Korean Job Discussion Forums

Anna_Louise · Joined: 22 Jun 2007

I'm in the middle of negotiations with a school who want me to start teaching asap. However, my recruiter has said that they would like me to send all of my documents-degree, etc-out to the school, and then fly out on a tourist visa as soon as possible. Then, when my visa number is ready they will send me to Japan.

I'm aware that doing a visa run is not that unusual, and I'm more than happy to take a trip to Japan if someone else is paying! However I obviously don't want to end up in a situation where I'm expected to teach illegally because the visa number hasn't yet come through and with them wanting me to fly out asap I'm afraid of this happening. Can anyone suggest what a sensible clause in my contract to prevent this would include-and a tactful way of asking for it, since I really would like the job!

Thanks for any help

Tony_Balony · Joined: 12 Apr 2007

Give them about 2 weeks before you refuse to work.

ontheway · Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2007 8:42 am Post subject:

Explain to them that you do not want to take a trip to Japan. It is best to get your E2 visa before you come. It is actually faster to get your E2 visa before you come, than to fly here and fly out again to get a visa. Tell them that you won't teach before you get the E2 visa, and that you want to begin ASAP, so you want to get the visa before you come.

Do NOT agree to come without an E2 visa.

When you send your documents, do not send your original diploma. Send a certified photocopy of your diploma. The procedures have changed recently, but you still can send a certified photocopy.

If they insist on you sending your original diploma, and if they insist that you come before you get your E2, find a new job.

A good school will require that you have your E2 visa before coming to Korea, they won't let you teach without it, and these terms will be in your contract when you get it, you won't have to ask them.

Anna_Louise · Joined: 22 Jun 2007

Thanks guys. I just spoke to the school now, and when I asked them if I could teach before getting my visa from Japan and they said 'we'll just explain to immigration that your visa is still processing, if they come'. So I've decided that I won't be taking it unless they agree to let me get my visa in London instead. Thanks for your help!

mj roach · Joined: 16 Mar 2003

Anna -Is the hakwan providing the plane ticket up-front or asking you to pay and be reimbursed?
Often when a hakwan tells you to buy your ticket and work a few weeks on a tourist visa before going on a visa run, they are just 'hedging their bet'.
If, after a few weeks, they decide there is something/anything they don't like about you...
you get dumped in the street without being paid and air fare is not reimbursed.
Due to the fact that you were working illegally, there is nothing you can do about it.
Best to have it all sorted out before arriving, especially if it will be your first K/hakwan experience.

Anna_Louise · Joined: 22 Jun 2007

Hi,

I hadn't got that far in negotiations with them yet! However given what people have said, and my own gut feeling, I've decided I'm definitely not going to take the job unless they will let me get my visa in London. I really do like the sound of the school, but I have another offer at the moment so it's not the end of the world if they don't.