Korean Job Discussion Forums

[photoguy]

I'm currently waiting on my E-2 and have a few questions for anyone else who's gone through the process recently:

How long did it take to get your Visa Issuance Number? I've heard 4-7 business days - is that accurate? According to my recruiter, my school received my visa documents two weeks ago, but I'm still waiting on the issuance number.

Second question - I live in Kansas and will presumably have to go through the Chicago consulate. I also need the interview since this is my first visa. Do you have to schedule an interview for that particular consulate, and if so, how far in advance? Also, do they allow webcam interviews? Flying to Chicago will cost me at least $300-400, so obviously a webcam/phone interview would be preferred.

Last question - the start date on my contract is May 10. To be in Korea by then, I'll have to have my visa by Friday, May 7 (two weeks from today). Is that still feasible, given that I still have to get my issuance number, do the interview, get my visa, and book a flight?

[pattyb]

I was/am in a similar situation and was told that the interview can be done over the phone in such circumstances. FWIW

[pattyb]

I was/am in a similar situation and was told that the interview can be done over the phone in such circumstances. FWIW

[photoguy]

[Kestav]

How did that work out for you? I am also from Kansas and I was told I had to go to chicago and couldnt do it over the phone. I took a train to chicago and did the interview and the passport was mailed back to me with the visa sticker about 3 days later.

[photoguy]

[Kestav]

I think it took about 2 weeks for me to get my number. I took the amtrak to chicago the next day and got did my interview the day after that and was back in kansas the day after that. the next day I had my passport back in the mail and was ready to go. If money is an issue I would give amtrak a big thumbs up. it was seven hours each way from union station, but it was maybe 200 dollars round trip. I did this all about two weeks ago.

[photoguy]

Bumping this to see if I can get any more responses. Does anyone know what could cause an issuance number to be delayed this much (over 3 weeks now)? The recruiter is claiming he gave the paperwork to the school and seems to be implying that it's their problem now. Nobody seems to have any clue when or even if the paperwork ever actually made it to the Seoul Immigration office. How hard is it to hop on the subway, walk to the Immigration office, and turn in a stack of papers??

To make it worse, my start date was supposed to be a week from today, yet nobody has said "will you be able to start by this date" or suggested an alternate start date. At least I had the foresight to put off booking a plane ticket until this is all sorted out.

Has anybody else been in this sort of situation? How did you handle it? Given that somebody in Seoul has my visa documents and I'm currently unemployed with no other job lined up, I think my frustration is understandable.

[banjois]

Take deep breaths. I got all anxious during that part of the process too. There's nothing you can do to change things. It'll happen in its own time...

[Satchel Paige]

How's this going for you photoguy? Update?

[jugbandjames]

My recruiter also received my documents a few weeks ago, but I haven't yet received my visa number. Maybe they're just backed up or something.