Korean Job Discussion Forums

[verseinu]

I have a single entry visa (canadian passport) and I will be going back to canada on for quick trip during my contract.

I have been told a) the the reentry rules have changed and everyone with an E2 visa now has multiple entry status, and b) you can purchase/apply for reentry at the airport before departure.

These are a little contradictory so I'm not sure. Does anyone know what the situation is with reentering Korea while on an E2 visa.

A second, related question...I re-signed with my school and am now on my second year. My passport has only the original visa which has now expired. Will my alien card be sufficient to reenter?

[Dan_84]

To answer your second question... All of your renewal information (assuming you and your school went through the proper channels at Immigration) has been entered into some computer database somewhere. Your alien registration card has your new exit date recorded on the back (yes, it's just written with a sharpie, but I assume the scrawl on the back is backed up by data in the computer). Your ARC will be sufficient, though even if you lose that, your information is recorded in the computer, and once they verify your identity, there shouldn't be any problems re-entering the country.

With all that said: don't lose your ARC! I've never lost it, but I can only assume doing so will create a hassle for you at the immigration desk.

With regards to your first question... I hadn't heard that all E2 visas are now automatically multiple entry. I haven't done my own independent research, but that sounds like one of those grapevine "a friend of a friend said that it was OK" things. I could be wrong, though.

Either way, I recommend you give the Immigration hotline a call (1345, between 9 and 6) and ask for clarification.

To my knowledge, single re-entry permission stamps are available at the airport the day of your flight, and while it's cheaper than the unlimited multiple entry permission stamp, it's more expensive in the long run if you leave and enter more than once. Also, you have to factor in the time to get it-- not fun when you're rushing through the airport to have to deal with slow-moving bureaucrats.

I recommend you call up Immigration yourself to verify all I've said.

From one Canadian to another: enjoy your quick trip to the Frozen North!

[verseinu]

Thanks for the info Dan.

Hate to sound daft....but, immi hotline? 1345?

I actually just looked today at my extended ARC...there is definitely sharpie writing to show the extension...but it also has scotch tape to make sure it doesn't rub off....very official....La Di Da. No expense was spared!! I'm waiting for the colour by numbers medical and pension forms!!

The director of my school told me about the entry permission changes. He is usually 'by the book', so I have some trust in what he has said but I want real confirmation. If you could fill me in on the immi hotline info it would be greatly appreciated!

[Dan_84]

Oops, sorry... I wasn't clear!

According to this information card I have, you can dial 1345 from any phone in Korea to speak to someone regarding visas, alien registration, and other immigration matters, between the hours of 9 and 6. Just dial 1345, followed by 3 and * to get the English options.

They put scotch tape over the sharpie writing on your ARC?!?! Whoa, they must be employing some new tamper-proof technology over at the immigration office! Mine doesn't have tape over the sharpie writing... But yes, I think we can all look forward to the day when the hospitals start issuing health check results using a paint-by-numbers cartoon body (they colour red where the ouchies are).