Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tob55]

The requirements made by the government are designed to provide what they believe to be a seamless way to achieve ciitizenship. That doesn't mean that everything about the rules are fair or equal to all involved parties, but no country on earth does everything fair or equal in most circumstances anyway.

F4 visa holders having to go through the regular process is just Korea's way of saying "you gave up your citizenship before and we want to make sure you really want to have it again." That is my opinion as someone that was never on that visa, but it does make sense in some ways.

[chaz47]

I'm intrigued by this General Naturalization after 5 years option. Back in 2005 at the end of my first (successful) contract I read that these were the requirements for the F-5 (Permanent Residency). So, I buckled up and hit the books and saved my dough (won).

I checked it again a year later and the regulations were more difficult. The criteria became progressively more difficult every year thereafter. Last year, for someone my age, 38, to get an F-5 I had to hold 2 Doctorates and a few other nigh impossible requirements for a guy who came here on a Bachelor's at 30 and has been slogging away in the EFL trenches. I've been living in a perpetual haze of seething resentment towards the Korean government ever since.

Because, if I had opted for virtually any other country and worked and saved there for 8 years, I would be able to have something much better than the indentured servitude of the E-2.

So, please forgive me if I seem a little perplexed by this news. Did I miss something? I know SK is getting ready for a huge chunk of its population to retire and there aren't enough younger generations to fit the bill. Is this their solution, to let the waygooks in?

Or, in greater likelihood, is this just a means of keeping up appearances with the UN while in practice only those who have married into the culture can do this?

I hope I don't sound too cynical. I mean, it would be absolutely amazing if it were true. I would start to study Korean again and finally progress beyond the TOPIK level 1 that has served my purposes on the margins of Korean society. I could finally start to put all of my experience, wit and wisdom into recruiting a solid stable of eager and motivated private students... without fear of the Immigration gestapo.

[tob55]

chaz47, you have the right to be concerned. The Korean govt. does seem to change the rules at a whim on some things, but I do believe they are trying ot standardize their policies so that they are fair for everyone who genuinely has an interest in becoming a part of the country and culture. It is a shame when I hear of experiences like yours with the knowledge that my way to obtaining citizenship was made easier because of my marriage. However, this should not preclude others from having the same opportunities if they desire to have them. Hopefully the system is going to be fair to all as much as possible.

[tob55]

Quite a bit of discussion over the potentialy new language requirement for foreign spouses, so I thought I would post the requirements for all of those seeking naturalization. They are listed in the same order as is posted on the HiKorea website. All information is simply the "basic" requirements:

General Naturalization: more than 5 years of residence

Must have had domicile address in R.O.K. for more than 5 consecutive years
Must be legally adult according to Korean Civil Law
Must have good conduct
Must have the ability to maintain living on his/her own assets or skills; or is a dependent member of a family capable of the feat.
Applicants must have basic knowledge befitting a Korean national; such as understanding of the Korean language, customs and culture

Simplified Naqturalization: over 3 years residence

Must be legally adult according to the Korean Civil Law
Must have good conduct
Must have the ability to maintain their living based on their own assets / skills, or be a dependent member of a family that�s capable of supporting itself.
Must have basic knowledge befitting a Korean national; such as understanding of the Korean language, customs and culture

Simplified Naturalization (marriage)

Must be legally adult according to the Korean Civil Law
Must have good conduct
Must have the ability to maintain living on his/her own assets or skills; or is a dependent member of a family capable of the feat.
Must have basic knowledge befitting a Korean national; such as understanding of the Korean language, customs and culture

These are the three categories most likely to apply to any foreign residents currently considering naturalization. It is important to note that ALL types require basic knowledge befitting a Korean national; such as understanding of the Korean language, customs and culture

The information in the above while specifically for naturalization should also be considered a general requirement for any individual who is currently on any F-visa, i.e. marriage visa F-6, single long-stay F-2, or the permanent residency F-5. The current talk is that while the latter is not yet required, it will be in the coming year, so anyone who is wanting to being the process towards naturalization should begin preparing so that this language requirement is not a shock or surprise.

[chopstick]

Does obtaining an F5 visa prior to citizenship help with application for citizenship or is it just as easy to go from F2/F6 to citizen?

How soon after receiving F5 can one apply for citizenship?

What level of Korean do you need and is it true that married applicants generally fail if they don't have children?

[tob55]

[javis]

[tob55]

[alongway]

[tob55]

[eumyang]

[ampersandman]

Why would you want to do this?

[tob55]

[tob55]

I did some asking around and was able to secure the accurate information from someone who is quite knowledgeable on the subject. As far as consrciption is concerned, dual citizens will not be conscripted. This does not mean they cannot enlist on their own, but as far as the Korean government is concerned, they are not required to. Also, to clarify another post about who is eligible to apply for dual citizenship. Only four categories of people are considered eligible for dual citizenship:

1. Foreigners married to Korean nationals
2. Foreigners with Korean heritage
3. Foreigners making a major contribution to Korea (MOJ decision)
4. Foreigners with special talents and abilities (MOJ decision)

These were the guidelines listed and cited to me. Hope this clears up any confusion on some of the questions people had. Sorry for any miscommunication on my part.

[chopstick]