Korean Job Discussion Forums

rok_the-boat · Joined: 24 Jan 2004

I have a job offer from a local Korean university and need to change my visa from tourist to E2 I think if I want to take the job.

I have scanned this forum and realise that I will need to go to Osaka to finish the process. But many of the posts on here are from years ago.

First, I need to know the process in 2014. What does the university have to do to get the application number that I take to Japan? What documents will it require from me? I have already had a police cert sent to them. I only ask as I need to get them to pull the finger out and get on it.

I have all my certificates with me but will not hand any over for keeps.

Or is it going to be impossible for a 2nd semester start?

Any info appreciated Smile

rok_the-boat · Joined: 24 Jan 2004

I found some useful info here: http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/InfoDetailR_en.pt

But would still like some practical reality info.

Cheers in advance Smile

reminiscink · Joined: 14 Apr 2014

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

The university should be able to walk you right through the process. I use the word 'should' because believe it or not, many places, especially smaller ones, haven't a clue!

Chaparrastique · Joined: 01 Jan 2014

rok_the-boat · Joined: 24 Jan 2004

Well - my university got their act together and I now have an E1.

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

rok_the-boat · Joined: 24 Jan 2004

OK - the process.

I checked out immigration's website to see what I needed. There is a very long list of documents. Then, I went to the guy in charge to see what they were doing about my application etc. at my school. and they had sourced another list - it was a lot shorter, all in Korean, and I have no idea where they got it. Then I got my docs and went to immigration. Basically, degree cert confirmation, cert of business of school, and a few other seemingly random things. I gave my school a police cert but immigration didn't need it. And it was a lot of hassle to get that cert from Japan. It all seemed too easy - I had had an ARC in the past and they had all my details so maybe it was not quite a fresh application. Not sure.

I filled in the form, then waited. Had lunch, waited some more. 4.5 hours and it was my turn. Handed over the docs and the lady said I'd get the ARC card in 3 weeks. It came in 2 weeks. I did not have to leave Korea but am not sure why. On the website it said I had to leave Korea to get the visa. When I phoned up they said I had to leave Korea to get the visa. I have history working here - and was married to a Korean on F2-1 in days gone past. Also had to pay a fee - W120,000 I think - quite expensive - and had recently doubled. A sign said that as of Aug 2014 UK citizens have to pay the fee - apparently, before Aug, it as free. Bugger.

Also - it seems to be a new thing - no visa in the passport anymore. Just the ARC card. I double checked and asked the lady. I now have E1 on the ARC card and nowt in my passport. The immigration process was quite efficient. But when I worked in Japan last year, they took my docs on arrival at the airport, took a pic and fingerprint, and presto - instant ARC card was printed up at the moment of entering the country. Now that was efficient.

Did my medical thing last week.

Thus far here - they got my address wrong on the ARC. My new bank a/c has my name wrong, my job has my name wrong, all the names are different, and the police say my car licence was revoked for not renewing it (like, I left Korea) so I have to retest - and sit in on an all-day educational program - in Korean - on a day when I'm working - for those that have suspended licences for being drunk etc. Looks like I'll be getting a bicycle. Ha ha. Whatever next I wonder.