Korean Job Discussion Forums

[UncleAlex]

I understand that an E2 visa expires in 90 days, unless an ARC is obtained
by then. I'm wondering if someone can apply for a new job without a
release letter after the original E2 visa has expired prematurely.

[Anda]

You have two weeks in which you can stay in country if you finish up early on an E2. Once you ex boss tells immigration you have left him then your E2 is finished the same as if you hand in your E2 when leaving Korea. Normally you can go out of Korea and come back in and find a new employer provided your current employer hasn't lodged a complaint against you. You can also pay for and get up to a 4 week extension on your E2 in the form of a tourist visa if you want to stay longer in country.

Comfirm everything with immigration as they will give you a hard time if you don't.

[waterbaby]

Your E2 visa expires because you don't get your ARC? Don't think so ... might get a fine, but never heard of E2 visas magically expiring in 90 days because you didn't report to Immigration for your Alien Card. I bet there are many of us out there that wish this were true - a kind of "try before you buy" period...

From what I know, you need a letter of release to get a new job if your current E2 visa hasn't expired (regardless of whether or not you have an alien card.)

If you are having troubles with your hagwon and want to get out of your contract, I suggest you have a look at this site, EFL-Law and talk to one of the lawyers there about your options.

[UncleAlex]

There's nothing magical about it. My E2 visa stamp reads 1 year sojourn,
but there's an additional stamp that was applied at Inchon Airport, when I returned
from Japan, which reads 90 days. Airport immigration advised me to get the ARC
within 3 months, or I would have to leave the country by that time. There's no fine
unless I fail to leave by 90 days when the E2 visa expires.
It's life span is cut short by 9 months without the ARC. I think I'll call the immigration office
to inquire about the need for a release-letter in this case.
Thanks for your reply, Waterbaby.

[Anda]

An E2 finishes as soon as you stop working here in Korea. They give you two weeks in which to leave Korea provided you have time left on your visa once you stop working. Your boss is usually restricted in how many foreign English teachers he can employ and so it is likely that he has cancelled his offer of work to you already. Why don't you visit immigration and clear things up with them. A release letter doesn't automatically mean that you won't have to do another visa run. This is up to your immigration office.