Korean Job Discussion Forums

Stann · Joined: 09 Oct 2006

Hello,

First off, I hope I am posting this in the correct forum. Please move the topic if I am way off base. Thanks.

I am having a slight problem with obtaining my E2 Visa as I am currently in somewhat of a pickle.

I currently study Engineering in Canada and will graduate this December (2006). However, since the academic year does not formally end until May, 2007, I will not recieve the actual piece of paper indicating that I have obtained my Bachelor's Degree until then.

My question is: is there any way at all for me to be granted an E2 visa without the actual piece of paper itself (since I do not wish to wait until May)? I have spoken to my coordinator at my University and I was told that there is no way I will be able to have the degree in hand prior to May, 2007. However, I do know that I can obtain final transcripts and letters from the necessary powers to indicate that I have indeed graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in December, 2006.

I hope somebody can shed some light on this issue. Definately let me know if you've come across this before. Thanks!

Cheers,
~Stann

cruisemonkey · Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2006 11:16 am Post subject:

You're SOL until you have your sheepskin.

Stann · Joined: 09 Oct 2006

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Stann · Joined: 09 Oct 2006

Thanks for the feedback. I really appreciate it.

I really didn't want to have to wait - looks like I might have to explore other options Sad

CBP · Joined: 15 May 2006 Location: Korea

Don't give up yet. You do indeed need your diploma, but push your school on this. I had to do something similar -- petition letter, speaking to people's supervisors, arguing my case -- when my school refused to release my transcripts. I've been told NO so many times by my school, and EVERY time they said NO I found a way to turn it into a YES.

You need your diploma in order to obtain employment. You will have completed your degree, honored your university requirements, and now they need to give you what is yours. The U.S. doesn't require the diploma when applying for employment, so they are viewing your diploma as a fancy piece of paper. But in your case it's much more than that.

Send a formal email to the Dean of Student Affairs. Argue your case, send links that prove that the diploma is a legal requirement in Korea, and tell them that you will be a student in good standing upon completion of your degree (providing that's true!). List your honors, your GPA (providing it's worth mentioning!), and tell them that you will be adversely affected by a six-month delay in employment. You worked hard for your degree, and now you're ready to put that diploma to good use.

It's not over yet.

Novernae · Joined: 02 Mar 2005

Everybody else is right, no diploma = no visa.
Take CBP's advice and try to continue pushing your university for the degree. Try to find official documentation that states you need your diploma in hand for employment to submit with your request.

canuckistan · Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2006 6:19 pm Post subject:

Stann · Joined: 09 Oct 2006

Thanks for the feedback and useful information.

Just a quick question to you CPB, did/are you study(ing) in the US or Canada? The last time I spoke with my coordinator, she had told me that what happens in Canada is that all of the pertinent information and papers for all students of the university are sent to the Senate for degree auditing in April/May and that there can be no exceptions (so she says). Having said that, when you pushed for the early degree, did you do this in Canada or the US?

I will definately take your advice and try again. I am currently on the Dean's Honour List, so academically speaking, it should not be a problem. I will push for the early degree for sure.

Again, thanks for the input!

CBP · Joined: 15 May 2006 Location: Korea

American. Sorry about that.

HamuHamu · Joined: 01 May 2003 Location: Seoul

Stann · Joined: 09 Oct 2006

Corporal · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

You could always take the five months to study some more, starting with learning the correct spelling of the word "definitely".

Stann · Joined: 09 Oct 2006

Time to pick up a book again! I don't remember the last time I did that....

But in all seriousness, if I really do have to wait five months before I can even begin to apply for the working visa, I most likely will not travel down that road. Looks like it will have to either be graduate studies or working elsewhere. Sad

However, I would still like to find out and find out soon, as I will need to get back to the school in Korea that has already agreed to take me on.

Again, any feedback is appreciated!

babtangee · Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2006 1:52 pm Post subject:

I had to fight my uni to get my certificate early. I asked the Korean Embassy in Australia for a letter explaining the situation - and the necessity of me having my diploma in hand in order to gain employment in Korea. They sent the letter out, with the embassy's seal. A letter from your future employer explaining that the only thing preventing you from being gainfully employed is the university's failure to provide you with your certificate. There's a subtle suggestion of potential litigation in that. If they can give it to you they probably would after that.