Korean Job Discussion Forums

[belovedkang]

I am married to a Korean who has gained American citizenship. We are planning to move back to Korea again soon. I am fairly certain that he will go on an F4 visa, but I don't know whether or not that means that I will be able to have an F visa of some kind as well. I have previously lived and worked in Korea on an E-2 visa, but am hoping to have something a little less restrictive this time around.

I have looked through the visa archives on these boards, but came up with nothing regarding our specific situation.

If anyone has knowledge about this or is in a similar situation, I'd appreciate your help.

Thanks!

[tob55]

It is my understanding of the regulations that you would only be entitled to apply for the F3 (spouse of a foreign worker) visa, which offers no employment option, unless you want to be employed. Then you would have to be on the E visa again. Your spouse is an American citizen which they opted to do. Their ability to get the F4 visa is only because they are of Korean descent. When the individual gave up their Korean citizenship, they gave up all of their natural rights as a Korean citizen. This means you are not provided with the opportunity to apply for an F2 or F5 visa unless you meet the general requirements for obtaining the same like every other expat who has been in the country long term. Sorry to break it to you, but that is what the facts are. Good luck.

[Countrygirl]

I'm in a similar situation and I'm on an E2. I tried everything but there is no way I can be on an F-series visa unless my husband gives up his Canadian citizenship and reclaim his Korean citizenship, which he won't do.

[belovedkang]

Thanks, tob55 & Countrygirl.

Looks like I'll be getting an E2 again, which is fine. I had one for 6 years last time and never had any problems.

[Looney]

[lifeinkorea]

[yeremy]

Tob is right. Yes, he does need a visa, but it's largely a formality. My wife is a native Korean, who became a US citizen and she has an F4 visa even though she was born here. The immigration officials treat her like another Korean for the most part even though she has American citizenship. I do not think you have to worry about your husbands visa situation at all. If your husband were to apply to regain his Korean nationality again, and it were approved, you would then be eligible to apply for an F- something visa. I hesitate to say F-1 because it may not be as straightforward as all that.

[kprrok]

[belovedkang]

[OneWayTraffic]