Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Blanca]

Hi everybody, quick question about visa numbers. I tried searching but to no avail.

Once I have my visa number, how long is it valid for? In other words, how long do I have to send my passport to a consulate before the number expires?

[Aine1979]

I've never heard of an expiration date for the visa issuance number, probably because as soon as people get it they usually send away for their visa straight away.

Your visa issuance number is tied to your employer, who will have submitted a copy of your contract along with start dates to Korean immigration when they applied for the VIN. So it would make sense that the VIN would be valid until at least the date the contract starts.

As far as I know, if you're issued with a visa number and then decide not to take the job, you have to go through the process again with a new set of documents. The number can't be transferred to a different employer, so this would make me think the number doesn't expire as such, but may become invalid if a new one is issued.

You would probably be best to speak to your Korean embassy/consulate to get their answer, as that's who would be processing your visa.

[ttompatz]

Visa confirmation numbers are good for 90 days from date of issue - you must obtain your visa within 90 days or the number is no good and you have to begin again.

AFTER you get your visa in your passport, depending on your nationality, it will be good for either 90 days (enter or lose it and start again) or good for 1 year (Americans).

In both cases the initial status of sojourn granted after you obtain your ARC will typically be for 13 months from date of entry.

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[Blanca]

Thanks for the replies chaps. I called the London Embassy to be sure, and they confirmed this.