Korean Job Discussion Forums

isthisreally · Joined: 01 Sep 2007

OK, so I've decided to teach in Korea again. I'm here now. I previously taught in Korea for 18 months. Can I get a job and do a visa run no problem as long as I have all my documents?

Have you done a visa run recently? Same same as always?

Sector7G · Joined: 24 May 2008

I have not heard any news that they stopped visa runs. In fact my new boss thought I would need one but since I had a letter of release from my prior employer I was able to simply transfer it.

Do you know about the new requirement(posted elsewhere) for state criminal background checks as opposed to local ones?

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

I asked my recruiter about that but haven't heard back yet.

My guess is that the visa run is still an option - especially for people who have held an E2 before.

There seems to be some doubt when it concerns those who have to do an interview for the visa. I take it that is a new wrinkle this year. I don't see why you couldn't do the interview in Japan as well, and I've heard nothing definitive from a verifiable source on that.

When I was dropped by SMOE last week or so, I bought a round-trip ticket to use with the no-visa tourist waiver because I have in-laws waiting on me. I also want to check out hakwon jobs in person before I commit to one.

I don't think this will happen, but if I had to do a consulate interview to get an E2 and it could only be done in my home country, I'd try to work out a deal with my would-be new boss on it -- probably asking him to pay for it in full and I'd drop the returning airfare clause for the end of the contract.

blonde researcher · Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2009 2:34 pm Post subject:

If it is your second E2 visa (or more than this) you can enter Korea from any country with the visa stamp done at an embassy there.
So the answer is yes - a visa run to Japan is able to be done to get the new stamp at the Korean embassy there. Just make sure you get a visa extension done in immigration so you can stay a few weeks in Korea after your contract ends while you sort this and not be an overstayer.(unless you are on a tourist visa of course)

The interview in your home country only applies to first time visa holders.
The only exception to this rule is: Teachers coming to EPIK or SMOE contracts by an office of education with a NOA (notice of appointment) do not have to get an interview in their home country and can get the visa stamp at any Korean embssy in any country.

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

I still question the "in your home country" part.

I'll have to see something that specifically states that is the case, because I can't imagine why an interview in any nation couldn't do. Someone at every consulate and embassy for Korea will have English speakers.

I can imagine such a nonsense rule being put in place saying it must be your home country, but until I see something I can call definitive, I'll still wonder...