Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Tobias]

Have a question or two about my visa, ladies and gents. First, some background info to set the stage:

I came here in March 2007 on a year-long contract to work at a college. I got the visa from the Los Angeles consulate in late February 2007. I finished up my contract in March of this year, and then renewed for another year. When I went to immigration (as I was in the grace period, I didn't have to go back home) in Masan, I wasn't given a new visa. The folks there simply wrote some scribble on my alien card and input my info into a computer. I questioned this immediately, but was told by everyone that this is "how it's done". I had nothing to worry about, right? Maybe. Maybe not.

I am now walking around with a visa in my passport that has been expired for four months now, and I'm suddenly worried. Some things have cropped up here that make me think those in the know at my college aren't too "up" on the laws, especially regarding taxes and other issues. I suspect this is true of the Masan immigration office as well. I'm afraid that when it's time for me to fly out of here, I am going to have problems being as I don't have a 2008-2009 visa in my passport.

All I have as valid documents are my expired E-2 visa in my passport and my alien card with the scribble.

Is this enough? Or will I be facing a hefty fine when I leave? Should I embark on a "dry run" to Japan soon just to test the waters?

Thanks for replies.