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Korean Job Discussion Forums
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sjane1234
Joined: 24 Feb 2009
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 Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 3:49 am Post subject: Can I get visa when i get to Seoul? |
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I am going to teach English in Seoul in the next week. I am hoping to start the SMOE orientation week on the 24 August.
My problem is that the agency I am dealing with has informed my today that I am missing some of my documents. (It took them a week and half to let me know).
I need to have the documents in order before they send me out my contract and notice of appointment.
I can't get my visa until I receive my contract etc
My agent told me to come out to Seoul anyway with my contract etc and I can get a visa there.
I rang the Korean embassy here in Ireland and they told me that I need to have my visa before I go.
So I'm confused - can anybody give me some advise?
I really dont want to take the risk of going to Korea without a Visa....
The Korean Enbassy told me it will take 4 days to process my visa, so that means I may miss the first few days of my orientation.... |
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nyla54
Joined: 17 Jun 2009
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| Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 4:07 am Post subject: Re: Can I get visa when i get to Seoul? |
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| sjane1234 wrote: |
I am going to teach English in Seoul in the next week. I am hoping to start the SMOE orientation week on the 24 August.
My problem is that the agency I am dealing with has informed my today that I am missing some of my documents. (It took them a week and half to let me know).
I need to have the documents in order before they send me out my contract and notice of appointment.
I can't get my visa until I receive my contract etc
My agent told me to come out to Seoul anyway with my contract etc and I can get a visa there.
I rang the Korean embassy here in Ireland and they told me that I need to have my visa before I go.
So I'm confused - can anybody give me some advise?
I really dont want to take the risk of going to Korea without a Visa....
The Korean Enbassy told me it will take 4 days to process my visa, so that means I may miss the first few days of my orientation.... |
Firstly, you should definitely have a visa to go to Korea. However, this can be a tourist visa, E-2 teaching visa, etc. I have heard of some teachers going to Korea on a tourist visa, and then switching to an E-2 visa once they landed a job and had the necessary paperwork. So in this sense you can definitely go to Korea.
Secondly, I would SERIOUSLY research your SMOE status before even contemplating showing up. There are some people in your boat--people who have forgotten a document or two--so you're definitely not alone. However, keep in mind that SMOE has a record year this year: for the first time in a long time, they have received more applications than available positions. In fact, there is a SMOE waiting list.
The technical purpose of your NOA is that it's one of the required documents for your E-2 visa; you need to show proof that you actually have a place you will be teaching in Korea. The more broad purpose of the NOA though is to signify you are officially in the program. SMOE, like universities, tends to overextend acceptances. There will always be people who drop out. So even if you are told you have been accepted and are sent out your contract and such, you still aren't technically in. SMOE has the right to review your application after receiving ALL of the FINAL documents; some reached this stage and were rejected. Plus, they need to make sure that there are even positions available.
Before focusing on the visa, I think you need to do all that you can to make 100% sure you are IN the program. Talk to your recruiter, and have them communicate with SMOE. |
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Carla
Joined: 21 Nov 2008
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| Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 4:31 am Post subject: Re: Can I get visa when i get to Seoul? |
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| nyla54 wrote: |
Firstly, you should definitely have a visa to go to Korea. However, this can be a tourist visa, E-2 teaching visa, etc.
Secondly, I would SERIOUSLY research your SMOE status before even contemplating showing up.
Before focusing on the visa, I think you need to do all that you can to make 100% sure you are IN the program. Talk to your recruiter, and have them communicate with SMOE. |
OP, NYLA is right on the money. You definately need to make sure you are in the program. If not youc can go to Korea on a tourist visa, and like a few people this year, they tell you, oops, sorry, we're full. So, you look around for another job, and you discover you have to go home.
If you get a job that requires a NOA, like SMOE, you are exempted from an interview in your home country. If you work at a hagwon or EPIC or non-SMOE public school, you get a visa confirmation number instead of a NOA, and the immigration website says that you have to have an interview in your home country. |
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