What do I do if my school cancels my contract?

When a school cancels a teacher's contract, during any part of the process, it can be stressful and confusing. Here at the worknplay, we are always supporting our teachers through any problems that may arise; however, it cannot be said the same for other recruiter and direct hires. So we thought it would be useful to write a post about your rights and what to do if a school cancels a contract. 

 

There are two situations that a teacher can be in when a school cancels a contract:

1. In Korea and currently on an E2 visa or another type.

2. Out of Korea, in another country without holding a visa in Korea. 

 

 

Where you are currently situated and how far you are along in the visa process changes your rights and how you can react to the cancellation.

 

 

First: What happens if you are outside of Korea.

 

If you have signed the contract but not sent the school your apostilled documents, you are free to find another position without consequence. Just make sure you keep written evidence of the school cancelling the contract (either communication from the school or from the recruiter you are working with).


If you have sent your apostilled documents to the school in Korea.

If the school has applied for your VIN number, you need a letter of release. Once your VIN has been processed, you can take the VIN receipt, the Letter of Release (from the school that cancelled) and your new contract to your embassy. Your VIN is valid for 3 months upon issuance. 
 

More information:

VIN Process
Applying for your Visa

Letter of Release


If the school refuses to give you a letter of release and are refusing to send your apostilled documents back, you can call 1345 (hiKorea/Immigration) and ask for their advice. The international calling phone number is situated at the bottom of the website.

If you have applied for your visa

You need to wait for your visa to be processed. Then, as the same with the VIN, you need a Letter of Release for when you go to immigration. Your visa is valid for 3 months upon issuance. 
However, the school can cancel your visa at anytime. If you think you are at risk of this happening, please contact the embassy or consulate you applied to. 





For teachers already in Korea.

 

 

If a school cancels your contract before you start work, you have the right to take legal action.

 

However, do note, there are some circumstances where the school has the ability to:
- If it is 30 days before you start work

- If the reason for cancelling is beyond the school's control (e.g. they close)

If a school cancels your contract and you have started work and have gone to immigration to process the e2 transfer, you can talk to a lawyer about your rights. This is where you need a letter of release in order to move to a new school. 

However, if the school has cancelled and you have not gone to immigration yet to process the transfer, your original E2 expiry date still stands. You need to find a new school and contract before the expiry date or transfer to a D-10 visa.