Korean Job Discussion Forums

[andrew]

*****

[jajdude]

Get the E2 first if you are too worried. Otherwise work a bit and get it ASAP.

[Grotto]

tell them straight up that you know its illegal for you to work without an E2 visa and that you dont want to break any Korean laws.

There is probably a section in your contract that says you can be dismissed immediately for violating Korean laws. Point this out as your backup.

[Derrek]

I got busted by immigration on my 2nd day of work doing EXACTLY what you are being told to do.

My rule: Don't do it.

A teacher who got fired before me ratted out the school. Immigration came right over and busted me.

To top it off, even though they had my information to get my E-2, the school hadn't even bothered to start. They flat-out lied to me.

I was dumbfounded, and totally victimized. It cost me about 3.5 million won total when it was all done, and I wasn't allowed to work there after that, anyway. Had to fund my own flight out of the country and back, live in a hotel for a week and a half, and find a new job that "might not be approved" because I attempted to teach illegally.

My school threatened to kick me out of my apartment if I didn't teach.

Looking back now, I wish I had said, "Fine" and just found another job. I could have lived in a hotel for a week or two (probably less) and found something legit very easy.

Stand your ground. Truth is, they won't be able to just up and let you go easily, as they have already invested a lot of time and effort into you. They probably can't find someone immediately to take over, and it will be better for them just to get you your visa ASAP.

Do they even have your Japan flight booked and paid for? Have they made you pay your own flight here?

[Grotto]

also they cant just 'kick' you out of the apartment. They may pay the rent but it is your apartment by law for all intense purposes.

It may be a favorite threat from employers but they are talking out their asses.

[casey's moon]

Wow!!! Derrek's story has altered my response! I was going to say that you shouldn't agree to work until you know EXACTLY when you're going to do your visa run, and only if you're only expected to work a few days (a week or less). But after reading Derrek's story, well.... be careful!

[andrew]

*****

[andrew]

*****

[Grotto]

contract doesnt mean anything without a visa to accompany it.

If you start working before you get your E2 visa you could be in big trouble(read Derreks story)

IMO it is not worth it

[chronicpride]

Schools love to push the envelope and cut corners, and will say things like, 'if we have the visa issuance letter, and just waiting for the visa run, then we are in the clear.' Looking at it from western eyes, this should not be the case. Upon execution over here, they factor in the greed/need and take a calculated risk. If they have a good standing with Immigration and have deep pockets for potential payoffs, they will often cut this particular corner without much thought.

[J.B. Clamence]

I wouldn't do it. Many people do it and get away with it, but I wouldn't. And ultimately, they can't force you to do something illegal. Instead of saying, "I won't teach before my visa run," respond to their requests by saying "I won't do anything illegal that I can be arrested and deported for." There's not much they can say to that. Recording your conversations is also a good idea. That way if they try to kick you out of the apartment, you can take the tapes to the labor board and show them that you were punished for refusing to break the law.

[Manner of Speaking]

There's flexibility in your relationship with your boss, and then there's insanity and stupidity. Stupidity on their part for not having you set up to teach for Monday, and insanity if you do it. Just tell them flat out "no".