Korean Job Discussion Forums

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

I wasn't aware that you could only hold a release letter for 15 days. If it's too much older than that, then you need a new release letter.

I discovered this after completing a job the first of August when I tried to get hired the first of October. My local immigration officer said that the gap was too long.

J.B. Clamence · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

I've heard that after you get a release letter, you have 15 days to get a new job or leave the country. Thus I can only assume that after the 15 days is up and you must leave the country, your release letter is no longer valid for a new job.

paperbag princess · Joined: 07 Mar 2004 Location: veggie hell

did you leave the country? to be released from your visa, you have to go to the immigration office with you former boss.

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

Well, of course I had to get a new release letter. I couldn't work at another school without cancelling my previous contract.

I just put this thread up here to remind others of the same problem.

hellofaniceguy · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: On your computer screen!

Many different variables here....many!!!
You need to vacate the country when your visa expires within 15 days. But...every immigration will give you a different answer and in each office you also will get a different answer.
If you have gotten a "letter of release" then it's safe to say that the school notified immigration also. You have 15 days to leave the country.
So....15 days to find a new job, submit the new paperwork and have immigration approve it. If not...you have to leave korea and have the school Fedex the new visa to you.
If immigration says the gap is to long...ask them WHY!?!?
What difference does it make if you wait 15 days or 15 weeks! Sometimes the brains at immigration are.....
If you get a release letter...obviously you intend to remain in korea.
So...you look for a job. No luck. Ok..so now what?
Leave korea...look for a new gig for outside of korea. Find one? Submit your new application with your release letter.

Real Reality · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

hellofaniceguy wrote,
"But...every immigration will give you a different answer and in each office you also will get a different answer."

Seems about right.

rapier · Joined: 16 Feb 2003

The trick is not to inform immigration of your loss of job, until you have a new one ion the bag. Then, go to immigration with your old employer.

*Question: what if you are on a 6 month E2 visa extension? when this expires, can you get a new E2 with a new employer anytime afterwards?