Korean Job Discussion Forums

[fozziejr2]

So I am trying to do two things here:

1. Teach a summer camp in Korea from July-August, which means I need a C4 visa

then

2. Teach for EPIK from August 2008-August 2009 which means I need an E2 visa.

Now I have been told two things, or so I think:

1. I need to get my C4 in the states, teach the camp, fly to Fukasomething Japan and then get my E2, then fly back to Korea

or 2. If EPIK gives me my documents early, I can get my E2 visa, then i can get my 'short term work permit' (C4 I am assuming) in Korea.

Does anybody actually know what the case is here????? I would love to believe the second scenario that I wouldnt have to leave Korea, but I do not think that is true. Plus I don't think you can have two visa's at once. But what do I know. The answer is nothing.

Any experiences, or info will help greatly!

[Suwon23]

Fukasomething is Fukuoka. But I thought the whole "leave the country to renew your visa" bu11sh17 had been done away with... ?

[Bibbitybop]

[cazzy3]

does the summer camp you are teaching for provide the c-4 visa for you? if they don't allow it, you could also just come over on a travel visa (up to 3-6 months depending on nationality), but the bad news is that EPIK won't issue your E-2 visa any sooner than the date you are to work for them.

if you have to make a run to japan, it's not that bad. the only other option would be to see if you cold obtain your e-2 visa after your c-4 expires at the immigration- similar to those that renew theirs.

[moosehead]

no, you can't have 2 visas at once. please think about it, ok? these are legal permissions to work in a country - each w/their own specific set of regs.

the C4 is a temporary but needs to be canceled before you receive the E2 - which it will be when you leave the country to get the E2- no, you can't "transfer" the C4 to an E2.

it sounds like you've not been issued an E2 before which means you'll need to have a consulate interview (or not, depending on how they view your summer camp experience). either way, you're looking at a visa run - but it doesn't have to be a problem, am not sure why you are looking at it negatively?

visa runs are really kind of fun - and you don't have to go to Japan - I've done them in Taipei and Bangkok - which might look pretty good after a summer camp in Korea

anyway, make sure you have ALL your docs in order before coming here and you might also make sure about the consulate interview - if they require one in your HOME country you might be out some moolah flying back and forth re: again the summer camp.

whatever you do make sure the camp is sponsoring your C4 visa else you could wind up not getting paid - yes, like everything else in K, it does happen.

*if I were you* I'd chill out and enjoy my summer and come on in the fall at the EPIK program - camps can be so incredibly tortuous - wow - not always but to start here that way (and I've done my share of summer and winter ones) might make you a bit crazed - not to mention if you wind up having to fly home again, any earnings you make will be quickly absorbed.

**also** better make sure you can deal with Korean food - camps don't have anything western to eat and quick trips to the local mart can be expensive.

good luck. you'll sort it out.

[fozziejr2]

What do you mean 'sponsor' my C4 visa? They have sent me a huge packet of papers, some of which I need to take to the consulate to get the C4 visa.

Also, why would you say summer camps are so stressful? I have to teach 11 or less kids lessons that are preplanned and written out for me at Kon Kuk University in Seoul. I already have them and they look relatively simple. Of course I know nothing since I am not there yet.

EPIK said they had no problem with me working this camp. They told me I will have to pay for my flight out to the camp, but they will pay for my flights to and from Korea to get my E2 visa after the camp is over (I only have a window of 5 days).

Will I need to call the consulate in Taiwan or Japan before I go there? Does anybody there speak any english? Ay ay ay, so many questions.

[moosehead]

[aka Dave]

[hugekebab]

[cruisemonkey]

OP,

You're being 'snowed' by the recruiter.

You will not be able to do a visa run to Fukuoka to get an E-2 because you will be in Korea on a C-4. In order to do a visa run to a third country, one be in posession (or have posessed in the past) an E-2; and have a spotless Immigration record.

You WILL be required to return to your home country and do an embassy/consular interview in order to obtain an E-2.

Forget about the stupid camp (your airfare to go back will eat up alot of what you make) and just come over to work at a public school on an E-2.

[fozziejr2]

i will have to say that i will have to take the advice of the last poster. thank you.

[moosehead]