Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sonicmatt]

I was wondering what the process was with getting a visa. Do I have to go up to Chicago to get the visa processed or can I just mail everything in and they will process it for me. Thanks for any help.

[rayjoy]

Depends on who's issuing you the visa. I went through EPIK and was in the Chicago consulate area and they told me I could do everything by mail. Other folks have had to go in person for some 5 minute interview.

[Areut]

[mmarshalynne]

Unless you can get a video cam interview scheduled, you have to go in person. When I tried to schedule the video cam interview, they asked for the date I was leaving and then told me their first available was the day before. You need about a week to make sure you get your Visa mailed back on time, or if your going to pick it up, the visa should be ready the evening of the third day.

If you do your interview in person, you may want to get there 15 minutes early. They give everyone the same appointment time, and applicants are seen in the order in which they arrive.

During the interview, I thought they asked me some very bizarre questions. The interviewer asked me if I would miss my children while I was in Korea. I told him I didn't have children. He kept asking the same question. Finally I told him that if I had children, I probably wouldn't go to Korea because I would miss them. The interviewer seemed satisfied and then moved on to questions about my relationship with my family. I assumed that they were trying to determine if I was likely to get homesick and return home before finishing my contract.

He also questioned me about why would I take a job paying less money than I had made and could make in the United States. I told him that I wanted to learn about Korea's people and their culture. He was satisfied.

He also asked me to tell him everything good and bad I had heard about Korea. For the worst that I heard, I said I have heard that some people drink too much there. For the good things, I told him things that I had read about the Korean culture on the internet.

Finally, the interviewer said, "you are a highly qualified teacher." To be honest, it sounded like he was questioning that. I just said, "Yes, I am." He was satisfied. He stood up, shook my hand and the interview was over. My understanding is that everyone passes the interview, but the gentleman questioning me was quite intense.

I called the consulate twice to make sure what I would need to bring and got 2 different answers. UT Videam gave me this list and it was accurate and helpful.


your visa issuance confirmation number (you'll get this, most likely by e-mail, from your employer or recruiter)
passport
visa application form (download it and have it ready, or you may not have all the information required available to you at the consulate)
Consul's Checklist for E-2 Applicant (again, available at the consulate or download)
a sealed set of transcripts
$45 cash or money order for the visa fee
and a self-addressed stamped Express Mail envelope to have your passport returned to you unless you're picking it up in person.

I hope this information has been helpful.