Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Milwaukiedave]

Hi,

I had an F-2 visa and decided to come back to the US four four months (I had planned to stay, but am returning). I want to only buy a one way ticket and plan on reapplying for another F-2. Does anyone think I'll have a problem getting into Korea?

[SuperFly]

It shouldn't be a problem. Did you happen to have/get a re-entry permit and is it still valid?

I came to Korea with my wife and I didn't have a visa when I came...F2-1 work visa was issued within a week.

Good luck.

[Milwaukiedave]

SF,

I didn't get a reentry permit because I felt pretty confident I wasn't coming back (which turned out to be an incorrect assumption). The problem is my wife won't be with me.

People on here usually have said it is the airline that holds you up. I'm flying on Singapore, anyone ever heard of any problems with them with a one way ticket and no visa?

[DHC]

I had an F-2 visa for several years before obtaining the F-5. During those years I left Korea for months at a time and never had a problem entering Korea. Immigration informed me that you must spend at least one day per calendar year in Korea to keep your F-2 valid , much the same as for a US green card.

[DHC]

Not having a re-entry permit could be a problem but you can enter Korea as a US citizen for a period of 30 days without a visa. During this time you can receive the F-2 again by applying with your spouse.

[Cheonmunka]

I thought that you didn't need re-entry visas for an F-2 and also you can hold it for a year while abroad. That is if you didn't hand the card over on exiting at Korean immigration four months ago.

[Typhoon]

I had to get a re-entry visa this May (rules could have changed since then). The F5 does not need a re-entry visa as far as I know, but the F2 does.

OP, why don't you apply before you go. It could make life a little easier. You have to present a lot of your wife's official documentation to get an F2. If she is not in Korea how do you plan to get all the paper work. I suppose if you bring her stamps with you, you may be able to get the paper work you need, but it could be difficult. I would check this out very carefully and consider getting an F2 from the embassy in the States before you come.

[Milwaukiedave]

My wife is in Korea right now. I don't know if you can get a F-2 from an embassy without your spouse present. I have some of the paperwork necessary, but not all of it. It doesn't seem like a really good idea at this point.

I'll call the Korean Consulate in SF and ask them tomorrow.

David

[Juregen]

I also came to Korea and entered with a tourist Visa, after that i applied for an F-2, and had it in my possession only after my tourist visa expired.


The fact that your demand is being processed is enough of a VISA to remain in the country.

[Milwaukiedave]

Ok, anyone know which office is the best to go to for an F-2 in terms of processing time?

Someone told me once that if you go to an office other then the one in Mok-dong you can get it in one day instead of two weeks.