Korean Job Discussion Forums

[stew1988]

Hello again guys.

You probably know my story by now. I ran away from Korea (midnight run), I have a Korean wife, and I want to return to Korea again...

I have considered an E2 but this may be difficult because of the proximity in dates to my previous midnight run. I also have my ARC still...

That being said, many of you have suggested getting an F2 VISA. I can obviously see the benefits of this etc, but I don't think I will be able to get one and I don't think it's as easy as many people make out...this is the info from the Korean Embassy website in the UK...I need the following...

※ Items subject to change depending on individual circumstances

1. A completed Visa application
2. A recent passport photo (3.5 x 4.5cm, colour photo)
3. Passport (Original)
4. Original and a photocopy of Marriage Certificate from UK and Korea
5. A photocopy of spouse�s valid passport OR permanent Resident Card (or documents pertaining to legal status)
6. Certificate of Guarantor :Notarized by the Public Notary in Korea or in UK (this document MUST be Original) (배우자가 작성한 공증된 신원보증서)
- 본래 한국에서 작성, 공증되어야 함이 원칙이나, 현재 신청자의 배우자가 영국에 거주하는 경우에는 영국 공증사무소를 통해 공증한 보증서도 가능함.
7. Continuos Bank Statements for the latest 3 Months showing a sum of balance $10,000 of the applicant's own.
8. Visa Fee : ￡55 for British Nationals.

OK...so problems spring to mind...of course I do not have 10,000 dollars...our marriage is only registered in the UK because we didn't get married in South Korea.

What are your opinions on this? Any advice or suggestions? Answers on a postcard.

Cheers.

[ttompatz]

Borrow 6500 pounds and stick it in a bank for 90 days. Get your visa and come back.

Being married in the UK is and not in Korea is fine. I am not sure if registration of the wedding is required for an off-shore Korean national (a quick visit to the Korean consulate will clear that up and take care of it if it is).
You don't need a separate wedding in both countries.

.

[stew1988]

Unfortunately attaining 6500 pounds is not as simple as that for me at this point in time...

[Carbon]

What opinions or advice can be given? You either have all you need or you don't. What you don't have, you need to get. It really doesn't seem there is much left to say besides good luck with your situation.

[stew1988]

I suppose I am just exploring my avenues. It's difficult because in reality, I'm sure whether I can myself an E2 VISA right now or an F2 either. I did the midnight run and kept my ARC. My VISA is cancelled however I'm not sure whether I can reapply just yet. I also know first hand the downside on getting an E2. In an ideal world I would get an F2, however according to those prerequisites, I can't do that either...I suppose I am asking as to whether it is essential to have 10,000 dollars or not.

Any other advice on how I can get back to Korea on limited funds is also welcomed.

Cheers.

[modernseoul]

I asked basically the same question yesterday regarding the money. http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=216575&highlight=
Your situation is different due to the midnight run and the fact that your already married, mine is in the near future. Still check it out.

[DHC]

Unless the law has changed since my wife and I were married outside Korea, marriage of a Korean citizen outside Korea is not recognized as a legal marriage until it is registered with the Korean government in the country where the marriage was performed or registered in the Korean citizen's Family Registration document in Korea.