Korean Job Discussion Forums

SuperHero · Joined: 10 Dec 2003 Location: Superhero Hideout

I have an F2-1 visa and have heard that it is easy to change jobs mid contract i.e. it is not necessary to get a letter or release or deal with any other red tape. My impression is that I go down to immigration show them the new contract say I quit the old job and pay the fee.

Is this correct? Has anyone done this?

Kimchieluver · Joined: 02 Mar 2005

I've never done it but I have thought about doing the same thing. The bonus money I would have lost was the deciding factor, as well as the high salary and relaxed atmosphere.

From what I understand is that you don't need a letter of release, but it's far less complicated if you get one. By contract, you still probably have to give 30 days notice, especially if you're into it six months or over.

That said, getting an LOR if you give them notice shouldn't be too hard. They don't have to give you any severence pay or return airfare and it gives them ample time to find a replacement.

I wouldn't mention the fact that you are moving to a better job, just say you need to quit for personal reasons. They might let you go on the spot if that's what you want.

In short, get the letter of release because it saves you and Immigration a headache.

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

You still need to do things the proper way. If your contract stipulates that you must give 30 days notice, then you must give your 30 days notice. Once your contract is up and you have a new one lined up and a new contract, you can do what you said. Go to the immigration with your new contract (you will probably need to have some documents from the hagwon as well), fill in some forms, pay some money and you will get your new either E-2 or *work permit*, depending on which one you apply.

I suspect that you will need a statement of sort that states that you have left your last place of work... but I don't think it will be a problem even if you do not have one, a quick phone call to your last place of employment will probably iron things out, providing your boss is not upset with you for leaving ... Razz

Scott in HK · Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 6:09 am Post subject:

Did this just last month...

needed nothing from my old job...just paperwork from my new job...paid my money....filled the forms and it was done.

Didn't even ask why I was changing jobs...

This was for Incheon Immigration...never can tell what other offices might want...

Southern Drawl · Joined: 13 Mar 2005

I have done this and the immigration office needed a letter of release.

Cohiba · Joined: 01 Feb 2005

Whoa! You mean I can get a teaching job with an F2-1
visa? Now I teach only privates, but there are a few
private institutes I know willing to pay over 40,000/hr.
to get a wayguk part time.

I thought ONLY E2 visa slaves could teach in hagwons.

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

Can I just walk into immigration and tell them I quit, and then cancel my visa (E2)? Can I then change my status to tourist, perhaps with a small fee?

Or do I have to leave the country to do this?

Squid · Joined: 25 Jul 2003 Location: Sunny Anyang

You don't revert to a tourist visa. The F2-1 gives you right to residency based on spousal sponsorship. Changing E2's (or work permits) is, or should be, as easy as pie. Take in the new employers documents and it's a 10 minute rubber stamp procedure.

Cohiba, give up the crack mate.

Kyrei · Joined: 22 Jan 2003

SuperHero · Joined: 10 Dec 2003 Location: Superhero Hideout

bellum99 · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: don't need to know

I have had the F2-1 visa the day after it was allowed.
I have had mine about 3.5 years (closer to 4 actually). I am very curious what they will do when I apply for the F5 visa.

Kyrei · Joined: 22 Jan 2003

An F5 visa? Are you doing a different thing or did you mean the F2? I too am about 3.5 years into the F2-1 and am looking forward to applying ofr F2 status. I have heard that we can even register to vote with that visa and that working permit visas will not be required, but that is more rumour than fact.

bellum99 · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: don't need to know

You have the F2-1 visa for 5 years and then you can apply for the F5 visa. Immigration is clear about this. We don't ever get the F2 visa. That visa was for women who married Korean men, we get the F2-1 visa(it is the same thing).

Kyrei · Joined: 22 Jan 2003

Ahh, clear or not I apparently misunderstood. I thought they were allowing us to get the F2. So, it is the F5 visa then is it? Do we know what the rights and privileges are or is it all just hearsay?

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004