Will the new E2 Visa laws result in a huge decline of foreign teachers in Korea?

I have spoken to some people in Korea about the new visa requirements. Most told me they plan on leaving Korea after their contract is finished simply because it is just too much time and hassle to get all the documents needed to get a new E2 visa, especially the criminal record check. I have a friend in Canada who is also thinking about teaching English in Korea, but he is frustrated with all the preparation that is needed just to get a E2 visa.

Do you think new laws will result in a huge shortage of teachers in Korea? If you are in Korea do you plan on staying or leaving at the end of your contract?

I'm in Korea and just renewed my E-2 visa. It's a hassle getting the extra documents, but it's a one-time deal if you stay at the same company. To get to your question, I think there will be a decline (but not huge) of foreign teachers.

But with every adversity comes opportunity. The foreign teachers that stay in Korea or continue to come to Korea will get more private teaching opportunities than before. There's always going to be demand in Korea, so this new policy is not all that bad.

No, I think people will jump through the hoops. It's easy to get your criminal record in Canada. Just go to your local RCMP detachment with your driver's license and $20 and they mail it out in about a week. I realize that's a hassle if one is in Korea, but it should be no big deal for those planning to go.

The interview requirment is onerous if one doesn't live near a Korean consulate. A friend of mine had spend a night in Vancouver to get to the consulate before he left for Seoul. I suppose schools will end up paying the travel expenses for their teachers to get to the consulate before they leave for Korea. If the money is there, people will find a way.

It wouldn't matter if there was a shortening or not. Many young students in Korea are going abroad and studying English...coming back and tutoring and teaching. I have alot of Korean friends who have done this, and most schools have more "kyopo" teachers than foreign teachers. Kyopos are in some ways better qualified to teach, and sometimes not. The criminal record check should have been there way beforehand. Think of those child molesters we've heard about getting caught in Thailand and China. If it was my kid going to an English school I'd want to know if my childs' teacher had a good history too. It's not a waste of time to provide these documents, and it will make immigration feel more comfortable in giving you your work permit and visa. Unfourtunately too many teachers lied and made terrible choices, and were caught.

Yes. It's about time. For every 1 legal English teacher, there's 3 illegals (with no visa or teaching English on the side).