Korean Job Discussion Forums

[themagicbean]

I'm calling immigration tomorrow if I can find their hotline on the evil hikorea site (or wherever it's hiding) ... but

I've been discussing an E-7 position but to know if it's feasabile I need to know:

1. What do you need for an E-7? Threads here have said 2-5 years of experience. Then someone said "experience" could include a rather creative amount of things, including study/interning? Any real data or info?

[From Hikorea:
Required Documents

※ Items subject to change depending on individual circumstances!!!! [exclamation points mine]
* Passport(A photocopy of passport if applying a certificate of recognition of Visa Issuance)
* Application for Visa Issuance or Application for Recognition of Visa Issuance
* A photocopy of certificate of degree and a certificate of qualification
* A letter of recommendation of employment from the head of state administration or the document which can prove the necessity of employment
* Contract of employment
* documents related to the foundation of public/private organization
* Reference
* Fee (single-entry visa: $50 (USD), multiple-entry visa: $80 (USD))
※ Charges not applicable if applying certificate of recognition of visa issuance ]

2. Side jobs. I'd probably need one, my prospective employer has stated they're happy to sign off on me working anywhere else. But I'd still need immi approval, likely I'd be teaching Englsih. Would this raise eyebrows? Anyone gone through that process? Headaches?

3. Other headaches: I've heard a bit about tax management. Is your E-7 employer still responsible for pension and health insurance or are you expected to take care of yourself?

[jpotter78]

[big_fella1]

I had an E7 about 2 years ago. The test to get the E7 is that a Korean can't do the job. Immigration changes the rules every now and again but that is the basic test.

The process is complicated because you need a reference to be issued from the relevant ministry. Relevant ministries can require many further documents to issue a reference letter for the E7.

As far as a 2nd job everyone told me it was impossible but I added permission to perform duties outside the satus of sojourn E2 (English teaching). This could vary by the day and immigration officer, if at first they say no, you will need to see someone else. The test is that you work less hours, and earn less than your main job in your teaching job.

As far as tax, health and pension your employer still needs to take care of these, but for your second year renewal, immigration will want to see how much tax you've paid. If you accept a low paying job or if your employer doesn't declare your income, you will be unable to renew, as the big test of how valuable you are is how much you earn.

If you have a science or computer background checkout http://www.goldcard.or.kr/ for the easiest way to get an E7 visa.

Finally you will need to be patient it took well over 2 months to issue my 1 year visa.

[themagicbean]

My job will be in the legal field. I think it should be relatively easy to establish that a foreign attorney, who speaks fluent English (and US legalise), is preferable over a Korean (even one who speaks good English and a bit of US legalise) to appeal and relate to the foreign legal market.

The kicker is I don't know what the pay will be. I'm guessing it will have some sort of commission/referral base but that's to be negotiated. Starting out, quite frankly, it would be part time and I'd need another source of income (also PT) to stay afloat. If the test for adding a workplace is greater pay, then that'll be impossible to establish when necessary and when possible to establish it will be unneccesary. But there may be contract workarounds. I'll call immigration today after further stressing over the offers I'm passing up and post what misguided information I get from the hotline. ^^

[Edit: I'm not talking about private tutoring unless through a legit institution, just straight-up, legit, registered stuff.]