1. Korean Immigration Help
There are two ways to get legal employment in Korea. (a) by signing the contract outside of Korea and have your closest Korean Embassy place the work Visa in your passport - thus when you arrive in Korea you only have to attend at Immigration to receive your Alien Registration Card and complete their formalities, or (b) if you come to Korea as a tourist and obtain a job. In that case you will have to leave Korea (most teachers go to Japan) to have a Korean Embassy outside of Korea complete the paperwork.

Warning:
We suggest you read the threads pertaining to Korean Immigration.

2. Immigration Issues Frequently Asked
On our FAQ answer page, you will find further answers to questions pertaining to Immigration rules if you are working in two or more locations. You will also find a Letter of Release link/copy as advised to us by Immigration as also discussed in FAQ and answers.

3. Renewing Visa
If you decide or are asked to sign up for a second contract, (same employer) one merely presents at Immigration with the contract for renewal, your existing Citizen's card, your Passport, the guarantee form from your Employer, pay the proscribed fee, and return three or so days later (can range 3-10 these days) to collect the Citizen's card showing your extended stay and Passport with renewed Visa and Entry visa.

If you break your contract (see FAQ) you will need a Letter of Release and travel out of Korea to receive a new E2 Visa stamped in your passport by a Korean Embassy not situate in Korea.

4. Visa Run to Fukuoka, Japan.
We have uploaded a very comprehensive report detailing the Visa Run, including costs you will have to pay, the Blue Form you must get from Immigration, forms to complete, taxes, the ferry ride from Pusan, to returning to Immigration to Immigration Offices in Korea to complete the formalities. See the in depth VISA RUN Data on the Forums

5. Multiple Entry Visa
If you are likely to travel out of Korea and back again more than once during the year (contract period,) you should have a Multiple Entry Visa stamped in your passport for convenience sake. This can be arranged when you are at Immigration presenting your contract details and request for Citizen's card. (50,000 Won)

6. Tips on dealing with Immigration
a) They are grossly overworked - (estimates show each Officer has about 10,000 foreigners to deal with) always go there first thing in the morning while ~ they are fresh and in good moods - being harassed by 100s of foreigners can .wear them down!
b) If you discover your tourist/work visa has expired, go there immediately and report to .them with sincere apologies - but be prepared and show you are prepared to.pay a fine. If you show them a ticket of departure for that day or the next you .will be treated leniently.
c) Before you accept a job that carries a NON teaching visa type, ask at .Immigration first if they will grant it.

Return to Korean Index list