Permanent recidence after 5 years

[0mnslnd]

Kindly let me know your thoughts on the subject.
I am aiming for that 5 year mark (halfway there), the Korean language and culture test, the whole works - for obtaining permanent recidence in Korea.

Anybody with experience or prior knowledge about this?
Thanks in advance!

[goulash]

Are you on an E2 / F2 or other visa?

I know for the F2 visa (now available to people not married to a Korean) goes along the lines of:

F-2-1 (one year)

F-2-1 (one year)

F-2-2 I think (2 years)

F5  (permanent)

But if you're not married to a Korean, getting the F2 is extremely difficult. It works on a points system, and if you're a typical English teacher in Korea (like most of us on this site) you'll probably only get roughly 80 points out of a possible (I think) 300.

Sorry I can't be more specific. Have lessons now, but may be able to look up more specific info later.

[sheila]

It's called an F2-S or F-2-7 visa.  I've looked into this as well this week and I recall reading some information and checking my score on the points system.  Unless I'm fluent in Korean, I won't get a high enough score to qualify.  It could be awhile.

As much as I don't enjoy dave's this link has some relevant and up-to-date info.  http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=195665 Good luck on getting yours~!

Update: I've found the chart for you that shows the points system.  Here is the social integration website... http://edu.kiip.kr/index.jsp However, the low level lectures are not in English so there's a good chance that your Korean level better be high.  It looks like I'll be studying and watching at the same time. 

"The 'Cultural Integration Program' (for 10 points) is called 사회통합프로그렘 and the official website is here: http://www.kiip.kr/. The program consists of language lessons and cultural integration classes for a total of 150 hours. As far as I know the program is free. It's offered in a variety of locations which you can find on the website. "

[reb3444]

@justanotherwaygook - Let me get this correct...If you have been on the same visa for the entire 5 years, you can get an F-2 visa?  I have transferred my visa twice(due to changing from hag won to public school and going to another public school), does that effect  getting the F-2 visa?  Sorry if I made a dumb question, but i am quite interested.

[justanotherwaygook]

I deleted my previous post because, upon further research, it was misleading.  Best to do your own research and call immigration if you're seriously interested in this.  Sorry for causing any confusion.

[Tpre022]

The "points visa" and the 5 years visa are different ways of getting a similar status. Here's a dave's thread for the 5 year one: http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=203125

I don't know that much about it but thought I would mention because no one else has.

Edit:

@justanotherwaygook - Let me get this correct...If you have been on the same visa for the entire 5 years, you can get an F-2 visa?  I have transferred my visa twice(due to changing from hag won to public school and going to another public school), does that effect  getting the F-2 visa?  Sorry if I made a dumb question, but i am quite interested.

As long as there are no actual gaps in your employment history (i.e. one job finishing a week before the next starts) you'll be good I think.

[0mnslnd]

I have an E2 visa. This is my 3rd year in Korea.
So far I've learned that  - getting an F-visa is difficult, yet doable.

I've reached a point where I have to decide between leaving Korea for something different, or going all the way for recidence. The question one should ask, is... is it worth it?

[naturegirl321]

I've researched it a lot.  There are 3 ways to do it without getting married.  It's all here, http://waygook.org/index.php/topic,14176.msg115773.html#msg115773  DO I get karma for this ;) ?

About the KIIP programme, full thing start to finish takes a couple of YEARS.  Plus, it's hard to find ones in your area. My friend was told that the nearst one was 90 minutes away and 8 hours long, on a Sunday.  She said thanks, but no thanks.  I've heard they're very strict about attendance and grading and if you fail the MT, then you have to start over again.

Seems like there are more options to getting an F visa.

The F2-S (points) is one way
http://www.korea4expats.com/article-E7-visa-to-F2.html

The F2-99 is another if you've been here five years and make enough money.
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?p=2611753

The F5-A is yet another option. You have to speak korean at level 3 though
http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/en/info/popup/icis/3-4-2_pop.htm
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?p=2616294#2616294

[oculisorbis]

@justanotherwaygook - Let me get this correct...If you have been on the same visa for the entire 5 years, you can get an F-2 visa?  I have transferred my visa twice(due to changing from hag won to public school and going to another public school), does that effect  getting the F-2 visa?  Sorry if I made a dumb question, but i am quite interested.

If you have transferred to a new employer each time and never had to do a visa run for any of the job changes, then you are still on the same visa.  You have just changed sponsors and extended the original visa each time, not changed visas.

[Yeremy]

I think that your having lived here for two and a half years, halfway to just being able to apply for permanent residency, is too short of a period of time to really know if you like living in Korea enough to want to become a permanent resident.  You may change your mind in a few years, or you may not.  You should be very clear and honest with yourself as to why you want to stay here long-term.   

[reb3444]

Thanks for the information.  :D :D :D :D :D I was just curious about the whole thing really.