koreans could do the job you do

or perhaps opening your own business

[stew1988]

Of course coming to this forum and asking question was not my first port of call. I have spoken to Korean immigration directly, both the national number and my wife has spoken to the immigration in Suwon which dealt with my previous E2. Furthermore, I have called and visited the Korean embassy in London and asked questions about reapplying for an E2. The answers have always been the same...

- The London embassy told me it is nothing to do with them and to call Korean immigration. They said that I have the right to reapply but nobody can tell me whether I will get the VISA issued or not. She said it "probably" won't be a problem.

- Korean immigration informed me that I have indeed been reported as a midnight runner. They told me that my VISA has been cancelled and as a result my ARC has also been cancelled. They said that all I can do is to try and apply. They will not say YES or NO. They told me that it will depend on whoever gets given my case and that with "my history" in Korea there "may be difficulties"...

So...vague as you like from the powers that be. This is why I am trying to find information on the forums. Possibly from individuals who have done something similar and have suggestions on how I can improve my chances.

I can't see myself starting a business anytime soon, I can just about buy a pint of milk

Thanks