I need info on getting an E-2 visa from within Korea. Here's the situation:
I'm in Korea (visiting) and waiting for my FBI background check to come back before I can work. I have taught here in the past and will be working at the same academy as before. Is it possible to get an E-2 visa from within Korea? I know the rules have changed and all I can find is old info about visa runs to Japan, etc. which I thought I couldn't do any longer. Can I just send all of the required documents to the Korean consulate back in my home state while staying in Korea?
Any knowledgeable replies are greatly appreciated!
Re: Need E-2 Visa from within Korea
The best way to get the information you are seeking and to be sure that it's correct is to get on the subway, go down to immigration and ask them. Policy and exceptions to policy change so often that you cannot trust any information that someone tells you online.
Re: Need E-2 Visa from within Korea
My friend live in Seoul. This is what she did.
1. She got her fingerprints at a police station in Seoul.
2. Did a total 3 fingerprints, so it doesn't get rejected on FD-258 fingerprint card.
3. She mailed the 3 fingerprint cards, FBI order form for $18 and apostille order form to an expedited apostille place, www.apostillepros.com
4. They are certified fingerprinter so they checked her fingerprints then mailed it to the FBI. They check it first so it doesn't get rejected. If it get rejected you have to wait another 8 weeks.
5. The FBI mailed the fingerprints back to Apostille Pros
6. Apostille expedited the apostille process and shipped to South Korea. They also took care of the degree apostille as well.
It save a lot of time mailing back and forth.
Re: Need E-2 Visa from within Korea
No. The only way you can process the visa through a consulate of your home country is if you are physicall there. They did a few flip flops with the laws but last I heard you can process the E2 from Korea but will need approval to do so. Best thing would be for you to go down to immigration with your director and see what the proper steps are. From my experiences, when it comes to Korean immigration, get the info directly from them...there are so many varying statements and you want to be safe. The main thing is to make sure all the proper documents have all been requested for or are in your possession. In the end, it's all about the paperwork.
Re: Need E-2 Visa from within Korea
I was in the same situation last month. I just got the documents, had them processed at immigration, got the confirmation number and did a visa run to Fukuoka. As long as you have all the documents here, there should be no problem.
Re: Need E-2 Visa from within Korea
I've heard rumors that you need to get a Korean Background Check if you've worked in Korea before. Does anyone know if there's any truth to this?
Re: Need E-2 Visa from within Korea
Americans have to get the FBI from the U.S. that's all I know and I'm from Florida.