Korean Job Discussion Forums

[iggyb]

We have a sticky on E-2 changes? How about one for F-6?

I am hoping to teach somewhere besides Asia soon, but I'm keeping going back to Korea again as a backup plan. So, I'm looking at the spousal visa - but there have been changes in it. I'm having to read up.

The problem for me is that it was tricky before due to the fact my wife will remain in the US at her job.

When I checked in 2009, the consulate in my state told us it was impossible for me to get an F-2 (the designation at that time) if she stayed in the US (and because we didn't have $30,000). I went to Korea on my own and found a job getting an E-2.

As an afterthought, one night in a PC bang, I found contact info for an American-trained lawyer in the immigration department in Korea and shot him an email as a longshot.

He actually replied, and he told me the consulate in the US had been wrong. That it might take getting an immigration lawyer to speak for me, but the fact my wife and I had been married for 12 years, that she had a job in the US, that her mother was in Korea, and that I could find employment was enough to get the visa.

He also said we didn't have to have 30 million won in the bank - which was a requirement I'd read elsewhere. He said convincing immigration I had means of support and would not be a financial burden on the Korean government would be enough.

I plan on contacting an immigration lawyer this time around, because my situation isn't among the most common.

But, it would be nice to have a sticky thread for the F-6 changes since the issue touches a fair number of expats and Dave's posters....

[PBRstreetgang21]

I also want to second the OP's request for an F-6 visa sticky. I'm in the US working on my MA at the moment and my F-2 recently expired. When I am finished in a year or so, there is a very strong chance we will be going back to Korea, and at that time I would love to have a reference source for the new visa.

Especially with regard to that 30,000 dollar requirement. What are the alternative ways to prove financial stability/support?

Also, considering that I already have gotten an F-2 in the past, what if I were to go on an tourist or E-2 visa and then just change my visa in country?

Sticky please.

[iggyb]

My only point right now, since I haven't researched the new changes yes, is:

Don't just take someone's word for it -- even if it is someone from a consulate.

If you find you don't match criteria exactly that you find at this or that consulate or embassy or immigration website - talk to a Korean immigration lawyer.

Why? Because things like this don't work on a strict formula. There is always wiggleroom here and there - and if you are represented by a specialist in the area, your chance of finding and using the wiggleroom goes up.

My case is not standard, so I'm going to go through a lawyer if it doesn't cost too much.

[Emark]

An F6 sticky would be nice.
Currently I'm working on mine. I will be going to immigration to submit my application and paperwork this week.
In the General Discussion Forum, there is a "Laura F" who is asking for some information too. From the "dis-information" I have received about the F6 and the ideas that have already being discussed here ($30,000), a sticky would be helpful.
Hopefully only people who have successfully gone through the process and have received the F6 will post there. Nobody needs to be mislead by the guessers on this forum.

[Laura_F]

Yes, I'm very confused about how to get the F-6.

I called immigration today, and talked to a very curt employee who told me that I have to leave Korea and go to America to apply for that visa.

When I asked her what documents I might need she told me she had no idea.

I looked at the website for the Korean consulate in my home state. There is no mention of the F-6 on the website.

Sigh.

[viciousdinosaur]

[T-J]

If you were married in Korea on your current visa and are looking to change over to an F-6, you should not have to leave to apply.

**Disclaimer** You are dealing with immigration YMMV.


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