Korean Job Discussion Forums

dunmore · Joined: 15 Aug 2006

I know that this is not OK, but my boss keeps insisting that it is OK.

Please can someone point me to a link in the ministry of labor or immigration web site so that I can read this officially.

BigBuds · Joined: 15 Sep 2005 Location: Changwon

It is illegal to work without your E-2 visa but it is okay to observe classes.

Generally, when a teacher observes classes at a school it is usually only one or two days and most teachers are not paid for it. If you are not paid to observe classes (as you are not actually working) then it is legal but if you are getting paid while you're observing these classes, then technically, it's illegal.

As for training, it is treated the same as observing.

You're only legally allowed to earn money here once you have received your E-2 visa.

I don't have the link but I have asked this question to immigration offices all over the country and, surprisingly, have been given pretty much the same answer everytime.

Homer · Guest

Observe...yes.

Training...yes.

Working...no..it is illegal and you could get busted for it.

He has to wait until your visa is processed.

Optional Toaster · Joined: 08 Jan 2006

I'm not surprised, personally. In a lot of cases, people get their plane ticket and a job without a visa and hop on over to Japan at the end of their first month to get it. Standard practice at a lot of places and their investment in you means that they are the ones to pay fines (or bribes) to the dudes who walk in looking for their extra cash (or drinking money, beats me). I'm sure there are times when the employer can't pay the money and you get in trouble but I never saw it happen. Just teach, get paid, and hide in the closet when they tell you to!

poet13 · Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 6:55 pm Post subject:

"Just teach, get paid, and hide in the closet when they tell you to!"

I think this is silly advice.

Sure, observe, train, but you have to watch out for this...

On my first day, with a visa three days away, I was to observe and train.
So, I went into the classroom with the korean teacher, who introduced me....and walked out. His training of me consisted of coming over frm his classroom three or four times that day and asking if everything was ok.
I was not paid for those days either.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

I'd refuse to take a job until they had an E-2 processed.

astroboyfan · Joined: 19 Apr 2005

I say go for it.. teach away Cool

What is the worst they can do? Deport you Confused