Korean Job Discussion Forums

[throwawayask]

Hello,

I've got a couple of questions about the Visa transfer process. I'm new to this website, so I wholeheartedly apologize if this issue has been covered.
My contract was supposed to end in early March, but my school is shutting down. As a result, I'll be finishing on February 20. I want to spend a month visiting friends and family at home. After a month, I'd like to come back to Korea and start up another contract. Things are cool with my boss and he has promised to cooperate by signing a letter of release. So here are my questions:

Is is possible to leave the country between jobs for one month and get a new visa without jumping through the same hoops (federal background check, notarized degree, etc.) all over again?
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Should I allow my ARC card to expire or extend it?
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Thanks!



Also, my ARC is set to expire on 2/28/2012 and the last date of entry on my visa is 4/4/2012

[ttompatz]

Your visa is not relevant - your ARC is.
Your options:

i) let the ARC expire and begin again from scratch with a completely new visa application (new docs, etc).

ii) find a new job and transfer (and extend your ARC) BEFORE your ARC expires. There CAN be a gap of 30 days between jobs.

iii) Switch to a D10 (looking for work visa). This will allow you up to 6 months to find new work and switch back to an E2 without the need for new documents. IT MAY however delay your travel plans since you can't travel without an ARC and it will take a few weeks to process and receive your new ARC (for your D10).

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[throwawayask]

Great! Thanks for the help.

[kangaroodave]

yeah, your options are pretty simple.

since you'll be returning after your contract/visa officially ends, you'll have no trouble coming back in on a tourist visa and looking for a job. then you just need to do a visa run to japan (school will pay for flights).

i'd suggest that while you're away, you could look for jobs starting in march (there will be heaps!) and commit to a contract which will provide your inbound flight.

also, check what the current requirements are for visas. they change all the time and i've heard there's been recent changes too. you should check and make sure that (while you're home) you've got updated documents and police checks etc.