Korean Job Discussion Forums

Scotticus · Joined: 18 Mar 2007

Even though I told them otherwise, in their infinite wisdom, my school only had my visa last until the official end of the academic year. They want me to teach a winter session, however I probably won't be back (at this school) next year, so they'd only be extending my visa for a month or so.

They're feeding me some crap about how it's "impossible" to extend the visa for such a short time... even though I know people who have done it.

So my question is: does anyone have any concrete info on this? Maybe some personal incite on their own experience or perhaps a website with the info (preferably in Korean) on it? I really don't want to go through the hassle of a winter camp someplace else if I can stay at my current school and do it that way.

wormholes101 · Joined: 11 Mar 2003

It's totally possible. I've done it before. Basically same situation, I volunteered to do an extra month (actually 2 weeks of winter camp) in exchange for one months pay, all in all, a 13 month contract.

Scotticus · Joined: 18 Mar 2007

wormholes101 · Joined: 11 Mar 2003

I went do to the immigration office and asked what documents were required to re-sign for one month. I don't recall exactly what was required but it does involve signing a new contract (even if the duration is just for one month). Probably easier than trying to look online...

Scotticus · Joined: 18 Mar 2007

moosehead · Joined: 05 May 2007

you take a copy of the old contract along with a new one that has the same info, just new dates and states it is a continuation of the previous contract.

if they know how to do it, it's really just an addendum to the original contract.

your visa will be extended to the date designated on the new contract.

don't recall the charge, maybe 30,000 won?

I'll have to do the same thing - my visa expires 2 days before my contract.

of course I'll need an extension - duh! am not sure who at your school is giving you crap - but it is just that - crap.

Scotticus · Joined: 18 Mar 2007

Scotticus · Joined: 18 Mar 2007

Does anyone who got their job pre-new E-2 regulations have any experience with this? The website is only showing the requirements for people who came in under the new E-2 laws, not people who are still at a job from before it happened (and were, thus, exempt from it until getting a new job).

DongtanTony · Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Location: Bundang

http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/InfoDetailR_en.pt

This is the informational page you'll need. But...it does include all of the "new" visa requirements such as needing the health check and criminal check.

If your contract is expiring now...I'm guessing that you might have already done this last year...same visa...same employer...fill out the proper application forms...it says 30,000 as a fee...and you'll probably also need a new employment contract...or at least one that reflects the "new" dates of employment.

If the link doesn't work...go back to the Immigration website...go to the VISA section...then FOREIGNER SOJOURN...then EXTENSION OF STAY.

At the top of the page you'll see two options in a light blue text box under the heading...EXTENSION OF STAY...click on "Status of stay (35)"....you'll see a new menu with various visa types....find E2.

Applications and instructions can be found on that page.

Good luck!!

DongtanTony · Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Location: Bundang

Oh...you might be in need of having an exit ticket as well...for temporary non-working extensions...they demand to see a ticket for departure on "X" day so they know exactly how long to extend your visa.

Just thought that might help.

jadarite · Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 8:05 pm Post subject:

I don't know where you are at in all this, but I changed locations and extended my visa at the same time. Also, I came here in October last year, so I am sure it's doable.

I think the best thing would be to go to immigration twice. I know this sounds stupid, but bring a Korean friend or co-teacher, and get them to spell out everything you need. Then either send the documents in by mail if they allow it (ask them), or more likely go a second time to hand all of it in.

You'll get a day off of work if you can convince your school to allow for it Very Happy

The other option is to get a different visa which doesn't require all the paperwork (if that exists). I think it's like a C3 visa, but I have had no experience with it, and they may now require paperwork.

Scotticus · Joined: 18 Mar 2007

Thanks for the help, all, but I've actually already seen the links you're sending and the information you're giving. I saw the page and all the requirements before.

What my question is, at this point specifically, is about my being grandfathered past the new E-2 regulations. Last year, when they changed the laws, if you were staying on with the same school you were with BEFORE the laws were passed, you were exempt from all the racist new bullshit (HIV testing, etc). Thus, when I signed my contract last year I was NOT legally obligated to get all that stuff done - and thus have not had it done. This was all completely legit at the time.

I'm just curious why the "grandfathering" would stop for an extension. This is the same school I was at before the laws were passed, thus I shouldn't have to submit all the documents that I didn't have to submit in the first place.

Again, thanks for the replies. I appreciate any help.

DongtanTony · Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Location: Bundang

There is no more grandfathering...after...and someone might correct me on this...but I believe it was March 15th of this year...all new, extending, yada yada, E2 applicants must submit to the new regs.

Your option I suppose...based on what I'm gathering, which may not be the case since we're past the March 15th "D-day" as it were...would be to extend your current employment status for one more year...then, have a nice little Letter of Release combined into your negotiations.

Sorry to tell you this...but I do believe you are S.O.L.

The other option...use the non-working extension, but you must have your departing ticket from Korea. There's also like a 30 day limit to that extension, so be careful on the dates.

If you're leaving, who gives a flying f... what kind of extension you have?? Go for the free, temporary, "non-working" variety. It'll get you through until your departure just fine.

moosehead · Joined: 05 May 2007

it's not a new visa - it's the same one - you are just extending it.

if you were renewing a contract you wouldn't have to do anything other than bring your contract to immi and extend - it's the same thing.

someone here's been confusing folks.

Scotticus · Joined: 18 Mar 2007

Moosehead - That's what I would assume, but the website and what I'm hearing from some seems to indicate otherwise. If this was a more... competent nation I would just call immigration and have it settled. Sadly, as most of us know from personal experience, calling immigration two times will often net you two completely different answers... *sigh*.

Dongtan - I'm not leaving, that's the thing. I dont' want the extension for travel purposes, I want it so I can work a winter camp at my school. If travelling was the issue, I would just fill out that internet form and be done with it.

Good to know about the March 15th thing. I didn't know about it.