Korean Job Discussion Forums

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

Well I have worked for about two months at my current hagwon without legal status. At first they said we'll send you to Japan for the E2 but it hasn't happened. My guess is they are too cheap. Actually I am not concerned that much. I kind of like the freedom of being illegal, able to bail anytime if need be. Actually too though I like my job and could accept a real deal with health insurance and all that. Perhaps it doesn't matter much until the six month deal and need to go and re-enter. Anyway I like it for now. Come late October it may be time for a new deal. Well for now I'll just let it ride.

Mody Ba · Joined: 22 May 2003

Well, you can "let it ride",unless immigration busts you, of course,then being illegal may not seem like such a lark.Yes,I know,I know, lots of people are never busted....but if you are... Rolling Eyes

rush · Joined: 17 May 2003

IF you get busted which is highly unlikely ... pay a fine and go home

no big deal unless of course you LOVE Korea and want to stay here
forever, away from the real world like some do

You will find many legal teachers here have a chip on their shoulder
cause they are not making anywhere near the money that the illegal
teachers are making....

everything in life has risks Wink

tomwaits · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Location: PC Bong

Careful---I was in the same spot it went on for 5 months until a snitch phoned immigration. All it takes is one call. Another school-a friend. Odds are against it though I guess. But if it happens you might have trouble in the future. 2 years later and I still cant get a work visa although I can stay as a "tourist." I would prefer the freedom of accepting any job. If you like the place get a visa---or split!!!

rush · Joined: 17 May 2003

agree with that..... I have heard that the way most are caught is from a
phone call made by a jilted lover...

chi-chi · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Where are you from?
I hope you're not American, because then you've already majorly overstayed (by one month) and can pretty much throw away any chance of ever working legally here again.
If you're Canadian, you have one month left, PUSH THEM to send you on a visa run-like tomorrow-or tell them you will bail and find another school ASAP that can give you legal papers.
My friend, if you are working illegally, you aren't being very smart about it. Working illegally by overstaying on a tourist visa is a DUMB MOVE (sorry but you better have lots of money in order to pay for your overstay when you leave.)
You know while I don't condone working illegally, I know plenty of people who do, and there's a certain way of doing it. Maybe you have something planned other than what you mentioned on your post (you have a 6 month tourist visa or you can apply for an extension on a 3 month or something) but if you are planning on just overstaying that IS NOT GOOD.

OiGirl · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: Hoke-y-gun

An American has not necessarily overstayed a tourist visa.

If you want to stay longer, you can submit an application for a C3, much like you would apply for an E2. In this way you can get a 90-day tourist visa. There is a $45 visa-processing fee.

More information:
http://www.koreaembassyusa.org/visiting/eng_visas.cfm
http://www.koreaembassyusa.org/visiting/eng_visatype.cfm

The application form is available here:
http://www.koreaembassyusa.org/visiting/visa_form.doc

chilsung · Joined: 02 Jul 2003

A US citizen is able to get a 90 day tourist visa. If you just enter the country without having a visa, then at the airport US citizens get 30 days, I believe canadians get 90. As I read in the post he/she stated that they have 6 months. So obviously he/she is Canadian.
The real issue is security. If you are happy with your position then remind them about your visa status. It is better to be covered with insurance and you are less likely to get cut loose by the school if you have the visa. If you are not happy with the school then find someplace else and they will send you on the trip. You actually have some freedom to decide if you are happy or want to take the turkey shoot at a different school. Myself, I stay with the devil I know. Makes it easier then jumping through hoops every few months.
Good luck with whatever happens, PS. Don't tell anyone that you don't have your E2. Keep your mouth shut. Don't tell people where you work either.