Korean Job Discussion Forums

Bollocks · Joined: 12 Feb 2009

Do you need to have a job offer from a new employer before the old one is allowed to give you a letter of release?

My situation: I was "let go" from my job, and instead of giving me a letter of release so I could find new employment, my hagwon boss has opted to cancel my visa instead.

He says:

"Please understand that it means so under the condition that you find a concrete employer.

I have to desgnate and specify a new employer on a release letter. "

Is this accurate, or is he lying to me?

OculisOrbis · Joined: 17 Jul 2006

elizabethbennet · Joined: 18 Aug 2009

Whatever the case, you don't need a letter of release to get another job. A lot of people - including recruiters - are confused about this. Some local immigration offices may even be confused. But I can assure you that my husband and I quit our bad hagwon and were both able to get new jobs without a letter of release.

Just get on your criminal background check as soon as possible (at least if you're from the States you'll need a new one). Once you have your documents, however, you will be golden to employers over here who won't have to fly you over.

My husband and I had to re-enter from Japan as tourists before we found jobs (it took a little more than 30 days), but we were both able to find new and better schools to work at.

Good luck!

Bollocks · Joined: 12 Feb 2009

If this is a lie, (and I suspect it is), where's the document that proves it?

I've been jerked around by this guy for too long. If this is something provably dishonest, I want to take him to court.

Bollocks · Joined: 12 Feb 2009

Addendum: Edit: On top of that: I've already got my university transcripts and diploma. Now I just need a criminal background check and I can apply for another visa. I've been living in this country for 1 1/2 years now. I expect I don't need a background check from Canada. I probably need to get one from Korea. How's that done? I'm reading the thread at http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=118735. It looks like the Canadian embassy in Seoul is where I go for authenticating a background check. But where do I go to obtain one.

Also: Still serious about suing this guy. He has no reason not to give a letter of release besides being a dick. Letting him off scott free doesn't sit well with me.

seoulsister · Joined: 04 Mar 2006 Location: International Network

Here's a sample letter from one of the stickies. Nothing about a new employer on it - in fact I could see why some people wouldn't want their old employer to know where they're going.

..........................................................................................................
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: _____, 2010

Name of English Academy
Address of School

_______________________________
Representative

/SEAL/

Bollocks · Joined: 12 Feb 2009

Well, this is what I get for taking him at his word. Basically we went to immigration together and I was expecting him to officially give me my release letter. Why we were going to the embassy in the first place, I had no idea. Bastard ambushed me.

Anyway, my visa is canceled. Now I need to apply for a new one. I doubt I can un-cancel it.

tired of LA · Joined: 06 Nov 2006 Location: Seoul

outkast_3000 · Joined: 20 Nov 2009

Sorry to say, but looks like you were bamboozled.

You don't need a new job in place to get a letter of release. All the letter of release indicates is that your current employer is willing to allow you to transfer your visa sponsor to a different employer. You don't need to have employment by the wayside to get it done.

The letter of release is only if you want to do a visa transfer - and people prefer this because it's less of a hassle on the immigration side of things as you don't have to re-submit documents again. However, if you already have all your documents on you, then doing a visa run isn't the worst thing in the world.

Anyhow, upon reading the rest of the posts just now, it seems like your visa got cancelled anyways. Best of luck to you getting your new visa in order.

chachee99 · Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Location: Seoul Korea

Yes if your visa is cancelled you have to go through all the garbage of getting a new CRC. Why? Because you have to leave to country again. Yes, it doesn't make sense.

Question: Did you go with your employer and cancel your visa? If so then there nothing you can do about it because you agreed to have it canceled. You should have demanded a letter of release instead. Your employer cannot cancel your visa without your approval.

maingman · Joined: 26 Jan 2008 Location: left Korea

[email protected]

Bollocks · Joined: 12 Feb 2009

Damn. I wish I had known that a few days ago. I guess my boss really was not a nice person.

I had no idea I was entitled not to sign said document. I suppose the people at immigration didn't exactly feel the need to tell me. Bastards.

chachee99 · Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Location: Seoul Korea

dragon777 · Joined: 06 Dec 2007

How does one convince immigration to cancel your E-2, if your employer

does not agree? Is this possible? Or must your employer agree to his/her

FT cancelling their visa?

spc525 · Joined: 12 Aug 2009 Location: Seoul, Korea

They should be legally obligated to cancel your visa if you are no longer working for them...

I was told if they cancel your visa and your new employer applies for your visa before you leave the country, you dont need a new criminal background check.

I called the Immigration hotline. A lot of people don't realize that there is an English speaking line.