Korean Job Discussion Forums

Vee · Joined: 27 Mar 2004

Hopefully some of you can assist.....

I arrived in Korea only a short time ago and don't have a visa yet. When I got word to come, I had no time to get a tourist visa. So now I'm here w/ only a 30day stamp and am not sure of the steps I need to take. My "boss" has left on a trip to the states for 2mnths (no assistance b4 leaving), so I'm in the dark.

Does anyone know for sure that if I go to Japan I'll get a 90day stamp? Or, is there a specific city I need to go to, do I need to go during the week, or is the weekend ok, do I need to go to the consulate????
Yeah, I know....lots of ?s, but I need answers so please help!

lush72 · Joined: 18 Aug 2003 Location: I am Penalty Kick!

Congrads on working illegally and breaking Korean Immigration law!!

Rolling Eyes

Are you for real? YOU CANT LEGALLY WORK IN A HOGWON WITHOUT AN E-2 VISA!!

Why do you want to go to Japan to get another tourist visa??!?! Your boss is either
A- an asshat
B- a loser
C- insanely ignorant of things they need to know to run a hogwon
D- a criminal
E- A through D

~edited by waterbaby~

oneiros · Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Location: Villa Straylight

Well, you could always quit. Very Happy

Seriously, if your boss hasn't bothered to get you a visa, and has taken off on vacation without worrying about your legal status, this is a pretty bad sign. I'd give serious consideration to leaving if your boss doesn't cough up the paperwork to get your E-2. Working illegally is simply a bad idea. If your boss decides not to pay you, you have absolutely no legal recourse. I'd give them an ultimatum - E-2 or I walk.

waterbaby · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Baking Gord a Cheescake pie

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

ryleeys · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Columbia, MD

First, I concur with the other posters... I really think you need to use the time you have here to interview for other jobs and then get out of your current situation.

~flamebait edited by waterbaby~

Vee · Joined: 27 Mar 2004

Now, let me add this bit of info... My paperwork is in for my E-2, but as I stated in the original thread, I came at the last minute. There was no time right away b/c I'm replacing my boss and the other teacher while their away. I simply needed advice on what to do in the meantime. You people act as if ?s like this have never come across b4. I've seen many b4 mine and have seen nothing but kind offers to assist regulars. So thanks for nothing.

~flamebait edited by waterbaby~

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

Your followup is a bit more informative & sorry I spoke my doubts.

I still think your boss has acted irresponsibly & despite Lush's tone he is correct that you are presently working illegally.

I dont know the tourist visa ropes for Americans (are you American?) but that info should be readily available on the net. Be careful what reasons you give immigration for reentering.

calypso · Joined: 31 May 2004

peppermint · Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2004 9:27 pm Post subject: Re: Help needed....

sistersarah · Joined: 03 Jan 2004 Location: hiding out

i sympathize with the OP....i was this naive (if not more so) when i arrived. i trusted everything my recruiter was doing for me while i was busy trying to graduate. i did very little research into these legal things and the result was that i worked here for quite a while illegally (always reassured by my hogwan boss that everything is ok bla bla bla, we'll be sending you to japan soon, bla bla bla).

anyway, it's quite possible that the OP is that naive.

but i agree with all the advice so far. get outta there fast.

Patong Dong · Joined: 06 May 2003 Location: On Nut

Congrads on working illegally and breaking Korean Immigration law!!

Are you for real? YOU CANT LEGALLY WORK IN A HOGWON WITHOUT AN E-2 VISA!!

Oh my stars! Lush72 what can we do to save humanity? I have already called all relevant authorities to hopefully smite this individual, and my momy to see if she can phone his mommy. I know neither you or I will sleep well until this horrific wrong is righted. Imagine someone working illegally!!! Will it never end?

PatrickSiheung · Joined: 21 May 2003

Hey Vee,

When you say your paper work is in for the E2 does that mean it's getting processed and you just need to do a Visa Run?

If yes, just follow the other advice given and head over to Japan. It's that simple.

Still... It seems weird that your boss and another teacher has taken off for 2 months just as you get to the school. Sounds like you have a lot of work ahead of you.

Just out of curiosity... what's the housing situation like? Does everything else seem on the up and up?

If you have anymore red flags I would suggest quitting and getting another job fast.

lush72 · Joined: 18 Aug 2003 Location: I am Penalty Kick!

oneiros · Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Location: Villa Straylight

Just thought I'd add - the blue paper visa voucher only takes about a week to process. If your school claims that one month won't be enough time to get it, they are lying to you for some reason.

My previous advice stands. Get the visa, or tell them you're finished. If you get caught working illegally, the school just gets fined, but you'll probably get deported and banned from re-entry for awhile. It has a much bigger effect on you.