Korean Job Discussion Forums

adjective_noun

I have an E2 visa working in an English section of a general studies hagwon. Student numbers were low when I arrived due to a previous lack of manager and a few midnight runners. Unfortunately, the numbers only got worse when I arrived (I'm hoping it's not because I'm too ugly). So after 2 weeks of me arriving, the owner has decided English section isn't profitable and has to go.

This is not so good for me, especially considering my passport is now with immigration while my id card is being created. So, If anyone could answer a few of my questions, it'd be greatly appreciated:

a) Do I need to get a new E2, or is there a relatively painless procedure for transferring to a new school with my existing visa and a letter of release?

b) My contract says 30 days notice is needed for mutually agreed termination of the contract, but I think the owner wants to close down the English section immediately. Is 30 days the general legal standard, and something I should fight for?

c) Given my situation, are there any other issues I should be cautious or concerned about?

d) Happy Pepero Day / Remembrance Day ! ^^

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

adjective_noun

ontheway

lhasa · Joined: 26 Jan 2008

that sucks. could be worse...mine went broke 10 days after i began and the owner fled the country without even paying for days worked.

think you're actually lucky that your passport is in for an ARC. i didn't have enough time to apply and transferring to a new school was therefore impossible.

get the weasel to give you a LOR and a 'Letter of Explanation' stating the reason(s) the school is closing....with less than 9 months working you need a 'special circumstance' to transfer....and even then immi may not do it depending on who and what mood the official is in. if you can't transfer then you'll have to do a visa run to japan for a new e2.

try to get paid for 30 days and if not the days worked. labor board won't help you fight for 30 days....some provinces you need to have worked for 3 months while others 6 for them to help. the weasel should let you stay in your apt until you find a new job as well as pay for your flight over. if can't stay in apt then rent a 'goshiwon'....or stay in love motel if you've got the cash. if you don't need to do a visa run for new school try to put a signing bonus into contract to cover some of the expenses you'll incur until you begin work again. only sign a 12 month contract unless you're desperate to escape....and visit and do thorough research while job hunting....lots of jobs available but most are undesirable.

seonsengnimble · Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 10:31 am Post subject:

^Great advice above.

In addition to finding out about pay and visa issues, you need to be thinking about where you'll stay. If your boss has some decency, he'll let you stay in your apartment for some amount of time. If not, look for a goshiwon or goshitel. These places cost between 200k-400k per month with no key money. They are quite tiny, however. They're usually a bed, a desk, and a small place to stand between the bed and the desk. They usually come with free kimchi and rice, however.

The Bobster · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

adjective_noun · Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 2:08 am Post subject: Update

Update from the OP

Unfortunately, my hagwon is officially going to close come mid-December.
They'll let me continue working until then, despite having only a few classes left. And, I'm going to be able to stay in my apartment until I find a new job.
The recruiter has opined that I won't need another criminal record check (however, I'm ordering another one just in case) because I'm going to get a letter of release.

So, despite losing a job, I'm considering myself quite fortunate that the hagwon has been so helpful (mostly due to the great ex-manager).
It just goes to show that not every hagwon is the work of hateful demons, driven by greed and misanthropy.

Now, I just need a job.... anyone know of any openings in Busan soon?

Kryten · Joined: 10 Nov 2008

If you want to save some expenses, there's no need to get another criminal check. Immigration will accept them 6-months from the time of their approval.

I admire your optimism, but you might want to save your praise for the school until you get a good look at your last paycheck. I wouldn't be surprised if I reads "zero" because they decided to deduct money for the airfare.

On that note, isn't there something about as the employer being your sponsor, they are responsible for your well being and ensure you have a means of returning home?

Anyway, hope you get paid OP and have success in finding a better job.

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

I was able to get a quick transfer at Incheon immgration. No additional paperwork was needed except a letter of release.

In my case I was finishing school 1 in September. I got a job with school 2 in August to work in the Gyeonggi-do area. However, problems came up and I only had like 2 weeks before the contract with school 1 ended. I got school 3 in Incheon and the organization I am with scheduled an appointment. We went there and they did it all on the spot. Within 10 minutes after being called up, I had my ARC card with updated addresses on the back and change of location stamp in my passport.

One additional note, if you got a multiple entry visa, you don't need to get another. So, I have one stamp for each (transfer and multiple entry), even though the multiple entry visa was processed and paid for when I applied for school 2.

I suggest you try the same with your next school. Have them schedule an appointment and have them explain the situation to immigration.