Korean Job Discussion Forums

[palkorea]

Hi there. I'm in Canada, and am in the process of applying for my visa. I need to send my documents to the school. So, I have to send a notarized copy of my degree (don't want to send the original). When I went to the Korean Consulate, they told me that I have to get the degree notarized by a lawyer before THEY notarize it.

I'm becoming very confused. I know this is a new thing...they also told me I need to bring my transcripts and passport. I'm wondering if they're confused - as if I already have my confirmation number (which I don't).

I've read through other discussions here, but this detail of having the degree notarized (by a lawyer) hasn't been mentioned, to my knowledge. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks.

[ChuckECheese]

[palkorea]

Sorry...they don't want my original to be notarized. My photocopy has to be 'double' notarized. I spoke to the woman while I was at the consulate, and also called the next day because it sounded so weird to me. They told me this is a new thing. It's really delaying my visa process...I have to call around to see how much people charge for notarizing. I heard it can get pretty pricey.

Just frustrating. No one in Korea has ever heard of this. When I asked the Korean Consulate here in Toronto about the documents I needed for Korea, they were like "we don't know anything about the Korean government"...???

[ChuckECheese]

[Novernae]

[Samantha]

I am in the process of doing this myself.

Here is what I did:

1) Color photocopied the diploma

2) Went to a notary public with the copy and the original wrote out the follow statement on the "jurat"

(Full Legal name) being duly sworn, deposes and says: that this is a true copy of the Bachelors of (arts or science whichever is appropriate) degree in (major) granted (date) from (school).

Signed and dated than notarized.

3) Took this new document with the copy (they will be stapled together do not remove the staple) to the Secretary of State or one of the district offices. In Canada I don't know what your version of this is but the government ministry that oversees the notaries. Had the Secretary state do a certification document that says the notary is legit. That document is then stapled on top (again don't remove it) and stamped to show it's legit.

4) This new pack of papers will be taken to the Consulate to have them mark it as good with their stamps and translation.

This is the second time I've gone through this process and haven't run into any snags so far. All total it will cost me about $30 USD to have this done, but it'll save me about $60 if the school takes the original...I have multiple color copies that I can do this process with if necessary.

I don't know if you will be able to do this but it is an option that should satisfy everyone.

[princess]

All you have to do is let the Korean consulate make copies and notarize it. That's what I've ALWAYS done. No lawyers needed.

[Novernae]

[mrd]

I just recently did this in Toronto, and you're right, they do require to have a photocopy notarized by a notary public. If you google search one in your area you'll be well on your way. I had the notary public notarize an extra, just in case.

Then I brought the notarized copy in addition to my originally degree, which the consulate just looks at as confirmation, in addition to a couple copies of my transcripts and the required fee for processing.

Not just any lawyer can notarize a photocopy of your degree, but instead a notary public. They are lawyers, but also a NP. This is new - with all the fake degrees floating around, Korean immigration is making sure English legal professionals are the ones who are confirming the originality of photocopied degrees and not the Korean consular staff. Simply ignore the idiot above who says its on a whim that they want it notarized. If it isn't, immigration in Korea will want your original, and the whole process will be delayed.

Best,

[palkorea]

Thanks a lot everyone for your help. I did go online last night to get a list of NP to call and get prices from.

I actually did live and teach in Korea for 7 years, but I haven't had to do this for a long time as I was renewing a contract for 5 years. I have been through this process twice, and it is the first time they've asked for this. I totally understand why the rules have changed, but they're just not very clear in their explanation of what you need.

No problem to get it done, but I was just a little confused. Thanks so much for clarifying some things for me.

[Mea]

I know you've already got your answer, but make sure you take your passport and transcripts with you! I called the Korean Consulate in Toronto and asked what I needed to bring, and they told me only the copies notarized by the lawyer, the original, and my passport. When I got there they notarized everything and I paid (I think $2.90 a copy), and then asked for everything back until I provided my transcripts! I couldn't go home because I had travelled 2 hours on train to get there, so they let me go to Kinko's and print my transcripts there. Actually, they wanted the username and password for my university account to look at it themselves, but I refused.

So yeah, don't forget your transcripts...

[palkorea]

so, they'll accept just a copy of my transcripts? that's good to know. i'll be sure to take one. thanks again.

[spliff]

[palkorea]

[Samantha]

Good Luck so am I. After they do their thing verifying the notarization it's off to a Kinko's/Post office to Fed Ex the contract and everything else to the Recruiter to get my Visa.

Do you have a position yet?