Korean Job Discussion Forums

[JMO]

I may have my info wrong but as far as I'm aware marrying a korean enables you to get an F-5 visa. This visa allows you to do part time work as well as legally work privates. Do many people go into marriages of conveniences to take advantage of this opportunity?

Just curious as I had a conversation with a friend about the F5 recently..hes almost in his 5th consecutive year here and he might be eligible. Seems like his money making potential would take a big hike with that visa.

I'm not considering it myself as it would take alot more than money to lumber myself with a wife, namely love and probably alcahol.

Anybody set me straight on how common this is?

[crazy_arcade]

I think the money making takes a big hike when you can speak decent korea. Otherwise, an f2 with a tutor's license would work...

[tob55]

You may only receive an F5 visa once you have had your F-2-1 visa for at least two years. You must then be able to prove that you are eligible by having an interview along with your spouse, providing proof of income and other tangibles which are determined by immigration. The F5 visa is really the only step prior to Korean citizenship, and would be comparable to the US greencard or the equivalent of other countries. Some people find that EFL-ESL employers are less likely to hire people with F5 visas, because with the F5 visa employers have no control whatsoever over the employee, just as long as they do not break Korean laws...

That is what I know at this point, hope it helps answer your question..

[Cheonmunka]

The F5 is still just a visa.

As for money making potential? Recently I heard of an E2 teacher earning four million. In that case the F visa is not a money earner - per se.

Things can be unpredictable. In about 2000-2001 there was a clampdown by the Tax Dept. in clamping down on parents paying private tuition fees. There were a lot of audits on that end. One would have to do things completely properly to eascape the net so register and pay tax on their earnings.

Heck, I don't want people to do this, actually. Hence the disparagement. But, it seems so easy, doesn't it? I mean, there is benefit for her in that she can get an easier road to a Western nation, and he, the benefits of the visa here. So, it's win-win. There need be no money exchange from he to her or her to he.

In my mind it's not necessarily unethical rather more personally unacceptable and logistically irksome. It would be hard to live with someone, or have joint finances with someone you don't know well and don't love and do the day to day stuff. You would both have to have a clear statement and intent that matches. To make it financially rewarding you would have to know her as much as one would know their own spouse anyway to be able to make it work long term. There are continual paperwork issues with Immigration spanning the years from the initial F2 and then into F5. Also, to get your tutor registration and especially if you want to start a business, getting that permission takes a lot of effort and a lot of Korean language needed. Sometimes you have to still fight with the local clerks about the laws. You will need her to be your day to day partner. Maybe you'll have to supply her financially. So, why not just marry for love in the first place? eww.

If you can meet the woman who can fit the whole shebang, do it. But, beware of the horror if the partner in the affair goes psycho. Or if you have a falling out. That, would be Hell. Later you must also sit in the local admin office and file your papers for a divorce ...