Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Derrek]

Immigration approved my summer camp.

Like Harpeau, they did mine while I waited.

I really think it helps a lot if you can have a korean from the camp go with you. It seemed to all go smoothly.

By the way, if anyone is looking to work a camp for 2 weeks (starting after next week) for 3 hours a day at 30,000 per hour at a private elementary school, PM me. They still need one teacher.

[bosintang]

Hey Derrek, can you tell us what you needed for approval?

[Derrek]

I can only speak for E-2 holders here... someone else please post the other non-E-2 route??

The camp people hiring you should call immigration at 02-2650-6223. They will have to try for several minutes and don't call around lunchtime, because all immigration officials go on a lunch break for 1 hour sometime between 12 and 2 (can't remember if they start lunch at 12 or 1).

But basically, if you have an E-2, you need:

1. A typed letter from your original school approving the camp during the specific dates and times of the camp. It must be stamped with their dojang seal/stamp.

2. A contract between you and the camp, signed by both and dated, stamped, etc. This also includes some kind of letter requesting approval, similar to the letter you get from your original school. Your school needs to get exact details on what is needed here, or you'll waste a day at immigration when they send you home without proper paperwork.

3. A copy of your resume (not sure if it's needed, but I was told I did once -- MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ONLY LEGAL WORK HISTORY ON IT!!!).

4. Your passport

5. Your Alien Registration Card

6. 60,000 won in stamps, which you buy in the basement.

7. A form which you will get from the immigration officer after you stand in line. They used to use the "change of status form" but they now have a new form which you must pick up from them, apparently. I filled out the basic change of status form, and was given the new one specific to approval for extra E-2 work. The stamps get glued on the bottom of this form after you fill it out.

8. They had me wait 20 mins and then pick it up.


As stated earlier, the rules for camps have changed. My camp school is an actual legal private elementary school, and the camp is being held there, so that is fine per the new rules. I have heard (no facts for sure) that the camps held by hagwons, that are not at the hagwon, might not get approved. Same goes for "mega camps" thrown together by enterprising Koreans who want to make quick bucks. Call ahead (if you can get through) and try your best.

And obviously... if your camp is rejected, DON'T WORK IT. Because they will likely check to see if anyone else is illegal at the camp.