Korean Job Discussion Forums

blindsheep · Joined: 18 Dec 2003 Location: n/a

If I'm currently in Canada and am looking at ESL job opportunities in Korea, out of curiousity regarding the employment process... Do I have to get a work visa through the embassy in Canada, or can I go to Japan to do this on a 'run' after arriving in Korea? Will employers force me to do one or the other? Are they likely to? (This assumes they are paying for my flight over)

Thanks

buddy bradley · Joined: 24 Aug 2003 Location: The Beyond

You should read the FAQ's.

If you come to Korea on a tourist visa and find work, you will have to go on a visa run, usually to Japan (the only bad thing is that you'll probably fall in love with Japan).

The best bet, in my opinion, is to come to Korea, meet some people, and go from there. This way chances are better that you'll find a decent school.

blindsheep · Joined: 18 Dec 2003 Location: n/a

Just wondering if anyone else has any responses to my question?

Thanks.

jlb · Joined: 18 Sep 2003

For my E-2 visa and also my short-term work visa for the winter camp I'm at I did it at the Korean consulate in Vancouver. First time, I stayed at a hotel in Vancouver and dropped my stuff off one day and picked it up the next. The second time I did it all by mail. Your employer has to send you or the consulate some paperwork from Korea. It's pretty easy.

prairieboy · Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Location: The batcave.

You can do either depending on your situation. If you have a job lined up then why not get your visa issued before you leave Canada. But if you do come to Korea without an e-2 you can go to Japan (or any other country with a Korean embassy, like Thailand) and get your visa issued.

It's up to you what you want to do. I'm sure there are several threads on the advantages and disadvantages of both situations on the board so check it out.

I personally want my visa issued and stamped in my passport first, but for others, a tourist visa and then finding a job while here is better as they can personally check out each and every school rather than totally relying on the reports of strangers who may or may not have the best interests of others in mind.

Cheers and good luck.