Extended Sojourn!

"sojourn - a short period when a person stays in a particular place"


I went to the immigration office in Suwon today!  It was busy...  even at 9:30 there were 200 people waiting.  Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, and the odd yank and Brit amongst them!  The wait was particularly unbearable for me as on arrival after the 30 min bus ride from miguem Erin vomited... and... I am not really sure why, but I made a futile attempt to catch it in my hand.  


I went to the toilet in the immigration centre and ... NO Soap!!!!! Even now  several buckets of soap and 7 hours later I can still smell it!


Anyway, Great news is that I have extended my visa and applied for my residents card...  The number and all its healthcare glory will be given in 2 weeks...  the card itself will arrive in 4 weeks!


The visa extension was granted for 2 years, they still call it a sojourn extension... I wonder is there such a thing as a long Sojourn!


the whole process was very quick but the waiting took so long so i missed my grade 6 group 5 lesson...... OOOOPS!


Thankfully no vomit on the bus ride back!


... and meeting Dr Moon tonight for dinner!

It's arrived!

New Korean F6(1) Visa

It has arrived! 

My Korean F61 visa! valid just 90 days after entry
it has cost £55. They asked for £80 but have given me £25 change!
Now at least legally I can go to South Korea!


It is one big tick off the list.  I was not too concerned that the Visa would be rejected ... but there was always a chance and the whole situation surrounding the fact that I didn't have sufficient funds in $CASH$  to meet the minimum requirements and them not being able to confirm exactly what they wanted to see as proof (See post (F-2/F-6/£7K AND BRINGING SOMETHING!) was worrying me slightly!


Red Tape just seems easier and more efficient in Korea and CHEAPER!

LeGaLiSaTiOn!

Legalisation of Documents >>>  There are 2 different "Legalisation of documents" that you will need to get your head around when you apply for your Korean visa!

1. Notary
2. Apostille 

If you have a sponsor (In my case my wife) to support your application (I think in the case of E2 visa applications - this will be the school your contracted to work at) you will need to get the document witnessed and  stamped by a notary. Basically this is all it is they watch you sign then stamp it to say they have witnessed it.  They will need to see ID of the  sponsor and your CASH! - You can find a local notary >HERE< they are usually based at a solicitor, but not all solicitors have a notary! 
Prices vary . There are 2 in Peterborough they quoted £60 and £50.  I was surprised that the guy wanted cash and didn't give a receipt ... I guess you just expect solicitors to work within the boundary of the law and pay taxes like everyone else!!! or is that just me?

The  second is the Apostille. - THIS CAN ONLY - be issued by the foreign Office it costs £30.
These guys offer to take the pain out of it for you but will charge you £79.79+VAT