Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bry0000000]

I'm currently waiting for my visa number. My school received all my documents six days ago, and they contacted me confirming this. But I haven't heard from them in a couple of days. I understand it can take as long as 10 days, but I'm a little concerned because they want me to start teaching on the first of September.

Is everything still ok, or should I be panicking at this point?

[i_teach_esl]

don't panic. just wait.

[smoggy]

I got my e-mail 6 business days after all of my papers were received. Many teachers are getting their visa issuance numbers right now, so Immi. is swamped.

[Theo]

The other posters are right; don't worry, just wait. That being said, one of the MANY annoying things about your first ESL employment in Korea is that employers put pressure on YOU to be there by certain date, but then such things as visa issuance numbers (and how long they take to process) are completely out of your control.

I sent ALL of the required documents to Korea within 12 hours after I signed the contract, and yet my visa issuance number was not provided until the same day I was expected to arrive in Seoul. I then had to wait another 5 days for the stupid and pointless "visa interview" at the nearest consulate (a plane ride away), yada yada yada. Anyway, by the time it was done (and the employer booked the date and time of my flight) and I finally arrived for work, I was penalized for being late!

Korea was a crappy experience from the moment I arrived at the airport.

Hope you have better luck.

[wakingup]

If you don't start till September 1st, I wouldn't start worrying till around August 23rd or so... Korea is known for having a Last Minute culture.

6 days is possible, but almost everyone has to wait at least 2 weeks (the full 10 business days), plus there's a holiday this week - it falls on a weekend, but with government offices, it still might slow things down. You have nothing to worry about. My visa was approved two weeks before I came (even though I'd agreed to the contract 3 months earlier) and my school didn't buy me my flight till 3 days before I came over.

[bry0000000]

Thanks for the reassurance guys. I'm freaking out a little less now.

[Sector7G]

On my first contract(2 years ago), I was supposed to start September 3, and like you, I was worried when my number had not come. In fact, because of the things I had read about unscrupulous recruiters, I thought I was being scammed.

Long story short, I got the visa number on Sept. 6th, arrived in Korea on the 8th, and started teaching on the 10th. Apparently the only one who had been worried about it the whole time was me.

[sigmundsmith]

I'm in a similar boat. Am in Korea. My current contract finishes Aug 24. Offered and signed a new contract. Submitted all the paper work. Have to move out of my current place Aug 23. Found a new place (employer pays key money). Told them but they are really relaxed about it all. Found out today they still havent sent in the paper work for my new visa. So I have about 7 days until current visa expires no confirmation of new accommodation and then told that the paper work hasnt been sent in. On top of that have been offered another job at a university.

Whats a person to do?

Well going in to see the prospective new boss. See what they have to say and try and get some positive reassurance.

I know Koreans operate differently but they have dealt with foreigners before and know that we have concerns but they dont seem to react on them.

[Carla]

I was told immigration takes 2 weeks to get your visa confirmation number. The school received my paperwork on Monday, and the following Monday I received my visa confirmation number. So, give it about 2 weeks before you start to panic. ^^

[Carla]

Oh, you might want to schedule your interview now for about 2 weeks. The interviews are first come first serve, and when I applied, it was about 2 weeks until the next open interview. If you schedule now, you can get closer to your date.