Korean Job Discussion Forums

SOOHWA101 · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 2:13 am Post subject: Visa denied!

Well....sort of. First year here I evidently over-stayed my visa, even though I was assured by the immigration office that a 2 week grace period would be granted. Stepping through immigration at Incheon was interesting but there was no major foul.

Now I am back in Korea, have submitted all nec. paperwork for the issuance number, and now am being told that I must go back to my home country to complete the process and receive my E2. No visa run to Japan. The reason being given is that I "broke" the law.

No I understand this is my fault, but i'll be damned if the immi office doesn't take at least some responsibility for this. And i'm thinking that the cost and time to get this done is just not worth it. Should have known something was gonna sour the deal.....my job is killer.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

That sucks.

You should hear Kiwiboy's story. That was insane.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

It sucks but it is no surprise... been old news now for just about a year.

Oh, and will happen again, EVERY TIME you apply for a new visa (/job) until they change the rules again.

.

SOOHWA101 · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 2:52 am Post subject:

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

Sucks for sure.

But your post underscores an important point every E2 teacher needs to keep in mind. If you intend to keep working here or return at some point to work again, any small blemish on your immigration record can & likely will set you up for major hassles.

Its every individual's own responsibilty to know the rules & they arent that difficult. The golden rule -- do not overstay the expiry date on your ARC (even by one day). If you need to stay longer, there are easy mechanisms for legitimizing that beforehand at the immigration office.

If an immigration officer tells you otherwise, he's wrong. It might be a communication problem or simply his mistake, but its you that will be punished, with no recourse.