Korean Job Discussion Forums

[R. S. Refugee]

Hey folks,

I expect this question has been answered in other threads somewhere, but getting closer to finding a job over there, I am thinking about worse case scenarios to try to be prepared for anything.

So, my question is this. If you become unemployed before your one-year contract is up for some reason such as the hagwon going belly up, how long are you allowed to stay in the country and look for a new job?

I do realize, of course, that when you find one, you have to make the infamous visa run to Japan.

Thanks.

[canuckistan]

Unless you tell immigration about the school closure or your boss does, they're none the wiser and you perhaps could fudge a couple of weeks while your visa is valid. Not recommended though. You'd need to be clear with your boss on what he's going to do about your work visa.
Immigration is otherise pretty understanding about visa extensions when your job disappears from one day to the next and you need to find a new one.

I think the worst thing that happens to teachers when their schools go kaput is that they're not financially prepared for it at all--enough funds to stay somewhere/live/look for a new job/etc etc. Given the financial fragility of many schools here, the first few paychecks should be stashed for stress-free contingency plans IMHO.