Korean Job Discussion Forums

[gachinio]

Hi folks ... long-time listener, first-time caller

Arrived on the 17th ... came first, then began interviews. Accepted job, submitted paperwork, boss took papers to immigration. They gave him a hassle because I got my B.S. in Greece, at the American college there. It's been accredited in the States for a long time (in fact it was the first college outside the US to get US accreditation -- now there's a couple dozen overseas with accr.), but the immigration official put up a stink. Gave him a receipt & said he get back to us in 3-4 days.

How exactly does the law read, & how much leeway do individual offices have to interpret the law as they see fit?

Advice/insight/help is much appreciated! Thanks!

[ttompatz]

[supernick]

As far as I know, to obtain an E-2 who must have a degree from an English speaking country. They also gave me a hassle because mine is from Scotland, and they weren't too sure if Scotland was an English speaking country. It might not also sound like English but it is.

I think you might have to prove that your course of instruction was in English, and that might be fine. Who knows. You might not have any trouble at all.

[gachinio]

Just heard over the phone that my E-2 was denied. Going in at 4:00 to discuss the situation w/ the General Manager of the hiring school. Any thoughts/ideas/suggestions greatly appreciated -- Thanks.

[laogaiguk]

While it might be possible, it would be an uphill battle with immigration. I also hate to say, I can't see any employer going through the trouble, as it would be a lot easier to find someone else I think you might have to sort this out yourself with immigration, get it approved, then try again with an employer.

I hope I am wrong, good luck.

[gachinio]

I arrived on Aug. 17th on a 30-day tourist visa also ... so I'll need to get something lined up by then, so I don't end up having to fly in/out a second time ...

[huffdaddy]

[gachinio]

UPDATE: Spoke with the GM of the school ...

He says immigration in Incheon spoke with Immig. in Seoul, & they said no too. According to them, the wording of the law says the college ITSELF must be in the English speaking country, which to me seems ridiculous. Someone I met here is going to try to verify the actual wording fior me, but the school is disinterested in pursuing it further.

Now I have to determine if it's worth pursuing on my own based on prob. of eventually being successful, how long that might take, & also on what my prospects might be in another country here in Asia, which is something I hadn't previously considered.

Further input greatly appreciated ...

[gachinio]

Thanks for the advice on the extension ... that's good to know. Awesome avatar btw

[gachinio]

Since I'm not very optomistic about my chances of resolving the problem within a reasonable timeframe or at reasonble expense, let alone both simultaneously, i'm actively considering/researching other options. Taiwan seems best right now ...

[Pyongshin Sangja]

I've never met anyone here without both a degree and a passport from one of the Magic 7 Countries TM.