Korean Job Discussion Forums

[david]

I was dismissed by an employer in Cheonan on December 24. I was working on an E2 visa sponsored by the school. I did not obtain an alien registration card while employed at the school. I was told that I had thirty days; until January 24; to leave the country or find another job.

I went to immigration in Seoul today to speak with an official and was informed by immigration that the school actually cancelled my visa on December 12, 2008. ( The school I worked for claimed that they would cancel the visa on Dec 24. ) They would do this so I would have more time to find a new job. But December 12 is the date on the computer at immigration. ( I didn't go to immigration with my former employer. )

I am waiting on my official transcripts at the moment. When I have these I will have all of the documents I need for the E2 visa. I intend on departing Korea in the very near future ( Friday ) for Japan. I figure on spending a night and then returning to Korea on a thirty day tourist visa. At this point I'll have all of my documents on hand. The school is than planning to submit my papers, obtain a visa number, and send me to Guam or Japan to obtain the visa.

Will I have trouble departing from Busan? Will I have trouble coming back to Korea a few days later? How will an overstay affect my application for an E2 visa? Will a fine be assessed? How much will it be? ( Worst case scenario ) Please help me out here. The past month has been exceptionally confusing. Thank You!!!!!!!!!!

[moosehead]

I think if you went to Immigration today and they didn't tell you right then and there you were overstaying your visa then you're ok - did you tell them you are leaving this weekend? The 24th is Sat - will you leave by then?

if not - go back and get an extension - btw - you DO have reservations on the ferry - don't you?? you DO realize it's the Lunar New Year which is absolutely incredibly difficult to get ferry reservations, train tkts, etc. - in fact - do you have a train tkt to get to Busan? I tried to go last year and got the ferry reservation only to find out I couldn't get a train tkt!!

but I digress - Pusan is the WORST place to get stuck by immi - they are a pretty overzealous bunch to say the least.

make sure you have the right information before you go. trust me on this. you won't regret it.

[david]

I went to immigration today and showed them that I had proof of departure. ( Return/Round Trip plane ticket to Fukuoka, Japan ) The ticket was for February 12 and the guy told me that he wanted to see a one way ticket with an earlier date.

My plan is to purchase a ferry ticket for the earliest possible departure date. When I do this do I need to go to immigration in Seoul, show them the ticket, and get a visa extension sticker for my passport? Or do I simply head to Busan on the date of departure and get on the ferry? Do I have to go to the immigration office near the terminal to self report my overstay? ( Instead of possibly being turned back by the woman at the ferry terminal. )

I'm assuming that I'll be free to return to Korea on a tourist visa after clearing immigration in Busan, spending a night in Japan, and than returning. Am I correct?

[Konglishman]

Go get a job in Japan. You will be happier there.

[david]

I'm fairly nervous at this point and am wondering what's going to happen when I go to Busan. Has anyone out there overstayed their visa, left from Busan, came back into Busan, and than obtained an E2 visa.

How much would a fine be? Thank you for all of your help in the recent past. I have very few other places to turn for assistance when seeking advice about problems here.

[moosehead]

David

you've never said what by what date you are supposed to leave K - didn't immi tell you this yesterday?

I hate to tell you to go back again - but this is what's important. It's really hard to give you pertinent info when you've not even stated by what date you need to be gone.

Since so many offices are closed next week - maybe thru Wed (?)(am not sure) - I would seriously suggest going back down there asap and finding out. ask them point blank - "by what date do I have to leave K ?"

it sounds like youi've NOT been given an Exit Order - which I'm surprised since you went to immi and they were the ones who told you your visa was canceled. or did they give you one and you didn't understand that's what it is? Did anyone there give you a white sheet of paper and put it in your passport with some writing on it? if so there will be a date on there that states your last legal day you can remain in the country.

do this first before anything else, ok?

and btw, you don't have to spend the night to come back on a tourist visa - you can do it the same day.

[gteacher]

[david]

I went to immigration yesterday with my Korean supervisor and was not given an exit order. I did however find out that my old employer cancelled my visa on December 12 and not December 24. I was told over the phone by my former Director that it was December 24.

My Korean supervisor is telling me that I have to go back to my own country and all this other stuff. I was thinking I could go to Japan, come back, and fly to Guam to obtain my E2 visa. ( I'm under the impression that he doesn't really like me and wants to go back on his job offer. )

Do you think I should go to immigration in Seoul without him and explain my situation? Will I need to show the immigration official an outward plane ticket when I visit today? Thank you again for all of your assistance!

[gteacher]

[esetters21]

[esetters21]

So, what happened?