Korean Job Discussion Forums

shaftula · Joined: 25 Sep 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA

Hi everyone,

I'm considering teaching English in Korea once I complete my degree. I'm graduating in Spring with a B.A. in rhetoric and composition. I want to get out to Korea as close to graduation as possible, and I was wondering whether I could potentially secure a job prior to getting my E2 visa? In other words, can I get a contract while I'm in the process of getting the visa?

Thanks so much!

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

You're putting the cart before the horse -- you cant get an E2 visa without a job -- the employer sponsors it. Nor can you secure a job without an actual diploma in hand (with rare exceptions involving documents from your university certifying that its forthcoming).

koreatimes · Joined: 07 Jun 2011

They are not independent. You sign a contract, and then they process for a visa number. Then you get your visa/passport and go to Korea.

Guajiro · Joined: 04 Dec 2008

shaftula · Joined: 25 Sep 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA

Ah, I see. My school helps people get into the TaLK program, which may help me get out in the summer, and then I can make the transition to a contract job/ E2 visa once I have the physical diploma. Barring that, I should get my diploma in June. How long does it typically take to find a job?

Some info about me:

BA English comp and rhet
AA in theater
I've tutored English for 4 years, primarily ESL students.
I'm white (not that it should matter, but I've heard it does).
Single, Male, 30, standard American dialect

If I put together a good enough resume/package, do I have a reasonable chance of finding work?

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

cincynate · Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Location: Jeju-do, South Korea

Your first step is applying for the FBI Criminal Record Check. This takes several months, so you want to make sure you send it in in April. Once you have that, you need to get it apostilled. That takes a while as well. Then you need to get your degree apostilled. Once you have all that, then you find a job. You send all those documents to Korea, and they will give you a visa issuance number. Once you have that you can go to the Embassy and get your visa. You have to have a signed contract to get a visa.

Don't let anybody tell you that you can come to Korea, start working, and then get your visa. They will lock you up, fine you huge, and then deport you.

Good Luck!