Korean Job Discussion Forums

[blurgalurgalurga]

I finish a contract at the end of March and intend to begin the new one a few days later. Immigration seems reluctant to let that happen, and says they won't begin processing the new visa until the old contract is finished. So, the new school wants me to terminate my contract early, so they have enough time to get everything squared away.

Has this ever happened to anyone before? I don't want to get a letter of release; I want/ need to finish my contract.

This must be a fairly common situation...

[lifeinkorea]

Yes, and it all has to do with timing. Your contract dates have to be one after the other. If you are finishing 12 months and no more, then you have to stick it out to get severance I understand. You aren't entitled to 11 months severance. However, if you are finishing 23 months, I think you could get severance pro-rated.

You will have to convince your second school to make the contract date the next day after your first one ends. That's how I did it.

It's not really a matter for immigration to decide, they just check the dates and say no if there is a gap. If the school isn't flexible in this regard, then it says something about the school.

I would then be looking for a different school if they didn't allow me to finish my first school.

In fact, I had problems with that very school in Sept, because they wanted me to stop what I was doing between classes to talk to them about extra classes. Since they got upset I didn't kow-tow to this, the recruiter and I felt it would be better to find another school.

I did this and the school I am at now was and is much more flexible. Perhaps this is a good sign for you. You know what you might have gotten into. Keep your options open for another school that is willing to work with you. After all, you being in the country means they don't have to pay the airfare to fly someone in.

[blurgalurgalurga]

Good to know. Thank you, lifeinkorea...getting the dates set so there's no gap won't be a problem.

Anybody else have info on this sort of thing, please weigh in.

[conbon78]

My contract didn't start the day after, I ended my first contract July 15th and started the next one on July 20th. I just applied for the change in workplace so I didn't have to leave the country or get any of the new paperwork. It was super easy. Only problem...if you are not in Seoul, other immigration offices might not follow that same procedure.

[OculisOrbis]

you still need and LOR to transfer employers. it can be dated for the last day of your current contract so that you will complete the requirements for the severance, but as was said, you have to have your new contract dated for the following day so there are no gaps.

if your worried about your current employer trying to wriggle out of the bonuses, just write the LOR to include that you are released after duties on the last day are completed, the contract has been deemed completed and you will be paid severance and airfare.

you will still complete your contract and get your bonuses, but immi requires an LOR to transfer to a new employer and then you just extend for another year at the same time. 90 000 won total.

[fustiancorduroy]

[blurgalurgalurga]

Thanks, good people, you've been extremely helpful.