Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cloudbox]

I'm a Korean-Australian and I tried to apply for a F-4 Visa recently, and I was denied a F-4 Visa. I asked whether I can receive a E-2 Visa, they simply said I cannot receive any type of visa until I complete my military service since my parents were Korean citizens when I was born in Australia.

My parents eventually became Australian citizens discarding their Korean citizenship. I am certain that I am not listed on the korean family registry (hojuk) as my parents never reported my birth to Korea.

After reading some posts here, I realised that if my name is not on the hojuk, there shouldn't be any problem with receiving a Korean visa.

I have contacted a embassy in another state and they said there is no problem. However my local embassy said I must apply for korean citizenship (receive a korean passport) and then apply for a military service waiver, but I cannot stay in Korea for more than 6 months.

Has anyone had the same issue?

[ttompatz]

If your parents were both Korean citizens when you were born then that makes you Korean in the eyes of the Korean government (even if you are not on the family registry) as well as Australian.

Coming in on an E2 is not without the risk of being "discovered" and forced into dealing with the required conscription issue (quite common for Korean/American males as well).

I don't have an answer for you other than to:
-apply for your military waiver and then process the F4 or dual citizenship
-apply for an E2 and hope for the best (if it becomes an issue after you are in Korea then the Australian government can't help you)
-wait till you are 36 and beyond the age of conscription.

.