Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kraggy]

Hi,

Have an ESL job at the moment. Got an international school job that starts in August, at which stage I'll have only done 5 months of my Esl contract.

How do I go about applying for an E7?
Does the process depend on whether or not my current school gives me a letter of release?
If they do, can I just transfer my visa from E2 to E7 or do I have to get documents apostilled again?
If they don't, will I have to do a visa run to Japan/other country?
Is there any possibility that I won't be able to take the new job because of not getting a letter of release?

Any info would be great. Thank you.

[kraggy]

Anyone?

[littlelisa]

You definitely want a letter of release, otherwise you'll have to apply for a new E7 visa instead of transferring. It's not impossible if you don't, just more annoying.

If you transfer, you definitely don't need your documents apostilled again. Without one, you probably need a visa run. There may be a possibility of your new visa being declined, but it's probably low. I can't say for sure. I do think you should try to go to immigration (or at least call, but going in person gets you more accurate information sometimes) and ask there.

What are your chances of getting the letter of release? I would try for that for sure if you can get it.

[kraggy]

Thanks Lisa,

I'd say my chances of getting the letter of release are good but obviously not guaranteed. I just worry that they'll be pissed off with me because I'm not finishing the contract. But what I'll do is give them plenty of notice and try to find a replacement for me.

It's a nice place to work but the new job is a even better as it's a proper international school. I'm a qualified primary teacher so I want to use my qualification.

Hopefully it will all work out. I may not need the degree and criminal background check apostilled again but I think I do need transcripts and other things so I'm going to get started on that.

Thanks for your reply.

K.

[kraggy]

So I spoke to immigration and they said that if I don't get a letter of release, that I can only apply for an E7 when my E2 contract was due to end. That is, next March. But the new job starts this August.

So, I absolutely definitely need a letter of release.

I'm going to give them 8 weeks notice and help them find a replacement for me. Any other advice on how to increase my chances of getting a Letter of Release?

I would be devastated if I couldn't take my new job because of my current employer refusing a LOR.

[littlelisa]

Hopefully it works. If they are upset, keep trying to be kind/helpful(finding a replacement, etc). Doesn't hurt to bring in some thank you fruit or something for the principal or director.