Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Derrek]

What visa would I need to work for a company full-time?

Or, let's say, in the entertainment industry?

How long are the visas for, and what are the requirements? Are they easy for a Korean employer to get?

I was called about a job opportunity I'd applied for, however, the sticking point is that I'm on an E-2 visa and would have to leave this job and get another Visa. Sadly, it sounds like the company doesn't want to bother with Visa issues. The hope to hire someone already here on a marriage visa or something.

I'm really bummed about this, as it seems I can never get out of teaching and back into something I'm actually trained for. I'm 35 and getting sick of a measly 2.0 per month. I'm not saving much, and I really feel like I'm wasting my time teaching.

[kangnamdragon]

E-7

[Derrek]

Is E-7 the same for both?

[mithridates]

Derrek, you're preaching to the choir when it comes to that visa issue...doing work in entertainment is such a catch-22 here.

[Seoul Skye]

Depends on the job description, the company, and your qualifications. Generally, you're looking at an E-7 but the hiring company usually has to jump through hoops of fire with Immigration to get the position approved. Usually an E-7 visa application involves obtaining a letter of endorsement from the relevant ministry, which invariably means bribes must be paid to said ministry officials.

The certificate potential government employees receive upon passing the civil service exam should be called "License to Extort."

Good luck!

[sistersarah]

i just got an E-7 yesterday, no problems. i didn't even go with my boss, just gave him my degree, ARC, letter of permission and he was in and out.....maybe it was easy because i already have a F2-1 visa? i'm not sure, but no jumping through hoops involved.

[quadra87]

edit

[tzechuk]

Visa for the entertainment industry is different. E-7 is for people with special skills, but not for entertainment. When I first came I was on an E-7, I had a letter of invitation from the Ministry of Information to come here as an *expert* in my field.... (yeah right...). Anyway, Sarah, yes, having a F-2-1 means that you can have any visa. But it is strange that you even need a visa because with a F-2, you can work anywhere, you just need permission and not a visa. I no longer need an E-7 to work because of my F-2. My husband was about to apply for it when the immigration folk told us I didn't need a visa to work. I just need to be granted permission.

Anyway, Derrek, if you go here you will be able to see the different types of visas you can get and find out that is most suitable for your needs.

HTH.

[tzechuk]