Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jamie]

Korjob, the recruiter offering me a position at SLP Pupyong, said that even though I'm waiting for my diploma, I can get my work visa by showing the consulate a "letter of graduation." When I talked with a different recruiter (one that's always gave me good/reliable info) about this, he said it sounded shady and that an E2 Visa can only be obtained by showing the consulate a diploma. Now I don't trust korjob, he's pushing me (kindly pushing) to sign the contract and I don't feel comfortable. Has anyone been in this situation before? What do you think?

[Draven]

The E-2 visa I have for my current job was obtained by showing immigration my grades and a letter from my university registrar's office stating that I had completed my degree requirements but was waiting for the degree to be actually conferred. Btw, I obtained my E-2 in country, not at a consulate.
However, my hagwon is trying that same process with a new potential teacher and is getting a bit of a run around from immigration. Immigration has told my supervisor that the rules have changed.
So, I guess the answer to your question is that it WAS possible to obtain a visa in that manner, but maybe no longer. The immigration department here is known to be fickle, however. Hope this helps...

[kiddblount]

technically shouldn't be shady, but what immigration sez goes, i suppose. a document i received from a korean consulate general states that either the original diploma, a copy (notarized by them), or official university correspondence stating proof of graduation is required. i had the last item, but my hiring director claimed i needed the original, so i had it sent up (still hasn't returned it yet, tho). don't i love the incompetence . . .

[Corvid]

Hey Jamie,
Would you PM me with what you find out. I'm graduating in June, but won't get my diploma for another 5 or 6 weeks, and I'd rather get settled in Korea than work temp jobs here.
Also, eveybody,
About how long should I expect the time between the beginning of the job search and landing in Korea to take. (My stats are BA in English, desire to teach for two years before going to get a MAT, and a year of work with kids at a science museum. (sorta like experience))

[vdowd]

Hi, just thought I would share my experience. I completed all my requirements for my degree (last course was via distance education) but missed the deadline and had to wait until June for my degree to be conferred from Simon Fraser, Vancouver. How ever I had already met all the credit requirements for the degree. I tried to use a letter from the Uni stating that this but it was no go in Korea.

My solution - I called the university said I would be overseas in June and asked them for an original degree to be couriered to me ASAP. I had to pay an addtional fee for this service - they had to send to printers just for me (paid with credit card) . I got it within a week and arrived in Korea for the end of April. Then my sister received my original degree (the one you should get) in the mail in June.

If your in the same situation, I hope this info helps.

[vdowd]

Hi, just thought I would share my experience. I completed all my requirements for my degree (last course was via distance education) but missed the deadline and had to wait until June for my degree to be conferred from Simon Fraser, Vancouver. How ever I had already met all the credit requirements for the degree. I tried to use a letter from the Uni stating that this but it was no go in Korea.

My solution - I called the university said I would be overseas in June and asked them for an original degree to be couriered to me ASAP. I had to pay an addtional fee for this service - they had to send to printers just for me (paid with credit card) . I got it within a week and arrived in Korea for the end of April. Then my sister received my original degree (the one you should get) in the mail in June.

If your in the same situation, I hope this info help.

And if this is the second copy, sorry I think I hit the submit twice.