Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Drew345]

I am in Korea and processing for an E-7 specialist visa.
I was in Korea 8 years ago as an English teacher with an E-2 visa, so I am in their system with an ARC number, though not active.

I went to get the physical and drug test, and urine test came out positive. I am sure it was because of Levofloxacin, an antibiotic I was taking. An internet search says it causes false positives for opiates.

The hospital tested the urine twice (same "batch") and came out positive both times. They said come back and they would do a retest, so I went back, and then they changed their story and said they would have another hospital test the same first old urine sample. The company assistant was with me and after a few calls to the office they cancelled the third retest. Makes sense really, since it was the same first urine with the Levofloxacin in it. Then the cranky nurse said they were going to forward the failed test results to immigration.

So tomorrow I am going to another hospital and start another test. Should take about a week. The medicine should be out of my system since I stopped it 9 days ago.

So... If (when) I pass my next drug test and get the medical certificate, (or whatever it is) and go to process my E7 visa, is immigration going to see the other failed drug test and kill the application? Does one failed drug test mean I can never get a job in Korea again?
I am on a tourist stamp entry now, and the office says they can transfer to a E7 with me in-country. They have done it a few times before. Anyway, I can leave and come back too if I have to. The point is, I am on a tourist stamp now, so leaving and coming back really wont change anything.

I have studied Korean language for 2 years. I even bought my apartment here. I have very long term plans here obviously. Will one failed drug test stay on my "permanent record" and mean I can never work here again? Or will getting a clean drug test from another hospital make the first drug test a mute point.

Thanks,
Really stressed.

[TheMeerkatLover]

Have you ever heard an experience where multiple drug tests that came up positive was a good thing?

Regardless of what you bought, feel, studied, or blame what isn't a big deal. A positive drug test is a positive drug test.

If it is actually submitted to immigration it will remain in your permanent file. Immigration does not like any negative history on any record.

And also keep in mind, everyone pleads to be innocent. Even those who were caught. It's easy to just look them in the eye and lie (it's the Korean way after all).

I would prepare contingencies.

[ghostrider]

I've heard you get three chances to pass the drug test. I think this poster had a similar problem:
I don't do drugs but TESTED POSITIVE FOR OPIUM!!!

He didn't say how things turned out, but he was still in Korea a few years later according to more recent posts.

[Emark]

This could be a long process, but since you have so much invested in this it will be worth the work.
Immigration processes ALL red flagged applications on a CASE BY CASE basis. Yours should be red flagged. As such, Immi will be open to any and all documentation that crosses their desk with that application. They WILL read it.

1.You need a copy of the prescription where you had it filled and possibly a note from your doctor that prescribed it to you.
2.You need some documentation about the contents of the drug and how it at time creates a false positive. This will have to be translated into Korean.
3. Write a letter in Korean explaining everything. Don't forget to apologize for the problem.
4. Submit anything else you deem necessary to clear your name.

I've assisted 2 foreigners to successfully get their E-2 and F-6 with criminal records in 2011 and 2012. Including documents of explanation worked. Both have extended their visas and are still currently teaching here. The Mapo-gu office and the Yongtong-dong offices were both great to work with.

Good Luck.

[I'm With You]

Your friends in Newfoundland or Saskatchewan were lying to you - it's traceable!

[Drew345]

I am preparing all the support documents mentioned by EMark.
One question. EMark mentions that the Mapo-gu office and the Yongtong-dong office are great to work with. Last time I got an ARC (8 years ago) the only immigration office in Seoul was Mok-dong. I am now staying and applying for work in Mapo-gu. So can I work with the Mapo-gu office for applying for visa and getting ARC now? No need to go to Mok-dong anymore?
Thanks

[Drew345]

I've retaken my drug test at a different hospital and got my documents all ready to explain the first drug test failure. I think I can get this pushed through and get my E-7 visa.
I am worried about the future though. This present contract is rather short, and no guarantee of being renewed at all. Even if I get over the failed drug test and get the visa this once, will it come up again and again as I go for future visas? Or will it be finished and gone if I can get through it this one time.
I have long term plans in Korea. I want to get residence and stay til I die, basically. Will this failed drug test be there forever and make everything I ever do at the discretion of the immigration officer, or will it basically go away if I can get through it this one time?
Thanks,

[Emark]

Opps, I think I had Mapo - on - the - brain when I wrote that.
I meant Mok-dong. Sorry.

I think this time it is at the discretion of the immi officer screening the case. Again, put yourself in as favourable light as possible and you should be fine. It will always be on your file (both the +test and the fact you were granted a visa in light of the documents you presented) so there won't be a need to readdress the issue again. Obviously, when you return to Korea and get another drug test you pass it, so it shouldn't be a problem again.

Good Luck.

Let us know how this works out. I'm expecting good things.

[Canadian Club]

Is your employer supportive? Can they help out at all?