Korean Job Discussion Forums

[spaceman82]

Hi, I have a few questions about the E-1 visa and was hoping someone here could help with them.

I'm currently in Korea on a non-teaching visa and planning to transition into a university teaching position this coming August. When looking at the posted requirements for the two different teaching visas (E-1 and E-2), however, I noticed that the background check, medical check, etc., were not required for the E-1, which made me wonder if it would be possible to go in that direction instead of jumping through the E-2 hoops. Basically, I'm wondering what documents and qualifications are required for the E-1 visa and whether I would be able to hold that visa for any university teaching position (i.e., could I forego the trouble of even preparing the E-2 documents if I plan to focus solely on university positions). The one source I have lists only "a certificate of career" and a teaching contract as required for the E-1, but I'm sure there's more to it than that. In any case, I'd really appreciate any help.

*Note: If it matters at all, I have held an E-2 in the past and will have an MA at the time I begin teaching.

[spaceman82]

bump

[ttompatz]

[spaceman82]

Thanks, ttompatz. So the E-1 is basically only for actual professors? Or is it just a situation in which certain universities will finagle something for their language instructors by categorizing them differently while others prefer to sponsor their instructors with E-2s? I just wonder because I'm pretty sure I've read about people teaching English on an E-1 here.

Also, for what it's worth, my MA will be in English (Lit.) but I won't have any university teaching experience going in.

[mj roach]

'by the book' ttompatz is correct (as always)

however...

it is 'possible' to get an E1 without a related MA
(even without an MA) and zero related experience
and teach foreign languages - not 'legal' but 'possible'

[Skyblue]

[naturegirl321]

You'll find that MANY many unis don't give E1s. I work at a pretty good one and we're given E2s.

E1 is a professor and despite the fact that we're "professors" on our contract, we stil get E2s.

[spaceman82]

Thanks everyone. I was hoping that this might be something that would get me out of jumping through the E-2 hoops, but it seems like I'm going to be sending off for my CBC, etc., like everyone else (even if it is a just-in-case kind of thing).