Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cruisemonkey]

After two years, I'm switching public school jobs and need a new E2 visa. I came back to Victoria Aug. 1 and start my new job Sept. 1.

My new school district gave me (what I thought was) a comprehensive list of requirements for the new visa:
visa application form,
fee ($65 CDN),
passport size photo,
letter of appointment (in liew of visa number),
new contract (signed by the Superintendent and me).

Luckily, I phoned the Korean consulate in Vancouver - before I traveled there from Victoria - and was informed by the visa officer I should bring a copy of my (sealed) transcripts as well as everything above. Damn... I have ten copies back in Korea! ... OK, it's inconvenient and expensive, but I went to my university and got a 'rush order' copy of my transcripts.

I headed over to Vancouver with my passport and everything (I thougt) I needed, went to the consulate and applied for the visa. The visa officer said "Everything's in order, it'll take five working days to process." and I left. Later that afternoon, the visa officer phoned my home in Victoria (I'm still in Vancouver) and left a message - they require my original 'diploma' in order to process the visa! It's in Korea with my future employer. After a phone call to the consulate to explain I can't bring them my original diploma, the visa officer agrees to accept a copy of the original faxed to her from Korea by my future employer.

I don't know if all embassys/consulates now require transcripts and diploma to process an E2 visa application, but be warned - the Vancouver consulate does.

If you've got 'em, bring 'em with you when you apply for a visa - you'll save yourself a lot of hastle.