Korean Job Discussion Forums

Toby · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Location: Wedded Bliss

When I get my F2, do I need to take the papers to validate my E2, or do I just need to take my papers relevant to the F2?

PatrickSiheung · Joined: 21 May 2003

Not sure if I understand your question, but here it goes.

I don't think you need any papers to validate an E2. The stamp in your passport is proof enough, I'm sure. As for getting your F2-1, you just need to prove you're married to a korean.

Your F2-1 is your major visa. Meaning your wife is your sponsor and your ability to stay in Korea is dependent on her. Any other visa becomes secondary. After you have your F2-1 your ability to stay in Korea is no longer dependent on your E2 status. You can even have multiple E2s provided you don't sign a contract promising you won't work anywhere else. Just show up to immigration with the proper contract and money for the stamps and you're golden.

simulated stereo · Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 3:10 pm Post subject:

One thing you should do is try to get your F2 at the same time as you get/renew your E2. Otherwise you will have to make two trips to the immigration office a year. When your F2 expires your E2 is also automatically cancelled and if you wish to continue working, you have to file for an extention. I found out about this the hard way. My E2 begins and ends in September, but I got my F2 in May. When it came time to renew my F2, immigration had cancelled my E2, so I had to get an extension. It's not so much of a problem now since my F2 visa is now good for two years and when I renew in 2006 I'll be able to get a three year visa. But it's still kind of a headache.