Korean Job Discussion Forums

[duderdude]

Here's the deal. My contract ends on 11/1, my visa is dated 11/7. I plan to take off for Thailand and come back to Korea only to catch a flight home in Feb. Will there be any problem coming back in Feb. And when do I have tog be out in Nov? Thanks..

[RedRob]

I think you have 15 days grace after your E2 expires on 11/7 (check with the immigration office or any of the numerous websites mentioned on this forum)

If you have a through ticket home, you will have no probs coming in Feb, you'll get an automatic tourist visa for the duration of your stay( the length will vary depending on where you are from) and presto, you're home free.

[Hello Kitty!]

I have a situation similar to RedRob's:

My E-2 visa was issued on November 6, 2002, and it says that it is valid for 12 months after that date. HOWEVER, I didn't arrive in Korea until November 20, and I didn't begin my contract until November 25.

When must I leave? I've researched a bit on this site and on EFL-Law's site, and I find conflicting information. Some people say you have a 14-day grace period, and others tell stories of being stopped at the airport for overstaying by 2 days.

If there is a grace period, does it begin on November 6 (a year after the issuance of my E-2 visa), November 20 (a year after I arrived), or November 25 (when my contract ends)?

If there is no grace period, must I leave the country by November 6 and am I no longer legal to work after that date? I can't imagine that this question/problem is unique to me, as many people are issued visas in their home countries before coming to Korea.

Thanks for any info you can offer!

[whatthefunk]

I have a similar problem, so I had a coworker call immigration. My visa ends on the 5th of Nov., but my contract ends on the 11th, I have to be out by the 9th. I have no idea what the logic behind it all is. Call immigration and they can sort ya out.

[Pyongshin Sangja]

get out now! They're right behind you!