Korean Job Discussion Forums

Octavius Hite · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 4:43 pm Post subject: New Passport/Old Visa

So I have posted this before but the search function sucks on this website so here goes again because the day of reckoning is approaching.

I had to get a new passport because my old one had run out of space. I know that I can take the 2 passports to the immigration office and get it "transfered" to my new one. So here are my questions:

1. How long does it take? I'm sort of hoping they can do it right there with no fuss or muss.

2. How much does it cost?

3. I am staying at my school and resigning in September will I be able to just renew this visa or will I have to do a visa run and get a new one?

Thanks in advance for all your helpful knowledge.

Octavius Hite · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 8:34 pm Post subject:

A follow up:

Can I do this at the Suwon office (I'm assuming I can)?

Does anyone know what time this place opens?

Does anyone have a link for the paper I have to fill out so that I can fill it out before I go and save some time?

Thanks

Wondering · Joined: 23 May 2007 Location: Seoul

Is it really necessary or can one just show both passports at the airport on the way out? I'm leaving on vacation soon and will be coming back on a new visa anyway.

articulate_ink · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 10:03 pm Post subject:

I renewed my passport a few months ago. It was easy and painless. Once you get the new passport, go to Immigration (I did this in Suwon) to register the new one. The agent will not actually transfer the visa, stamp your new passport, or paste another big sticker in it. You'll get the passport back right then and there, in its pristine state, because all you're doing is registering the passport with them. Your ARC is evidence of your visa, so there's no need to add anything to the passport. And as I recall, there's no charge.

There's one multipurpose form that you'll fill out for this, but I don't have a link to it, sorry. You'll have plenty of time to fill it out while you wait, though. (I went late on a Friday afternoon and was in and out faster than I expected I'd be. I think it took about an hour. Not sure what time the office opens, but I'm not a morning person.)

If you're leaving your current position in September, you'll need a new visa for your next job. Ergo, you'll have to make a visa run.

Word of advice: when you travel, take both the new and the old passport with you. I just made a trip to Thailand and used my new passport for the first time. The Immigration officials at ICN passport control both on departure and return wanted to see both passports.