Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Nick Adams]

Basically, what I need to know is does a "Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance" streamline the Visa application process, or am I just getting bad information from the Korean Consulate.

I'm going to explain fully so you understand my specific situation.

My school sent me m "Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance" and it is stamped for an E-7 Visa. I am applying through the San Francisco Korean Consulate:

http://www.koreanconsulatesf.org/

Anyhow, the Visa application basically sounds like it has two parts:

Part 1 -All Visa applications, regardless of type, require the following:
- Valid (original) passport
- Complete Visa application
- A recent 2x2 photo
- Fee of $45
- Required documents

Part 2 - "Required documents" for an E-7 Visa:
Certificate of academic degree or certificate of qualification
- Employment contract
- Letter of employment recommendation issued by the head of the
relevant central government agency of documents proving the
necessity of employment
- Documents regarding the establishment of a public or private
organization
- Letter of personal reference notarized (form 129)

Part 2 is a chart at the bottom of the page on the link above.

OK, here's what is pissing me off: I called the consulate twice to ask what documents I need to submit for an E-7 application, and they only told me Part 1. I asked about Part 2 and the guy just repeated himself. So I sent an e-mail to the consulate very similar to this post and asked what to submit. They said:

"Your requirement's are;
1. Signed valid passport(original only)
2. Completed application form with a colour photograph affixed.
3. Original Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Sssuance.
4. $45.00 visa fee(cash or money order only; payable to the Korean Consulate General)
(for USA national)
5. When applying by mail, enclose a self-addressed and stamped return express mail envelope from Post Office."

Sounds pretty much like Part 1, with no Part 2.

So does the "Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance" replace all the Part 2 documents? The guy on the phone didn't understand me when I asked this question, and the e-mail reply didn't explain. I sent a second very polite e-mail asking for clarification, but have not received a reply.

What's the deal?

[denverdeath]

Nick,

I don't know a lot about E-7 visas, but they seem pretty similar to the E-2 ones. Follow what they said. Do part one, making sure that you send along the Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance. Part two is basically what the workplace does for you here in Korea. They submit the docs at a local immigration office to save some time and steps for you. When everything is finalized you can enter the country and work your job legally, especially after immigration processes your "Alien Registration Card," rather than having to fly over to Japan like some people who enter the country on a tourist visa. Your passport will have the E-7 visa stamped in it when it's returned to you. This allows you to obtain your card fairly easy at the immigration office. Again, include all of PART ONE along with the certificate and you should be fine.

[Zyzyfer]

[Real Reality]

E-7 Status (Other Particular Occupations)


http://www.moj.go.kr/ICSFiles/artimage/2005/01/26/c_eng_03/moje_mainimg_077.gif

[Republic of Korea] Ministry of Justice, Immigration Bureau
http://www.moj.go.kr/HP/ENG/eng_03/eng_306030.jsp

[Real Reality]

VISA Status of Sojourn and Activities Authorized
[Republic of Korea] Ministry of Justice, Immigration Bureau
http://www.moj.go.kr/HP/ENG/eng_03/eng_306020.jsp

1. Professors
(E-1) This category applies to foreigners who, as qualified individuals specified by the Educational Law, wish to instruct special fields of study or engage in the guidance of research at junior colleges or higher educational institutions, or the institutions corresponding to such levels.
2. Teaching Foreign Languages
(E-2) The E-2 visa is available to individuals who have the qualifications specified by the Minister of justice and desire to instruct foreign languages at foreign language institutions, educational institutions of elementary school and higher levels or their annex language research institutions, or language training institutions attached to public/private companies or broadcasting stations, or other institutions/organizations corresponding to such institutions as described above.
3. Research
(E-3) E-3 visas are granted to foreigners who, as individuals who are invited by public or private institutions of the Republic of Korea, want to be occupied with study or research in the area of natural science or research and development of sophisticated technology in industry. This category does not contain individuals who apply to E-1 status.
4. Special Technology-Instruction
(E-4) This visa category applies to foreigners who wish to work at the invitation of public or private institutions in the Republic of Korea with a view to offering technical knowledge in the area of natural science or special technology involved in specialized fields in industry.
5. Specialty Occupations
(E-5) "Foreigners in specialty occupations" who have qualifications for a lawyer, certified public accountant, medical doctor or other individuals who are qualified for specialty occupations, and wish to be involved in such specialty occupations as laws, accounting, medical services and so on may be eligible for E-5 classification. Please note that individuals who fall under E-1 status are excluded from this category.
6. Arts and Entertainment
(E-6) This E-6 visa is available to foreigners who, for the good of profit-making, wish to be engaged in art activities such as music, art,literature and so on, and such activities as entertainment, performance, play, sports, advertisement, fashion modeling, and other occupations corresponding to those above.
7. Other Particular occupations
(E-7) This visa category applies to foreigners who desire to work for public or private organizations as a cook, teacher of schools for foreigners only, etc., other than those in E-1 status through E-6 status.
8. Industrial Trainees Employment
(E-8) This visa is available only to those who meet the qualifications that are stipulated in the presidential decree, among the industrial trainees who has successfully completed their two-year period training with no serious mistake.

[Nick Adams]

Hey, thanks for the info guys, especially that chart Real Reality. My passport was mailed back to me today with an E-7 stamp. I only needed to submit the Part 1 documents, my school had already done all the Part 2 stuff for me.