Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kiwiana]

According to the lady at Immigration today:

1. An E1 visa is issued to a teacher who teaches major classes only, for example, English Literature, English Education (i.e. secondary school teaching), French, Physical Education etc.

2. It is not for teachers that teach non-major classes in English. That is, for example, everyone who teaches Freshman English, English grammar, Living English, Screen English, Conversation 101, or similar, as these classes do not make up the compulsory component of the major, i.e. above. Obviously, the uni-hagwon worker would fall under this umbrella as well.

3. An E1 Visa may be given to someone without a master�s degree. That is, simply a bachelor�s degree will do as long as that person�s area of expertise matches the major department for which they work. However, as we all know master's degrees are usually required when teaching in a major department in most universities in South Korea.

In support of what she said,
I know someone with a PhD (Science) on an E2 visa who teaches non major English classes.
I also know someone with a bachelor�s (BA TESOL) on an E1 visa who teaches secondary school English education subjects.

Therefore, if you want to change your E2 visa to avoid the new hassles you at least need to be part of a subject major faculty, not part of a non-major faculty.

However, given the inconsistencies of Korean Immigration I wouldn�t be surprised if anyone has heard anything to the contrary. If anyone has heard other policies let us know.