Korean Job Discussion Forums

Gravity Wins · Joined: 22 Jul 2013 Location: Suwon

I am a Canadian, and have signed a contract that begins on August 26th. But I have not yet mailed my documents to the school. They are at the Korean Consulate in Vancouver, and I expect to have them back on Friday or Monday.

My understanding is that FedEx can then get my docs to the school in 3-4 days. Then I receive a Visa Issuance Number. But how long should I expect to wait for this number? And once I have a number, how long does the actual E2 Visa application take? I live more than four hours away from the Korean Consulate in Vancouver, but will travel there to apply for the E2 Visa if required.

Do those of you who have gone through this process think I have left things too late to make the start date? Should I inform the school now of my worries, or simply assure them that the documents are coming shortly? Will the school try to replace me if I can't make my start date, or have I "reserved" the position by signing the contract?

A lot of questions, I know, but any answers would be greatly appreciated.

Aine1979 · Joined: 20 Jan 2013 Location: Incheon

I had the same worries, and actually arrived a week after my original start date - a postal mess up and a Korean holiday caused a delay for me. Only once I realised that I absolutely would not make my contract date did I inform the school, as until the last minute it was touch and go.

The advice I was given here was not to be too concerned, that everything is very last minute here, and to keep the school informed. Wait intil you've got your visa issuance number back, because then you'll know if you'll have your visa in time, and if you're going to be late, let the school know.

I stayed in contact, saying I hoped to be there by the date they requested, 2nd March, but absolutely would be there by no later than 9th March, and everything was fine.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

12-21 days from your sending the docs to Korea to boarding the plane.

4-7-days to get your documents to Korea.
4-10 days for issuance of the visa confirmation number.
1-2 days to e-mail it to you.
2-days for issuance of the visa (overnight service in Vancouver).

Then:
2 calendar days to fly to Korea (lose a day crossing the date line).

.

young_clinton · Joined: 09 Sep 2009

You'll make it in 4 weeks. It won't take longer than that to get your visa.