Korean Job Discussion Forums

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

I have a question....

If a teacher get's E-2 paperwork from a school, and it is approved by the Korean gov't, however the teacher doesn't get his passport stamped -- is the teacher still entitled to get a release letter before he/she can apply for a new E-2 approval to work at a different school??

I am in a situation where the owner is being very wishy/washy on my start date, apartment, and other things. He also told me a few days ago that he couldn't afford to hire me. In that time, he apparently hired someone else. But now he has backpeddled and changed his mind. I am in the USA now, and am supposed to fly there next week, but now he wants me to delay another week for various reasons. I have paid all expenses -- including my ticket -- myself so far. It will cost me $75 to delay it again. He has paid me nothing so far.

I am not sure I want to work there, due to many reasons, including a basic uneasy feeling after his indecision about my employment! I am considering another job, but I wonder: I am I locked in to him since he applied for (and got) Visa paperwork from the Korean gov't? I have not had my passport stamped yet. He says I am.

What do I do if decide I want out? Is there a website or an immigration place I can call from the USA?

Thanks! ALL SUGGESTIONS/HELP WELCOME!

humanuspneumos · Joined: 08 Jun 2003

really good question- I don't think anything is binding until there's a stamp on your passport. The passport says that you have three months until it's not valid. However, you're owner might fly in the air around and around over the John Henry (signature) on the contract if you should go to Korea. Just find the ugliest photo of yourself possible and tell him- "Um- I found a newer photo than the last one- here it is." Or email him a photo of you mooning him. Perhaps he'll just not bother to bother with you. Laughing

Oh, the headache of not going for the gold or going for the gold. Anyway, here you go:

http://www.embassyworld.com/embassy/directory.htm

Expect a response of 24-90 hours since it is Friday in your part of the world.

Morning Calm · Joined: 28 Jan 2003

As far as I know, there is sort of a unspoken 90 day grace period. However, the situation is complicated if you do not have your ARC, in which case, you obviously do not. The definate problem is that you are now scribed in the books and it's going to take alot of bureaucratical (not sure this is a word or not) effort to fix your situation. I suppose it could be done if your employer goes to the immigration office and explains that there was a mess up or something, but there is not much you can do but make extra effort to get your employer to fix this.

Sorry to hear about your problem man, doesn't sound easy to fix.

Confused

Morning Calm · Joined: 28 Jan 2003

Odysseus · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Earth

I ran into a situation where after receiving my visa voucher (passport not stamped yet), I was offered a better paying position with more vacation time. A great temptation arose to breach my previous contract and go for the new position. I called the Korean embassy and was told that without release from my previous employer, not honoring the existing contract could result in being banned from working in Korea for two years. I'm not sure if this was said to keep me honest or because they would in fact do such a thing. Even though the passport is not stamped by the embassy, immigration has you on their records as employed by xyz employer. Your situation may be entirely different though.

Good luck!

humanuspneumos · Joined: 08 Jun 2003

And your employer is having financial troubles- hey, are you in Seoul now- then here's one more solution. Tell the owner that you'll start under a pay rate that is average for Korea 2-2.2 in Seoul. Then, when he can afford an increase- he can pay you the 3. If you can't work-out some kind of money coming in:

A. You'll be stuck at home for months at the least.
B. "Forced" to take an illegal job while hiding for 2 years and flying in and out of Korea.
C. Going there expecting 3 and getting far, far less under his financial situation.
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The above- assuming that the contract/confirmation E2 document is binding.

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

I might discuss some sort of part-time work with him, if he lets me out of the contract, so long the other job offered to me accepts me working for him on Saturdays temporarily too. That might be the best option for both of us -- especially since his Fall might be slow.