Korean Job Discussion Forums

[harryh]

I've been told today by my boss that the school is in serious financial trouble and that he can't afford two foreign teachers. Therefore, I'll be leaving at the end of April.

I started the contract October 7th, 2003.

The boss has been ok, and has said that he will provide a LOR and will assist me in anyway he can in order to obtain alternative employment.

I've often read though, that immigration don't accept LORs if one has worked at a school for less than 9 months.

My situation is due to the financial position of the school, rather than I wishing to leave. Would immigration accept this, if I found another job?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[rapier]

tuff luck harry. Don't worry about not being able to get a new E2, you'll be fine so long as your current employer goes to immigration with you to release you, and it sounds like he'll co-operate.
I left my former employer after 5 months... when i found a new job I got him to go to immigration with me to get the 14 day exit order. 14 days later I returned from Osaka with a new E2 with a new employer.

Fortunately he was willing to officially release me..., some butt kissing on my part, and I found him a new teacher too...(not sure what happens if you leave on bad terms with no letter of release though.)

[Real Reality]

You and your employer should complete appropriate forms at immigration.

Letter of Release (sample available at EFL-Law.com)
http://efl-law.com/letter_release.html

Visa
http://www.moj.go.kr/immi/08_english/02_business/service_01.html

Residence
http://www.moj.go.kr/immi/08_english/02_business/service_03.html

The exact wording and layout can differ - it is the substance (English and Korean) that is important.

=======================================
LETTER OF RELEASE

Letter of Consent to Release Foreign English Teacher

Name of Teacher: _______________________

Nationality: ____________________________

Passport No.: __________________________

Address: ____________________________________

____________________________________________

Telephone No.: ________________________

The above-person has been working at our school/academy from
________________ to _______________ in the position of
Foreign English teacher. We hereby give our consent to the
transfer of said person to work for another English school/academy.


Dated: __________________, 2004

Name of School: _______________________________

Address of School: _____________________________

_____________________________________________

_______________________________
Representative

/SEAL/
=======================================

[sadsac]

As both you and your director are consenting to the ending the contract, you will have no trouble with immigration. Rapier offered very sound advice in requesting that your current director accompany you to immigration and complete all the necessary documentation immediately. They will cancel your E2 and request your ARC and then make a note on your exit order that they have already received your ARC. The exit order will give you 14 days in which to leave Korea, hand that to immigation as you leave and all will be well. Get a new job and new E2.

[harryh]

I think I'm fortunate that my director will co-operate. After reading your posts I feel much clearer on the issue.

Thanks!