Korean Job Discussion Forums

[karenology]

So here is the deal:

My girlfriend is starting a job late september, but I am having trouble finding jobs, and might not get a position until late november.
I am a dual citizen with two passports living in the USA. I wonder if there is a way for me to get my work Visa in my US passport for a later date - now. Then get an early flight out(ideally paid for by my employer) , and use my EU passport on a tourist visa for a few months until my jobs starts, and then quickly leave the country to japan and come back with my US passport to start work.

This would be ideal, as I'd rather not hang out in the states for two months while my girlfriend is soaking up Korean culture.

So esteemed colleagues, Is there any chance?

[nathanrutledge]

If you have not worked here before, that's a bad idea as you'll be required to have an interview at your home consulate. Also, as visas in Korea are tied to your employer, and they require a few weeks of sending stuff to Seoul, then waiting, then getting a visa issuance number, then sending your passport to the consulate, or, if you've never been here before, actually having to go to the consulate, yadayadayada... Big long process, but with the visa being tied to the job, you cant get a work visa until you have a job, and once you have a job, you won't need to do any of this plan anyway.

Long story short, seems like a bad idea to me.

[karenology]

In this scenario I was thinking I would get a position that starts in November now through an employer and try to get my work visa business taken care of early., not get a position sometime later on. This would be my first job in Korea. Thanks for the advice though.

[fugitive chicken]

it takes probably a month or more to get the visa stuff taken care of. Once you get a job (which you missed the boat on the hiring season, so you may have trouble getting one in your chosen location), you have to gather your documents, including a background check, and depending on where in the states you live that could be anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks. THEN you need to go send the documents in to Korea, which can take 1 to 2 weeks, they need to process your docs and send it back, taking another 1-2 weeks, then go to the consulate near you, depending on where in the states you live could take time. This could take well over a month depending on your situation.

[karenology]

All my documents are in order and in Korea, with recruiters. But no specific job yet.

[ttompatz]

OP:

You are from the USA so this is specific for your case (not general information for most others).

IF you land a job for "later" you have a couple of considerations to think about.
a) your confirmation number is only good for 90 days from date of issue; you MUST get your visa within 90 days or you have to begin again.
b) AFTER you get your visa you must arrive within 90 days or your entry will expire and you have to begin again.

c) Most (non-government) employers in Korea are LUCKY if they know 60 days in advance whether or not they need new staff (most are only 30 days advance notice). ASAP positions are still common.

d) IF you come over ahead of your job you most likely will NOT be paid for your airfare to Korea. FACT of LIFE. I do not know of ANY employers who are willing to pay your airfare in hopes that you will start work 30-60 days after you arrive in Korea.

e) IF you come to Korea and find a job here you CAN do your consular interview/visa run to GUAM (US soil). You do NOT need to return to the continental US.

You have options but they depend more on your pocketbook than any legalities or visa requirements.

.