Korean Job Discussion Forums

[djplatinum]

Hey,

I am a Canadian and have worked in Korea from 2006-2008, got back last summer, and I know around the time I was leaving there were new E-2 visa regulations put into place. I have read a bit about them on here but im not 100% sure on some things and how much has changed.

Before I know all you needed was your degree. Now, I hear you need to get a health check and a CRC done.

As far as the health check goes, that is done in Korea as far as I know, but it's smart to get it done before coming to Korea because if they find that you have something then they send you back to your country and you have to pay for all the expenses. What are they looking for in the health check. I know HIV/AIDS is one, is there anything else?

Also, the CRC, if I got CRC's done for applying to school boards here (in Canada) since I am just finishing teacher's college and have them in hand at the moment is that good enough or do you have to get special ones done. After you get them do you have to get them checked by anyone? I have heard people talking about having to get lawyers to check them over or something like that.

Do you have to get your diploma checked at the Korean embassy here prior to going?

If you get all of the above checked, is it still possible to do visa runs to Japan. I say this because I was thinking about coming to visit for a bit and look for jobs myself there and if a school is interested they could fly me over to Japan to get the E-2 visa.

I hear there is also an interview that is done at the Korean embassy. Is this true? Could this be done in Japan if visa runs are still allowed.

I know we still need sealed transcripts.


Am I missing anything?


ALSO, what sites are people using to find jobs these days? I used to use worknplay but I heard that it's not like it used to be since a company bought it and now charges employers a fee to use it. What are some other sites to look on?

Has anyone recently flew over to Korea on a visitor's visa and then did all of the paperwork from there? How smoothly did it go?

Thanks in advance.

[Girlygirl]

I'll help ya. Here are 5 things you need:

1) The health check/blood test will be done in Korea to check for drugs and HIV/AIDS. If you suspect you might be at risk for those things and want to avoid being sent home once you're here, by all means, get a blood test done in Canada as well, besides it's free, right?

2) Your CRC will only be good for 6 months. Correct me if I'm wrong people. And the CRC has to include VSS (Vulnerable Sector Search): people who will be working with minors. Yes, you might need to get it notarized by a lawyer/notary public before handing it in to the Korean Consulate, or you might not. Just check with the Korean Consulate before you go. Then again sometimes the Consulate doesn't even follow its own rules.

3) Yes do bring your original diploma to the Korean Consulate.

4) Yes, your transcripts are needed still.

5) You might or might not need an interview at the Embassy. It depends. Just so you know, I needed one even though it was my 2nd time in Korea. The Toronto Korean Consulate didn't even know I was teaching in Korea previously, or either that they were just too damn lazy to check.

For your other questions.....sorry I don't know. Good luck!

[djplatinum]

Thanks Girlygirl,

much appreciated

[cruisemonkey]

You have been given good advice.

I will add - check with the embassy/consulate re: the required documents for your visa - phone and talk to the visa officer the day before you go (especially if you have to travel any distance). As with Immi in K-land, they like to 'make stuff up' and the rules are flexible. Official requirements mean nothing and can be added to or deleted on whim.

[chris_J2]

You'll also need 2 original signed work references.

There are 10 requirements in total:

* 2 original signed references
* Resume
* Passport Cover page copy
* Passport with 6 months remaining validity
* Original Degree. Must be Apostilled on the back
* Signed Contract
* 4-6 Passport sized photos
* Sealed Transcripts
* Criminal Background Check, apostilled on the back, & no older than 6 months
* Health Check (Done on arrival in Korea for Aids, Hepatitis, TB, & illicit drug useage, or excessive alchohol consumption)

(Keep several copies of all of the above for yourself.)

I'd also check with your local Korean Consulate in Canada. It's entirely up to their discretion, if they want to formally interview you. As you worked in Korea previously, there is probably no need for an interview unless you're working at a hagwon or academy. Former Public School employees are usually exempt.

Q. Is it still possible to do visa runs to Japan. I say this because I was thinking about coming to visit for a bit and look for jobs myself there and if a school is interested they could fly me over to Japan to get the E-2 visa.

A. Yes. I arrived on a 90 day tourist visa in late 2007, & went to Fukuoka for a visa run. I was reimbursed the return airfare from Korea to Japan, but not the one way fare from Australia to Korea. Something to think about, if you go that route. You will not be reimbursed for the fare Canada to Korea.

ESL Planet are a good recruiter. Check their website.