Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tiger fancini]

This may sound a little strange, but hopefully someone can let me know what the score is here. I signed a contract whilst overseas for the immigration and E2 visa issuance purposes. I arrived at my new school on Monday, but am yet to sign another contract in the presence of the principal - one that will be jointly signed by both me and him.
At the moment, things are not looking too good. Nobody seems to know what's going on with regards to me. I have no schedule yet, no idea of when I will start teaching, and am unable to get clear answers out of my principal or recruiter. I've been told that I haven't officially started yet, so obviously I'm not earning any money yet. My accommodation is also lacking some things that I've asked for.
Maybe it's a little early to be worrying about things, but I'm wondering if the contract that I signed overseas is 'official' or not? Am I now bound to this school?

[kprrok]

If Immi has given the confirmation number, you are bound to NOT work anywhere else for 90 days, but you don't have to work there, just don't go get the VISA.

If immi hasn't given the confirmation number, but the school has applied, you'll have to get the application stopped so you can look elsewhere.

If immi hasn't given the confirmation number, and your school hasn't applied for it, just tell them you're leaving and leave. But make sure they don't apply for it which will screw you and make you not able to work elsewhere while the confirmation number is valid.

KPRROK

[icicle]

The question I would ask is you said that you signed the contract ... was that contract submitted to immigration and do you now have an E2 visa. ie did you get the visa before you came to Korea. It is not necessary for the contract to be legal for you to have signed it while in the same room as the principal. If you do have the E2 visa already then you have different options to those you have if it has not been processed yet. A bit more information might help us give you an accurate idea of your options at this stage.

Icicle

[tiger fancini]

Thanks for the info guys. To clarify things, I do have the (6 month) E2 visa in my passport and am now in Korea. The only contract that I've signed was one that I signed overseas and then submitted to immigration with the rest of my documents. I'm living in the schools accommodation, but still have no idea when I will actually start working. The downside is that until I start working, I won't be getting paid. I'm sitting on my a$$ doing nothing!
I arrived on Monday, had a short meeting with the principal and was told that they need to sort out my schedule. I haven't been introduced to the staff or students yet, I don't have a bank account yet, and I don't know who is supposed to be my official 'minder'. This is a (supposedly) very reputable public high school too. I'm worried because they have known about my arrival for almost 5 weeks now.
As I already have the E2 in my passport, and am now in Korea living in the schools accommodation, I'm guessing that I am bound to this school. The process is very frustrating, but then I guess that's just Korean style...

[Areut]

[ilovebdt]