Residence Card
The Residence Card (RC) -- formerly Alien Registration Card or ARC -- is a multi-purpose ID similar to a driver's licence or a social security card. We have to renew it regularly to continue working here. You will need this document for several important things in Korea, including:
Getting a cellphone
Getting internet for your apartment (if this has not already been provided)
Claiming your health care benefit at the hospital
Transferring money to your country of origin
Purchasing goods online
Leaving and re-entering the Republic of Korea (this card is your Multiple Entry Visa)
Note: It will state your nationality, visa type* (e.g., E-2), registration date, and visa expiry date. Normally your ARC expires a month after your contract does as E-2 visas are 13 months long. If you change your visa status, please inform the GET Program Manager. F-2 and F6 visa holders must mandatorily go on employment insurance.
Gwangu Immigration Office: 광주 출입국외국인사무소
Address: 광주 서구 상무태로911번길 22 (쌍촌동)
Applying for your RC
After you arrive in Gwangju, the GET Program Manager will email you about the application process. At least one of your co-teachers or managers will have also received training on this process. They will help you gather the required documents and take you to Immigration to apply for the card. If you are transferring to the GICCE from another workplace in Korea, please see "Renewing Your Residence Card."
It takes about two weeks for the Office of Immigration to process the paperwork (depending on the season and timing) and there is no way to speed up the process so please be patient. It is advisable to keep your RC in your wallet as you will need it often. Please take care not to lose it!
Teachers who have been hired through EPIK (E-2-2 Visas) are not required to submit sealed health check results.
Travelling with your RC
Your RC acts as your multi-entry visa in and out of Korea. It is thus important that you remember to take your RC with you when you travel abroad during your contract term. If you forget to bring your RC, you can go to the Immigration Office at Incheon Airport and obtain a Certificate of Alien Registration (외국인등록사실증명) for a small fee.
Lost Residence Card!
If you have lost your RC, you will need to visit the Office of Immigration to apply for a new one. Try to do this as soon as possible and at least within 14 days from the date you lost your ARC. You should make an appointment at https://www.hikorea.go.kr/resv/ResvIntroR.pt before going. Check the appropriate box regarding reissuing, and fill out the form appropriately.
You will need to bring:
Application Form (Check "Re-issuance of Registration Card" at the top of the application)
30,000 KRW in cash
Your passport
A passport photo with a white background
At Immigration, you will be asked to complete another form to indicate your reason for requesting a reissuance. Immigration can mail you the new card for a small fee.
Leaving Korea
When you leave Korea for good after your contract is over and your visa will expire, you will need to turn in your RC at the airport. You can turn it in when you pass through the Immigration Desk as you show your passport before heading to your gate.
If you want to stay in Korea a bit longer after your visa validity period expires, you can apply for an extension by visiting immigration or online. They will want to see proof of your eventual departure, usually a scan of your flight information.