Korean Job Discussion Forums

[myne24]

I just read through the How to Obtain a F4 visa sticky, but one of the requirements is to goto Korean Immigration office in Seoul. I am currently in the United States trying to find a teaching position in Korea by the end of this year. I am Korean-American born and raised in California.

For someone like me, do I allow my recruiter/school apply for a E2 visa on my behalf so that I can goto Korea and then follow the directions in obtaining a F4 visa?

[soviet_man]

If you already have all the following documents on hand, I think you could apply for a (2-year) F4 at an overseas Korean embassy (without coming here first):

- Family tree register
- Substantiating documents for obtaining a foreign nationality
- Document proving parent's ex-Korean nationality
- Proof of immediate family member who obtained foreign nationality
- Birth certificate/s (you and your parents)
- Application form
- Passport
- Photo
- Payment

But if you don't have all this stuff, and it IS a lot, then it would be quicker just to get a normal 12-month E2 visa in the usual way. Maybe change to F4 status if you decide to stay a second year.

Some schools are racist and won't hire gyopos. Other schools would eagerly snap up an F4 holder because they see them as being more likely to stay in Korea long-term.

[i can do]

I got mine in the States and then ended up having to turn in practically all the documents again in Seoul anyways. The guy at immigration told me that the only thing getting an F-4 in the States did was give me entry into the country and allow me to work (which could have been done on an E-2 anyways). So yeah, it's up to you. If you have the time, go for it, if not, just do it while you're here. Though the language thing might be more convenient in the States if you don't speak Korean.

[ttompatz]