Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ave, L�cifer]

I have been teaching on an E-2 visa unbroken for nearly 5 years now (5 years on August 31) and my current E-2 visa is valid for the customary additional month (September 30).

I am enrolled at the Asian Studies masters program at Sejong university starting from the next semester (Sep. 1st). The actual lecture hours required are quite low (total of 6 hours a week) and I intend to keep working while studying for the next 2.5 years. However the D-2 student visa has restrictions which seem quite unclear at the moment, from what I've gathered it seems to be a maximum of 20 hours per week with a possible hourly earnings cap.

I intend to switch over to the F2-7 visa as soon as possible, I have completed TOPIK level 2, but it seems the period of validity is about to expire, and am currently doing the Social Integration Program, which finishes August 31st.

So realistically the earliest I could get an F2-7 visa would be late August and latest would be November (if i take the next TOPIK).

I was intending to continue working full time at my current job (contracted to a hagwon teaching at Hyundai) where the hours are flexible to some extent but it seems in the absence of that F2 visa it will be really tricky, and I will have to sign a part time contract.

Any alternatives, I feel like I am in a strong position visa-wise with 5 consecutive years in the country without significant periods of time abroad, decent Korean level, enrolled in a masters program and doing the Social Integration Program. Perhaps it would be possible to continue with an E-2 visa initially if I get permission from immigration and my school, workplace etc?

Any ideas of how to smooth the transition with those annoying few months between finishing my E2 visa and being able to get an F2-7 visa?

[Ave, L�cifer]

I just spoke to the immigration office, and she said if I keep my current job I can just stay on an E-2 visa and study as well. Which is great news but conflicts with everything I've heard/read.

[furtakk]

You might be able to switch over to the F2-99 if you've been on the same visa for 5 years. Besides the 5 year requirement, it can be a little simpler than the F2-7.

[Welshguy]

F2-99

1. 5 years on on E1 or E2
2. TOPIK level 2
3. W30 000 000 in cash or assets (eg. House lease / 전세)
4. Housing contract in your name
5. Income. You need to have made over W28 000 000 legally (You can get the Income certificate from your work place / 원천징수영수증) in the previous year, 2013.