Korean Job Discussion Forums

[benjaminthunderbolt]

I'll be staying in Korea for a few weeks after my Visa runs out, and was planning on extending my Visa as a Tourist. Recenty, the Hagwon I work at asked me to stay on for an extra week after my Visa expires. They said not to bother renewing the Work Visa as they never have any issues with it.

So here's my question: If my tourist visa is renewed I'm fine exiting the country, but are there any consequences that can arise from working without renewing the Work Visa for an extra 30 days? As long as nobody knows about it? I know it's "illegal", but is there actually a chance of anything bad coming of it? Thanks.

[ED209]

Don't take immigration advice from your hagwon. They don't have your interests at heart, especially since when they are done with you, you're no longer an employee. Teachers get stung all the time because they took their bosses 'don't worry' advice.

Staying over one day after expiration can lead to fines and a mark on your record. This means having to return to your home country when ever you want a new E2. Big headaches await you.

Getting the tourist visa is easy, just show them your air ticket to prove you are leaving.

Working on a tourist visa, as you know, is illegal and can levy high fines in the millions as well as marking your record.

Why do would you want to work an extra week?
If it's just your employer, then tell them to pay the 60,000won to extend the visa. Their cheapness and laziness shouldn't cost you millions in fines and a future in Korea.

[ttompatz]

[cyui]

Yeah..don't trust your haggie director (mine told me the same thing and then ..a little 3-week overstay) Whoops!

Now, I am not sure where the re-eligilbity stands, so just extend your visa and play it safe.

[Hotpants]

Do not work beyond your visa period. Period. It will be you and not your boss who will suffer the consequences if you get found out. Your employer should know your visa expiry date from the beginning of your employment, and should plan for that date accordingly. Hopefully, they won't hold your severance pay against you for this?

[Summer Wine]

Get an extension on your visa.

I almost got arrested for leaving Korea on the day my visa ended.

Koreans dont always understand english that well. It was a question regarding whether I needed an re entry visa or not. I thought not.

Dont take the chance, get an extension and leave before it ends is better than being arrested.

I thought it was a joke until later I met some one who had seen it happen to a co worker. (pm me if you want details)

Its not worth the issue. Also never take your co workers advice - 90% of the time they are more ignorant than you.

[cyui]

@S.W.- What?! Arrrested? Do tell more of this story,please ( can't pm)

BTW- I like your name..Have you been through consuier training yet?