I'm an 'ALIEN' in Korea? 🇰🇷👽 Seoul Immigration Pros, Cons, & Tips | Foreigner Visa Experience

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[@2hearts1seoul]

The first 1,000 people to use our link will get a 1 MONTH free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/2hearts1seoul07221 :) Any other classes you guys would recommend? Trying to up my color grading game!

[@rachelredden7946]

I had my F6 visa for one year, and because they updated the card design we had to pay for a new card when we renewed my visa. I also got a three year visa, I've been married for two years.

[@2hearts1seoul]

Ohhh, nice! Usually you don’t have to pay for a new card until you have about 3 renewals, so that was probably their way of making it even 😅

[@ginopark]

86년 이후 미국 서부에 거주하는 시민권자입니다. 어느나라나 이민정책과 절차는 100%공개하지 않고 진행하는것 같아요. 도움을 필요로하는 초기 이민자 분들을 돕기위해 한해 몇차례씩 이곳의 이민국을 방문할 기회가 있는데 수십년전과 비교해 별다르게 바뀐점이 없는게 이민국의 절차같아요, 모든 과정을 공개하지 않기에 상세히 알수도 없고 여기저기서 그냥"카드라"만 무성할 뿐입니다. 거기에 오래전 911이후 보안검색만 점점 강화되어 이민국에 간단한 일로 출입하는것 조차 쉽지 않은게(불편함)이곳 미국의 이민국 같네요.. 어떻게 해서 보게 되었는지 아므튼 비디오 잘봤고 구독버튼 누르고 갑니다. 젊은 두분모습 아름답습니다, 행복하세요

[@abvhrulz]

I can’t believe it’s already time for this again! I love watching these videos. I learn so much.

[@2hearts1seoul]

We couldn’t believe it either, hahah, that time always comes around so fast 😅

[@claylover9845]

Overall, your immigration process seemed pleasant. The US process of getting a Green card/ US Alien card is truly a nightmare. Most of the officers are rude to you, half of them give you inadequate information and you're at their mercy. I've been a US citizen for many years now but I'll never forget how unpleasant and confusing the immigration process is in the US.

[@2hearts1seoul]

Thankfully we’ve never had anyone at Seoul immigration be outright rude to us. However, inadequate (and not updated) information and being at their mercy for renewal times is quite prevalent. Immigration everywhere seems to pretty much suck 🙃

[@sylviachen9184]

I didn’t have the same issue. I won the US green card lottery (originally from Sydney) It was a long, 2-year process but I didn’t encounter any rude people. Been living in NYC for 12 years but really want to get US citizenship so I can move to Bangkok with my bf. I’m sick of NYC :)

[@milkpowell1]

I agree that getting a greencard in the US can be hard, stressful and costly, but I was lucky to encounter nice officers. On top of the that, a greencard is valid for 10 years. I never even renewed mine because I chose to become a citizen before it expired.

[@JamesLee-eu5nu]

I couldn't agree with you more. You took the words right out of my mouth and that's the one of my main reasons I got my U.S. citizenship in '86 so I don't have to deal with them(rude immigration employees)anymore. I hope the system got better since then. The other main reason is that if I get into a trouble/conflict with an a ss hole, I don't get a double punishment with the law meaning pay for my actions and then possibility of getting kicked out of the country.

[@gratefulgeli]

Sounds like a loooot of paperwork needs to be done when you go the citizenship route. Glad you're no longer an Alien in Korea. hehe. Congratulations, Sarah and Kyuho! ✨

[@2hearts1seoul]

Yeaaahh, it’s definitely a very lengthy and difficult process that not many have achieved. But so glad I’m no longer an alien 👽🛸

[@586bomin]

Congratulations Sarah ,love you guys! 💕

[@user-bj8uz6xg2y]

Your videos are always so informative! Thank you for this 😊 I applied for my F6 visa last month and I'm still waiting for acceptance/rejection. My experience with immigration has been good so far (more helpful than I've heard UK immigration is!), but having my Korean husband researching documents and leading the conversation has been a huge help. On my own, I would have struggled.

[@2hearts1seoul]

So great to hear! We’ve luckily had mostly positive experiences as well over the years. It definitely helps SO much if you and your Korean partner are researching together in both languages and in English and Korean online communities :)

[@Cheydiary]

I got very lucky with my immigration officers. My first f6 renewal they gave me 2 years and then my second time they bumped me to 3. I’ve been married since 2019 but I think it is absolutely wild that there is no standard policy at all with renewal lengths

[@2hearts1seoul]

Holy moly, you’re a unicorn!! 🦄

[@leesuji8905]

곧 18만 되겠어요!!!!❤️

[@sfcpaulfowle1906]

Thanks for the advise on applying for visa. Very informative

[@2hearts1seoul]

So glad you found it somewhat helpful :)

[@Shushun_q]

Love you guys; that was so helpful. Thankyou xx

[@2hearts1seoul]

So glad you could find it even a bit helpful ☺️

[@YasmeenMO]

congrats so happy for you

[@snjlae1267]

대부분의 다른 나라들도 특히 선진국들 이민법이 아주 엄격합니다. 불법 이민 혹은 위장 결혼 때문에 그렇죠. 정부는 누가 범법자인지 아닌지 판단하기 어럽기 때문에 누구에게나 엄격할수 밖에 없습니다. 그리고 내부적으로 기준이 있을겁니다. 단지 그것을 외부에 노출하지 않을뿐이죠. 그런 기준들이 노출되면 악용할 사람도 있기때문이죠

[@la381]

Wow!!! I can't get over how awesome the restaurant food prices are. 5 to 7,000 Won, and no tip or tax. That's like $ 5.32 USD for 7000 Won. You get soooo much more for your money in Korea. I always enjoy your food and restaurant vlogs! Even if it's a snippet.

[@boomyitv]

They said 7USD like that just roughly exchange price each sec change that happen avg is 1USD =1000won

[@user-rh3uj5cd8p]

좋은 영상 고맙습니다

[@michaelfrankcharlie7399]

one thing not mentioned but very telling is that all this information can be freely discussed in South Korea on a social platform, even some mild criticism.... smiling at you South Korea!

[@cherylschaeffer7832]

Congratulations on now being a resident, Sarah!

[@2hearts1seoul]

Thank you! 😊

[@erootravels7102]

Congratulations 🎊 Sarah... take care...God bless you 🙏 ❤ guys...

[@heyitsrosie]

Congratulations on becoming a resident!Sarah! LOL, that was the funniest thing I've heard. I wonder who came up with that and what were the reasons haha! Side note, the shorts Sarah was wearing at the beginning of the video were so cute. I added them to my "to buy" summer list when winter ends!!

[@jasonk.-im6od]

You guys are living my dream! I'm a Korean Canadian male and would love to live in Korea one day. May God guide you and bless you both.

[@aeolia80]

When me and my husband lived in Korea for 5 years we were on E visas (E-2/foreign language teacher for me and I think E-3/university researcher for him), they were only one year but renewable every year with a renewed contract. My husband had to go do everything himself and he said it was a bit stressful. I was a public school teacher so my assigned Korean teacher handled all my stuff including going with me each time to the immigration office, I was lucky and I always had good Korean teachers helping me for the most part. But one reason we left Korea was because we were tired of having our visa tied to work and I didn't really qualify for F-2 (my husband almost did but it stressed him out, and if he qualified for a "genius research grant" he could've qualified for an F-5 visa I think then I could've been a dependent under that, but it just never happened, and there was no road to citizenship for us) we now live in France (husband's home country), because it's easier for the hubby and work. I'm from the US but he would've struggled a little bit even if the pay would've been better. Under a spouse visa for France it's really clear what a person qualifies for when it comes to duration: first visa is only a year, in the first year you have to have a language test to see language level, if you don't pass the language test at level A1 you are required to take state authorized language classes and certify them, you also have a medical test that's similar to the Korean one though not as thorough, and you have 4 day long civics classes that are required which if you don't do your next renewal will only be for one year. If you've done everything in the first year your renewal is for 2 years, but the paperwork/dosier is even worse than Korea with them not telling you what you need and it's extremely difficult to get an appointment. But if that does go smoothly (we were only missing one document, that wasn't listed, lol, that they actually let us mail in), 2 years guaranteed. Now after the 2 year one, same amount of paperwork/size of dosier, with one difference: you need to certify at language level A2 or higher, if you can do that and all your paperwork looks good you will be granted a 10 year residency, if you haven't certified that language level it stays at a 2 year. Now, here's the fun part, depending on the circumstances on how you marry a French person, within 4 or 5 years of marriage you might qualify to apply for citizenship, you don't even need to be living in France for this, the dosier is extremely large and a little difficult for some to get all the required documents because if you qualify and do issue you citizenship then they build you a brand new birth certificate (names places and dates don't change, it'll just be a legit French birth certificate), you also have to certify at language level B1 and above for the citizenship application, there's not even a citizenship test or class necessary, just proof of all the required documents and certifying your language level at B1, this is through marriage of course. Seems very straight forward, no? It isn't, lol. Just like Korea you will have immigration officers that will deny you any of this even if you qualify and have done everything they have asked because, I don't know, they might be in a bad mood that day or they didn't like your personality or maybe they don't like your nationality of origin, and they don't have to say why, a lot of the time it's not even that it's just that someone has lost your file (which is weirdly quite common). But, there is a definite path to permanent residency and even citizenship here, which was a better solution that in Korea, and for the most part a French passport is quite a bit better than a US one, lol. It'd be nice to only need my US passport for when I go to the US and that's it, lol.

[@2hearts1seoul]

Yikesss! This hurt my head to read-it’s all so confusing! 🤯 Yup, I also used to be on the E2 visa and really disliked having my visa tied to my work. But as you said, getting the F2 (or F5) is NOT easy, to say the least.

[@MB-rt9lk]

Very tedious but luckily you guys persevere :)!

[@dorethastephens5083]

Congratulations on the 3 year visa

[@aroundtheworld4461]

Your story makes me think of a song Sting has Alient in New York. I hope you enjoy it. Been following you for long time. Thank you for sharing your stories with us. I do not know how you keep jobs and do all that editing. I hope to see more of your stories. I have been to South Korea 3 times, one of them for 2018 Winter Olympics. One of my favorite countries in Asia for sure.

[@상스]

비자 갱신하신게 엊그제 같은데 벌써 2년이나 지났네요! 이번엔 3년 받으셔서 정말 다행이에요 :) 곧 떠나실 여름 캐나다 휴가 준비도 궁금해요 다음주쯤이면 준비를 시작하실까요? ㅎㅎ

[@denasies]

They used ALIEN too in Norway when I just moved in to Norway in 2004. But now they changed into FOREIGNER for the last 10 years now. I was alien too for awhile 😅😅😅

[@pilarbarrionuevo]

Congratulations

[@PattyFromPorto]

omg I can't believe that it has been 2 years since the last visa renovation, time flies

[@2hearts1seoul]

Riiiight???

[@HaunaniPao]

My immigration experience is moving to New Zealand because I fell in love with a Kiwi (a little different than your situation with similar outcomes). From your story, there are some differences of the types of visa and how long it took me to gain residency. I have lived here similar in time, but did not go through the same experience of shorter time for renewal, or face to face for photo or card, because the visa lives in my passport. I do have a NZ drivers license, which is what I typically use for every day life. After a few years of sustained residency, I can go forth and get citizenship. If you have questions, happy to discuss via DMs or Discord. Good Video of your experience. Cheers!

[@sc1encegm]

Contgrats for becoming a resident! 🥳 finally you're a human. Whatched a lot of your videos only recently so i remember when you were talking about this. It wasn't long time for me xD

[@2hearts1seoul]

Hahah, thanks for watching! It definitely feels nice to be a human! 👽->👩🏻

[@kdramaoma]

Kind of off topic but your eyes look amazing compared to old card and new residence card!! 😍

[@2hearts1seoul]

Omggg, thank youuu 🥹 Hahah, I’ll be stuck with that card for a while! 😅

[@BBoPPo88]

Wow! I'm so glad they changed it. I remember going and getting mine and I also felt really weird about being called an "alien". It really did really make you feel kinda bad and unwelcome.

[@mr.quenam4382]

Congratulations on becoming an Earthian!

[@2hearts1seoul]

Thank you! 🌏

[@zurinevigara9193]

Europeans (Schengen countries) can move and work within European countries without visa or residency permit. That's one of the things which is amazing of European Union (Schengen Countries). I am born Spanish but live in Germany for the last 10 years. No paperwork required. In Spain you get residency (if you are not European Schengen) by A) applying residency (your allowed after 6 years) B) marriage C) having a baby born in Spain (father does not need to be Spanish) the moment you give birth in Spain, you and your baby are automatically Spanish. No question asked.

[@2hearts1seoul]

That sounds amazing 🥲

[@zurinevigara9193]

@@2hearts1seoul in addition, same for pets. I brought my cats from Spain to Germany without quarantines whatsoever. You go to the vet, ask for the required shots for the cat and they issue an European Pet Passport (which are absolutely cute). Then your pet can travel with you without any further problem.

[@Ace2k2c]

In Canada when you have been sponsored as a spouse, you are granted permanent resident status. Once you have permanent resident status you renew your car every five years. It is either a paper application you mail in, or you can apply online. The cost is $50.00. As a temporary resident, though, visa renewals are more expensive and have to be renewed more often.

[@nyangnyanghae]

I had Alien Registration Card in the US back in the 80s. Wow, I didn't know Korea also used the same term but glad it's changed now.

[@IshikaShanai]

o.o I just noticed that I usually leave closed captions on and the Korean captions show up instead of English ones. Thanks for the hard work y'all even if I can't read em lol.

[@user-co9sz1tb5r]

I always say the top two most stressful things about living in Korea are immigration and trash. Like you said, it really is a gamble on how smoothly your experience will be depending on the officer you get. Sometimes their language abilities also differ and so if they ask you for something it can be very stressful. I've been to Seoul immigration a few times, but now I can go to Suwon Immigration and I find it to be much less stressful and not so far of a commute haha. The officers I've had there were always very professional and understanding. I think it also helps to go in the morning when they're fresh or at less busy times.

[@consueloperez7578]

Immigration in the UK is truly THE BEST...! or at least I had a wonderful experience there. They gave me coffee, we chit chat and we laughed and told a few jokes with he officers. Then I got my card Amazing.

[@2hearts1seoul]

Awww, that is so cute!! ☺️☕️

[@milkpowell1]

I am very glad they changed the terminology on the card, but I am shocked to know that they require different documentation depending on the person's nationality, and that you never know how long your visa will be valid for. In the US, it is hard to get a resident card (green card), but becoming a citizen is a pretty straight forward and quick process.

[@TheSanraphael]

Here in Austria its called Aufenthaltskarte or Aufenthaltstitel which means "Residence Card" or "Residence Title" (we have different Tiers here, most people get the "Rot-Weiß-Rot Card" which is named after the colors of the austrian flag or they have the "Blue Card" which gives them more rights within the EU).

[@2hearts1seoul]

Woahhh, very cool! 😮 Did not know this!

[@ZabinaZathanna]

I’m a swede living in Germany since 2014. Moving from Sweden to Germany is probably the easiest thing to do when it comes to moving to another country. No form of visas are needed. I’m working and living here but I have never been asked to give any documents, apart from one piece to prove who I am and where I was born and where I lived in Sweden. Germany actually loves documents and papers in all forms but not from us swedes. And moving back to Sweden I would just sign me out here and sign me in there. And if I later would want to come back it would exactly the same.

[@2hearts1seoul]

Soooo jealous of how it works in the EU!!

[@ZabinaZathanna]

@@2hearts1seoul I can imagine that. I wish it was that simple everywhere and not only here.

[@Esziepants]

The immigration process in the US is an absolute nightmare. I'm dreading my next renewal because of how involved a process it is, might bite the bullet and attempt to apply for citizenship instead. Also, cards say 'permanent resident' or something to that effect now, but we still have Alien numbers required for a lot of immigration processes lol some things never change!

[@2hearts1seoul]

I’ve heard how stressful U.S immigration can be 😩 I really hope this time is at least a bit easier for you 🥺 Yup, we also have those numbers in Korea, BUT Korean citizens also have their own citizen numbers, so it feels pretty equal there, lol.

[@ladyliddie7721]

In Japan its pretty similar with the visa length being decided by whoever happens to be doing your paperwork. We keep applying for longer visas because we have a family, but we never get it. We had to go multiple times a year to register births, and our kiddo's expire 6 months before ours do. Its a long, expensive process which requires many days of PTO unfortunately. I'm not saying this to complain, its just an aspect of living abroad that I didn't really think about until I moved here! Still wish I didn't have to use up my vacation days though!

[@bluehawaii415]

오늘영상은 흥미롭고 재밌는 영상이네요😊 물론 유익하고 몰랐던것을 알게된것에 대한.. 두분 몇년에 한번씩 적잖이 스트레스도 많이 받으시는 절차이셨을텐데.. 고생많으셨어요 오목교근처살았던사람으로 두분거주지쯤? 에서는 정말 멀것같아요ㅎㅎ.. 약간 복잡하다면 많이복잡한 주제였을수 있는데 재밌게 영상으로 잘풀어주셔서 감사드려요.. 준비하는절차가 좀더 간소화되면 좋겠군요 우편물에 업데이트안되있는 부분도 이 영상을 통해 업데이트되겠네요😆 두분 캐나다영상 기다려져요 🥰 오늘 영상도 잘보고갑니다~ 14:43 저도기분이너무 좋아요ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ 😂

[@professionalconch7108]

i graduated from mokdong middle school which is right across the Korean immigration office. Still remember when they started the temple construction, everybody thought that it was hilarious cuz there's a big mega church right next to it

[@nataliyainmotion]

I remember my mom had a stressful time dealing even with the green card lottery stuff for the US. Now I get to enjoy a similar but different experience with the Japanese immigration office with my work visa😓😂 I don't know when they changed it, but I remember my teacher in 2nd grade telling me I was a resident alien (US), and in Japan its often referred to as foreign resident/foreign national on websites, but the actual card just lists your nationality (for dual citizens like me I have the nationality my visa is attached to). My experience in Japan below↓ The random visa length seems to be a thing in Japan too. Some friends who have been living and working way longer than I have still consistently get 1 year visas. I will say I like the Osaka immigration office better than Tokyo (Shinagawa). Its not nearly as hectic and crowded, and whether it was the dropping off documents visit or the picking up the visa visit, I was done in under an hour (arrived at opening time). In Shinagawa I had to get to the center 1 hour before they open and then the line was still so long I'd wait 1.5-2 hours for just the payment and pick up of my visa. If you are there DURING opening time, you'd probably be stuck until 1pm, and then any later I assume (haven't experienced) you would basically be there until closing.

[@user-kr5bm4ki2r]

When I had to extend my student visa in Toronto, Canada, I could do it online very easily, but it takes a month at least to get it delivered, so some international students would go over the Canada-US border at the Niagara Falls and come back to the Canadian border immigration office to get their visas in advance.

[@2hearts1seoul]

Ooohhh, I’d love to be able to do it online and have it delivered-even if it took a little longer, haha 👀 Mine usually takes 2-3 weeks to arrive (for a renewal-newly issued visas take longer). That’s a genius idea to go the the Canada-US boarder, lol! 😂

[@user-kr5bm4ki2r]

@@2hearts1seoul Yeah, but the bad part is sometimes the immigration officers are very intimidating with their guns around their waist and whatnot. One time, one young officer kept holding me without any reasons with a threatening tone, then he called his superior officer who was old Indian man with a clean white mustache. He was so cheerful and said "Oh, it is nothing, you are good!" then passed me immediately.

[@denisemahe8539]

When l moved from Canada (Alberta) to the US (Alaska) in 2008 l had the "Alien" card for several years as well, then l became a Resident and for almost 5 years l will have been a citizen (Dual Citizen). (Although l also don't like the word Alien, l'm used to it since my sister always called me that growing up... because of my eye color) 🤦‍♀️. Anyway l may be going through all that again in the next year or two when l move to S. Korea to be with my beau. More paperwork. Oh fun. 😄🇨🇦🇺🇲🇰🇷

[@missdeath1990]

Now that I’ve understood the whole immigration process I guess I have to manifest a Korean man into my life so I can move in and live the experience 😂😂❤️ congrats Sarah !! Ps. Kyuho are your sunglasses for those colourblind people ?

[@user-oi1ft4tt5f]

캐나다에서 비자1년받는데 3달걸렸어요...ㅎㅎㅎ

[@christinap43]

Hi Sarah! What’s your skin care routine? Your skin looks amazing.

[@2hearts1seoul]

Hello~ thank you! 🥰 I’ve been using Klairs (supple preparation toner) for years, and also Medicube’s ‘deep vita c serum’ every day for a year, and I really love it!

[@Bagellatte]

my F6 which have already since expired few years ago due to covid lockdown.. but I’m no longer living in kr. Am living separately and my spouse is working in kr while I am studying in sg. Perhaps next time if I decide to relocate there for good, I will reapply for it. And yes I totally agree, going to the immi is very stressful in those days of renewal. The max I got was 2 years. Heard if you have kids, they will give you more years but this yearly extension is very cumbersome.

[@epiphadipity]

Congrats on no longer being an alien!! 🥳 here in singapore if you convert to singapore citizenship you're called a "Permanent Resident" or PR for short. But its suuuuuuuper difficult to get PR status here too. Usually foreigners are on "Employment Pass" or "Study Pass"!

[@2hearts1seoul]

Thank you! ☺️ Ohhh! Employment pass/study pass sounds pretty neat! Have never heard these terms before!

[@claudiaguada1322]

I emigrated with my fam to chile in 2015 when I was 16 and it was pretty smooth. Although, once we had the temporary visa it was all so complicated and had the same problem with not being clear about documents. I think in most places inmigration has tons of problems because nations are not prepared enough. Here in Chile we have big 'FOREIGN' 'EXTRANJERO' tittle on our resident card and yes it feels kind of...alien.

[@anditspaganpoetry]

I just sent away for my new ARC too (my company organizes someone to do it for me) due to running out of room. While I don't love being called an alien, I will miss my original ARC haha I heard they dispose of your ID when you get a new one. Wish I could have held on to it for the memories.

[@ytn00b3]

It's very difficult for foreigners to live long term, I know this is changing but still very hard to get PR and Citizenship for foreigners unless you have Korean relatives or ethnically Korean (need to prove that you're Korean).

[@TiaChii]

Its a bit cumbersome forsure.. and getting the visa it self was way harder tho. I live outside seoul, and the immigration is so far out for the residents area, it really doesnt make sence as foreigners have a harder time traveling around as we dont all have a drivers license haha but very happy they changed the card name! In the netherlands we have called it 'identification card' which seems very fitting haha

[@2hearts1seoul]

Ohhh yeah, getting the visa itself is a lot more paperwork and a longer wait, for sure. I never even thought about how much more difficult it would be getting to immigration offices if you live outside of Seoul, or even in a more rural area 💦

[@Nora915]

I remember in the late 90s we were called aliens in the US too. I was always so confused when I looked at those documents as a child. I think they changed it to something else now.

[@2hearts1seoul]

Yes, the U.S changed it it to ‘permanent resident’ I believe-for the same reasons.

[@mirakim196]

Hello, your video is fun and informative. I have F4 which is for a person who previously had Korean nationality and acquired foreign nationality, in my case US citizen. I’ve been living in Korea almost 2years. I’ve just renewed my resident card online and they gave me 1 year of renewal time. It was a little annoying, but they said it depended on the passport expiration date. My passport will be expired in a year. So pleas make sure your passport has enough time to renew. Just so everyone knows.

[@2hearts1seoul]

So lucky!! I’ve heard how F4 visa holders can easily renew their visa online. So jealous 🥲 Thanks for the tip about the passport. I always get 10-year passport renewals :)

[@nicolegordon129]

I think it’s interesting that you have to renew your registration card every one to three years. I wonder what the thought process behind that is when it comes to married couples.

[@MrsGrumpy4]

It's totally because they saw your video. They'll have to prove me wrong. In the US, it is "Permanent Resident" card. Congrats on finally shaking those alien allegations, Sarah! :D

[@ArunaK]

2hearts1seoul casually influencing domestic policy

[@2hearts1seoul]

😂😂

[@daniellekim7879]

I have Canadian PR but no plan for citizenship either due to the test and so on... Also Korean cannot have dual citizenship unless you are born overseas. As I prefer Korean citizenship to Canadian one, I think will keep it.

[@2hearts1seoul]

Our Korean friend living in Canada is in the same position and made the same choice :)

[@dnfoeuhwy87902]

I think as a Korean you guys who are foreigners have to talk more and more about this thing (or send a mail with your foreign friends so they can know how many people confusing) so they could change from an alien card to a residence card sooner so the next step is I think integrated all documents that they need exactly like Canada need 1,2,3 Mexican 1,3,4,5 and plus about the location of immigration I feel like they need to build a new one somewhere that is far from 오목교역 too hope all foreigners stay in Korea easier and live more in Korea not only in Seoul

[@2hearts1seoul]

Thank you so much for your support 🥺❤️ The foreigner community in Korea definitely does this. Unfortunately, foreigners are such a minority in Korea that issues that we experience here are usually overlooked, not taken seriously, or are not viewed as a priority. That being said, I’m really pleased they got rid of the ‘alien’ bit-hopefully this is a small step towards sorting out some of the other issues :)

[@francesdiary4150]

I renew my instructor’s visa in Japan all the time and the year of its expiry is always random depending to the immigration officer assigned to my paper. It’s so weird why immigration offices don’t have fix years in visa for foreigners 😢

[@laradavis1771]

I go to the 서울남부 immigration office which was newly built. The staff are always friendly and I have always had a good experience there but I still always stressed about making sure I have all the required documents. The office is not close to where I live and getting another appointment is not always easy.

[@2hearts1seoul]

It depends which district you live in in Seoul~ The main branch is at Omokgyo station in western Seoul. Even though I live way closer to the Jongro branch, the district I live in means I must go to the further Omokgyo branch. No idea why 🙃 It’s a super long process getting an appointment-I made mine over a month in advance because they were all booked up.

[@laradavis1771]

@@2hearts1seoul I usually keep checking for canceled appointments to get in sooner. Particularly if I am getting too close to the end of my visa period haha I almost always manage to get an appointment within a week that way :)

[@whojang2000]

Congrats to you !! ^^ The word 'Alien' always sounded like someone from Outer Space, not from other countries...ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@2hearts1seoul]

Hahaha yes! I always felt a little funny about it 👽🛸

[@ViktorijaBastete]

I'm Lithuanian who moved in to UK at 15 years old. Since fortunately UK that time was still in EU, there was no issue for me to become resident in no time. Only when UK left EU I needed to show my proof of bank statements of 5 years so I would get full settlement. I was accepted and can live here forever. After watching your video definitely feel lucky that UK was in EU and I had no issues. But now I feel too old if I would need to move to different and do all paper work and everything 🤣 so probably gonna stay here 🙃 but would love to live in Japan

[@2hearts1seoul]

So incredibly jealous of all the EU comments here in the comment section 🙃 It all sounds so convenient.

[@aramova]

It's still called "A number" or Alien number in the US, even though the card title has changed.

[@cherylschaeffer7832]

@2hearts1seoul with Skillshare, are there video editing classes for people who are super new to editing? I can do super simple things like cutting out sections using Nero and want to learn how to do more. I'm also interested in learning more about actual videoing

[@2hearts1seoul]

Oh yes, SO many of those as well-for different types of editing programs :)

[@seonahjo7464]

한국인이지만 한편으로는 고의적 아더링이 아닌가 싶기도 해요 🙃 Am Korean myself but looking at these videos make me think it could be intentional othering using administrative delay when the other aspects of processes are quite quick to change and reflective, for sure it can't be this bureaucratic for years 🙃 Good luck to you!!

[@2hearts1seoul]

Thank you! ☺️ Over all, I think Korea does a pretty good job! These are just things I wish I had been prepared for during my first few years visiting the immigration office. Different pros and cons for different countries!

[@slashkeanu]

❤️

[@Nastiazik]

Greetings from Moscow 🇷🇺 I mount my videos and put yours in the background so that it won't be boring to work

[@cliphotify]

체류기간 기준에 대한 민원을 넣으시는게 확실한 방법같은데요. 민원에 반드시 답하게 되어있고, 공무원들이 긴장하는 부분이라...

[@ExpatNatt]

It always made me laugh when I have to fill in forms in China and I have to tick “Legal Alien” 😂😂 I’m an alien. I’m a legal alien (song reference anyone? 😂)

[@BeyondBelleza]

The status I have in the US is EAD, thats what they call the card but I still have an "Alien number"

[@FlavorofMind]

한국은 영주권 신청절차가 어떤지 궁금했었는데 이렇게 다뤄주시니 감사해요. 저도 아직 미국에서 alien number를 가지고 있어요. 유쾌한 이름은 아니죠 ㅋ 미국 영주권 신청하고 기다리는 동안 스트레스 받았던 게 다시 떠오르네요. 결혼을 통한 영주권 신청하고 임시영주권 받는데 14개월 정도 걸린것 같아요..3년짜리 비자 받으신거 축하드려요~!

[@nukem384]

Haha I remember that video from a couple years ago, the Kyuho only speaks Korean to Sarah for 24 hours :D. Resident card definitely sounds much better and welcoming. I think I'd be a little pissed off too being called an "alien" in a foreign country when I'm contributing to society in that new country.

[@2hearts1seoul]

Yeah, residence card is such a big difference :) Seeing that ‘Alien’ over and over doesn’t feel the greatest, lol 😅

[@lushin5246]

the term of "resident alien" is still used in american tax system

[@tiagolesi]

First of all, great videos and channel! I'm wondering, does Korea have some kind of permanent residency permit after living a number of years there?

[@2hearts1seoul]

Thanks so much 😊 There’s the F5 visa, which is a type of PR that must be renewed every 10 years. But it’s also a looong, complicated path to get there. You have to take specific government classes in Korean language, culture, and history (hundreds of hours), and they take into account your income as well.

[@MrPiggynose]

Hi, what's the korean word for the apron you got at the restaurant?

[@Isabella1680]

Damn, when I think about what you have to do to get German citizenship compared to Korean. It's a "piece of cake" with the courses in comparison (the German one).

[@4chords184]

Sorry to hear it is so difficult. As an adoptee I have an F4.

[@2hearts1seoul]

I’m actually really curious if F4 is difficult to get or renew 👀 I believe F4 visa holders also have to renew their visas every 2-3 years?

[@4chords184]

@@2hearts1seoul I'll share no problem. I went to the immigration office and paid a small fee, turned in a passport photo and then submitted papers from the birth registry on the floor below, proving I was born a Korean national and then adopted to Denmark. I had a friend with me to help fill out the form. It was a process of maybe 25 minutes. The visa itself, after, (an ID card) was sent to me through mail and arrived about 5 days after. It used to be renewable every 4 years but it has changed since I left Korea last time, some years ago, and believe it is yes, now 2-3 years renewable (by law). For me, because the Birth Registry had my info, it was an easy process. I also brought the original Korean papers from Denmark, if needed, that was sent with me as a baby to Denmark. I got it in 2010 and renewed in 2014 and left Korea in 2016. I am going back at a later point.

[@4chords184]

Ps. Renewing was easy. It took me 20 minutes at the immigration office. They basically searched the criminal database to see if I had any problems and such. New date on the ID card was printed on it.

[@migukmystic3940]

I don’t know if it was just cause I was getting my registration card for the first time under student visa, but the immigration office I went to was not very far it was in Jongno-gu?

[@2hearts1seoul]

That must be the brand new one that recently opened, I’m guessing. It depends which district you live in in Seoul too. The main branch is at Omokgyo station in western Seoul. Even though I live way closer to the Jongro branch, the district I live in means I must go to the further Omokgyo branch. No idea why 🙃

[@pegster619]

Does Sarah have supplemental health insurance (expat insurance) or is the Korean health insurance enough?

[@2hearts1seoul]

I have both-so does Kyuho :)

[@jjn6914]

Bureaucracy is similar or the same wherever you go. When I became naturalized in the U.S. as a minor, my parents didn't realize that they had to pay for my naturalization document à la carte if they chose for me to get a passport (either-or, not both). They couldn't have afforded it back then anyway. I technically have zero documentation that I'm a U.S. citizen even though I am and if I want to order one, it costs $1,170.

[@arosete3512]

A US passport is a good documentation of your citizenship.

[@pamjarvis2318]

My adopted Korean husband from Seoul , South Korea's orphanage had been US Naturalized through Army adoption with his Army Dad. My husband does still have vivid memory of standing infront Judge being naturalized in our country. He did receive all of his documents from his parents as adult. It is definitely easier with adoption and US naturalization through our military adoption system.

[@boomyitv]

아마 한국 정부는 업데이트 빨리 하는데 비자 악용 하는거 때메 그런것 같아요. 뭐든지 다 빨리 바뀌는 나라니깐요. 집이 근처 아니면 4천원 그냥 내고 하는게 괜찮겠네요. 예전엔 시민권 받기 쉬웠디는데 악용하는 사람들이 많아져서 그렇데요 초반엔 그냥 줬었데요 초창기에는요

[@morside7806]

Unpopular opinion: Sarah really looks like Celine Dion

[@ali75988]

All I can say is, that's definitely one gorgeous alien 😅

[@2hearts1seoul]

Hahah, thank youuu 🥺👽

[@KIMSEOKDOMVLOGS]

I only hear the word 'alien' in our Philippine Taxation Laws like if you are foreigner but living here already you are being taxed for whatever you earn here in Ph only & not with your origin country, for government tax bureau they term it as 'resident alien', so I think it's really weird hearing that term right? Haha I think the immigration have their own lengthy rules here when it comes to citizenship and its hard as well to earn it here but it will depend on who's in charge in the government as we have a bit of 'old' 'corrupt' system here haha well not all public servants, but for as long as you pay taxes here you will have lesser problems, its really good to know those stuffs in Korea & same here like they can send everything via mail for convenience👍 thank you so much for completing our Sunday night! Looking forward to your more vlogs living in Korea & your Canada Summer trip! 😳❤️

[@2hearts1seoul]

Oohh, interesting! Had no idea about this 😮 Thanks so much for watching! ☺️

[@KIMSEOKDOMVLOGS]

@@2hearts1seoul welcome always! Can't wait to watch more of your vlogs soon take care you two & family & vemooo!! 😊🐱❤️❤️❤️

[@cyf3823]

Just curious, are you allowed to vote in Korean elections on a visa? Love your videos btw!

[@2hearts1seoul]

No I’m not~ Thanks so much for watching! :)

[@fanny9505]

Hello 🙂 just a question for you. Is it possible for you Sarah to have a permanent visa, like a ten years visa? I'm glad you have 3 years. Enjoy your holidays in Canada and take care.

[@2hearts1seoul]

They have the F5 and F2, but they frequently change the requirements for them. For example, now you can ‘age out’ of the F2 and lose points after the age of 35, and the ‘points’ you need to renew it are more ‘high income’ based. They don’t seem to mess with the F6 so much, as it’s linked to a Korean spouse.

[@fanny9505]

Thanks for your answer. 🙂

[@raghavendra4633]

Love all your Vlogs. Hi from INDIA

[@2hearts1seoul]

Thank you so much! ☺️

[@user-dy3vu1gz8q]

Never tell Sigourney Weaver

[@2hearts1seoul]

😂😂

[@yongschoi6610]

💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@RiverPerry]

congrats. finally human. no longer alien after almost 10 years.

[@2hearts1seoul]

It’s feels good, man, it feels good. 🌏

[@veritush]

some systems are designed to welcome you, but most are designed to eject you; so congrats on the residency card!! how does that change impact you and your rights/obligations in the country? in mine I hear it's super easy to get an ID and residency, though I cannot confirm that

[@2hearts1seoul]

Thank you! It doesn’t change a thing, as it’s still an F6 spousal visa 😅 BUT I’m no longer called an ‘Alien’, I’m called a ‘resident’ now 😎

[@veritush]

@@2hearts1seoul well, still a great upgrade ahhahahah

[@moodcela16]

썸네일 보자마자 에일리언 떠올린 ㅋㅋㅋㅋ 옛날에 그 영상보고 저도 참 황당하고 웃긴다 싶었는데, 드디어 바꼈다니!!! ㅋㅋㅋㅋ 그나저나 새로 발급 받을 때 누구는 1년, 누구는 3년 객관적인 기준도 없이 당일 직원이 누구냐에 따라 랜덤하게 정해진다는게 어이없네요🥺 분명 개선이 필요한 부분!!!

[@yuniti77]

기준이 왜 없어요 그걸 노출하면 대혼란이 야기되죠 이용하려는 외국인 부류들때문에 엄격한게 좋은겁니다 분류가 가뜩이나 안되는데 쉽게되면 한국은 아직 이민자의 다문화 나라가 아니기에 순식간에 개판됩니다 더 어렵게 바껴야하는이유도 쉽게 이용하려는 조선족중국인들 동남아인들 때문이죠 이민국은 철옹성이 되는게맞습니다 기준은 정해져있죠 단지 사람들이 이해를못할뿐

[@964964limkyung]

very interesting topics, congrat ! not alien but resident, lol,

[@2hearts1seoul]

Hahah, thank you! 👽