Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Eglayzer]

My girl and I have been together for about 6 months and its getting a little serious. She is Korean and wants to come to the US to either work OR study. She does not have a four year degree but only two. She is working on her four year degree in "open school" an online program, with a major in English Literature.

She wants to learn to speak English better and continue our relationship. She says she went to an agency to help her find a job int he US but that they wanted 6-7 million won for a "deposit" that doesn't get her a place to stay or anything else. Seems like a scam to me. I am looking into what it would take to get her over on a student visa but she has not applied anywhere so that might be a long ways off.

I have only JUST started to do research on this but I am kinda lost and was hoping some other people had been in similar situations. Whats the first step I should take and what do I need to consider?

[dharma bum]

How long before the two of you want to leave?

(I don't have any information myself, but I think the answer to this question is probably important and will help other posters provide you with better advice. )

[Eglayzer]

I will likely be leaving March 1st. She has no specific deadline for when she has to leave but by the end of summer is about as far as either one of us would be willing to "wait" for the other one.

[curlyhoward]

[Lazio]

I would suggest to try a language school. There are a lot of them unless if you live in a small town. Obviously you should pick one which is able to sponsor student visas. They are a bit pricey, but the longer she stays there, the lower the tuition gets. You can expect something like 800 to 1,000 a month. 3 months at once would be 2,000 or 2,500. It's not cheap, but there are some really good schools and it's 20 hours a week so I think it's worthy. Good thing with student visas that she can enter the US earlier (30 days?) and stay (60 days?) after finishing. So paying 3 months will allow her to stay 6 months. Besides studying she can do some volunteer work or something. She can also transfer to a college or Uni if she wants to.
Dealing with getting the visa is also faster with language schools. Find a good one, contact them, send some money upfront, they will send the documents, apply for visa at the embassy here and fly. The whole process can be done in a matter of weeks.

[hondaicivic]

[hellofaniceguy]

The first thing is getting the visa....koreans seem to think that all they have to do is board the plane and fly to the U.S. and bingo. Not so.....still need to apply via on line.....US embassy seoul....fill out the forms, etc...AND when she lands in the US she WILL...WILL....WILL be questioned before clearing immigration/customs. Many have gone through the process in seoul...fly to the US and denied permission to enter. The immigration folks at the other end have the final say....but it's usually ok.

Once in the US....you have no idea of her intentions...NONE. She could very well want to make the relationship work or split.
Getting a job? Forget it...a legal job that is. Ain't gonna happen unless you are married or she has a skill in high demand.
Getting a school visa is an option and easier to obtain.

I'd first have her visit for a month, spend time together AWAY from other koreans, get to know her, etc..
Sure..you've been together 6 months....more time is needed.

[Eglayzer]

Thanks for the relationship advice but it is not needed. If on the other hand you have actual information about visas and the like to offer then it would be greatly appreciated.

[jrwhite82]

Ok you have 3 legal options to my knowledge if she wants to stay in the US for a long term basis.

Option 1: Get married
Option 2: Student Visa
Option 3: Work Visa

The best option for her is obviously the marriage visa because it would allow her to go to school and work at the same time.

If you guys are not ready yet, then the work visa is the next best because she can still work and go to school on it. However, if she loses her job, she also loses her visa.

The Student visa is the third option. To my knowledge it is illegal to work (even part time) if you are on a student visa. Or you may only be allowed to work for about 10 hours a week. I used to teach at a small language school outside of Washington DC. It is called Washington Baptist University. It is a Korean Church that offers seminary classes and language classes. They are licensced as a seminary school and are in the process of getting some additional certifications. They are capable of sponsoring student visas for their language program. And the student visa can be renewed a few times (long enough for you guys to figure out what's best for your relationship and for her to have time to study). There are a lot of schools like this across the country.

I know you didn't ask for the advice, but know that you will need to be making pretty good money back home to support both of you. Also, she will have a stressful time adjusting to American life. Additionally, if she is anything like most Korean 20 somethings she probably has never lived away from her parents so that might be hard to adjust. So just be prepared for that. (talking from experience here)

[Eglayzer]

She has lived in the Philippines for about 8 months. She will need to support herself as I am returning to the US for graduate school and will not be working. If she chooses to come to the US with me it will be for me but also because she wants to be there to learn English. That way there is not so much stress if the relationship does not work out.

With that in mind is sounds like the work visa is just about the only way to go. I know she has some money saved up but its not enough to pay tuition AND cost of living. I don't know what marketable skills she has other than being fluent in Korea. She has had typical Korean office jobs before but can she get a work visa for doing that?

[PRagic]

She'll probably have to go over on a tourist visa. Think those can stretch up to 6 months and be extended via mail.

The downside is that even if she can find a potential employer, they'll have to pony up big bucks to sponsor her, and most shy away from the hire when it comes down to that. Add to the pot that her degree isn't very employable so there might not be many slots to begin with.

On a student visa, she can work part time. Again, the opportunities probably won't be too eye catching given her major.

A work visa would entail having a sponsor set up. See above.

When you're ready to take the plunge, get her a Green Card ASAP. That takes all the hastles out of the move, employment, and long term residence.

[Eglayzer]

I am nowhere near ready to "take the plunge." I want to help her to find a way to do this on her own.

[jvalmer]

[Eglayzer]

Yes I know the girl. I think some people are getting the wrong idea because they realize how complicated it is to come to the US for work or school while I basically had no idea and was hoping it would be easier.

This thread is more of an inquisition rather than, this is what I am going to do so try and talk me out of it, kinda thing. My contract is going to be up soon so we are feeling out our relationship/career options.

[West Coast Tatterdemalion]

Getting a job in the US? Good luck with that one considering that many US citizens can't get jobs. Have you seen the unemployment stats recently? Again, it would be very difficult to get a job(legal one that is) there.