Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jmisurelli]

I went on 5/26 to change my visa status from e2 to d10 after completing my teaching contract. I was planning to to travel to Thailand for 2 weeks but the immigration officer (a total sourpuss) simply said "no" when I asked if I could travel while I wait for the processing.

They obviously take your arc card when you do this (mine had an expiry date of 6/22). She said my new arc won't be ready until 6/23. I still have my physical e2 visa in my passport with a final entry date of 6/14. Would I still be able to travel if I got a certificate showing I am changing visa status and I arrive back before my e2 final entry date?

If I came back on a tourist visa would that complicate the processesing of the D10 or would it be irrelevant?

Any knowledge or info would be much appreciated!

[ttompatz]

It used to be that you could get a certificate of alien registration at the desk on the left as you enter the Seoul immigration office and that would suffice for travel.

If you leave and re-enter as a tourist you nullify the D10 application (meaning you only have 90 days to find a job and change back to E2 before you need new documentation from home).