Job Discussion Forums

WanderingD · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 20

I know it's probably getting to be a tired topic, and I know from reading things in this forum that even the officials aren't certain about some things these days. Still, before I take the leap and fly from Shanghai to HCMC, I need to be as sure as possible whether or not the papers I have with me are going to be enough to get me set up legally as a teacher.

Have all of my of my original documents with me--MEd TESOL, CELTA--as well as the FBI background check I got done in the States--the one with my fingerprints and the stamp on the back that says "No Arrest Record" CJIS Division FBI. They also stapled a note to it that has letterhead at the top and says "Please note the stamp on the back of the enclosed fingerprint card indicating the results of the search of the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division's files".

But I just noticed in a posting in the sticky that this paper from the FBI may not be acceptable as it was not (and could not be?) authenticated by my state's Secretary of State. Can anybody second this? Also, this background check is dated April 2, 2009. Does anyone know what the limit might be as to how old this document can be?

CThomas · Joined: 21 Oct 2009 Posts: 380 Location: HCMC, Vietnam

Just reasoning through it -- not firsthand knowledge, but just reasoning through the requirements and what I know --

Best case scenario would be that you need just a new one from China, because that's where you've been the last six months (with your older FBI check dating back to your last residence in the US).

But in any case, contact the Vietnamese authorities. It sounds like you're not confident in what you've already been told (no), so if you're trying to disprove that and bank on that disproof by flying in, then you should really make a personal call to an embassy or consulate. You could probably call one of the two in the US and get a good English speaking rep. Even better, call Hanoi and see if you can talk with someone there. Or e-mail.

That's a fairly big something hanging over your head -- it'd be good to be really confident when you land.

And please post back here what you find out. Best of luck. I hope others chime in on this but it's going to be a lot of (albeit informed) opinion and hearsay that can't replace maybe even multiple contacts with the Vietnamese authorities.

CThomas · Joined: 21 Oct 2009 Posts: 380 Location: HCMC, Vietnam

ps, if you are convinced you need a new background check from the US, you might be able to do so long-distance through "power of attorney" method.

TimkinMS · Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 86

CThomas · Joined: 21 Oct 2009 Posts: 380 Location: HCMC, Vietnam

WanderingD · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 20

Hmm, things are sounding even messier than I thought. I just found out that there is indeed a new Vietnamese consulate here in Shanghai, so I'm trying to find time to run over to see what their take is. But then again, who's to say that what they tell me here will be the same as what they tell me there?

TimkinMS · Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 86

CThomas · Joined: 21 Oct 2009 Posts: 380 Location: HCMC, Vietnam

Hmmm.... This is making me wonder.

I'm going to land in Saigon on January 1st, turn around and go do a winter camp in Korea on the 5th for a month, then return a month later. Would I need to get a background check in Korea before I return?

I know that sounds a bit ridiculous, but I'm wondering. I mean, if you're in Vietnam, go on vacation, say in Thailand, for a few weeks, then return... you need a Thai background check? Weird. That would be weird even by US DHS standards.

mindweave · Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2009 10:57 am Post subject: From last place of residence?

I have been living and teaching for the past two years in Malaysia, and prior to that for three months in Thailand (2007) but before that I lived on a small Pacific Island for two years, since September 2005. Although American, I have not lived in the states for five plus years.

In order to work in Vietnam, do I still need a background check from the US FBI (not a problem, but not even sure what state would affirm it)?? Or do I need checks from Malaysia and Micronesia?

I plan to be taking a job in Vietnam that begins in January 2010. I am a 58 year old female with no criminal record, with an MA, CELTA and eons of experience, now working to complete the IDLTM. I have original documents including degrees, transcripts, certificates, etc.

I would not be comfortable (indeed would be paranoid) without a legal work permit. How much of a hassle is this background check requirement and how long does it take to get a response from the FBI?

CThomas · Joined: 21 Oct 2009 Posts: 380 Location: HCMC, Vietnam

To be confident, you might want a notarized background check from the US notorized and authenticated up the chain as per the original post on the thread "Here's what you need to work in VN").

I'd get notorized background checks from Malaysia and wherever else you've lived in the last 5 years, just to be sure. I don't know if it's necessary, but to be sure.