Korean Job Discussion Forums

Voyeur · Joined: 19 Jun 2003

There are lots of issues about the new regs. In the short-term, most people are freaking out about the delays involvd that are causing their timetables to get screwed-up.

But in the longer-term, the idea that Canadians, a big chunk of ESL teachers, will have to return home every 365 days regardless of whether they are renewing or changing jobs, strikes me as a huge problem.

I'd like to keep this thread focused on this one issue. Does anyone have any more info on this? Or is it just too soon?

garykasparov · Joined: 27 May 2007

Another bitch and moan thread for Canadian teachers. Rolling Eyes

This issue has been discussed in several other threads.

rhinocharge64 · Joined: 20 Sep 2006

Hey, Gazza take it easy, it's Chrimbo after all. Laughing

Lizara · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Location: Seoul

garykasparov · Joined: 27 May 2007

nomad-ish · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 9:02 pm Post subject:

Voyeur · Joined: 19 Jun 2003

I don't want to bitch and moan. That is pointless.

And even if someone doesn' have "the answer" we can pool what we know.

This has been discussed in other threads. BUT it generally gets lost in the other issues.

My director is working on it. At his ad hoc Hogwan association meeting, they felt that this was a huge long-term issue. But it seems like they are getting their info. off of Dave's too lol Not really that crazy since it isn't an issue with Korean immigration per se, but rather with a catch-22 in the Canadian system that won't allow those regs to be met.

With the March 15th extension, many that I have talked to feel that it might be awhile before a big load of Canadians has to deal with the issue. The consensus opinion is that, brutal as it is, until a large chunk of guys "take it for the team" and basically have to go through the regulations and test out the system, we won't really know. Basically, the feeling is that when this first large cohort of Canadians in Korea trying to renew hits Korean immigration we will find out if there is a way to do it, if Immigration willl change the rules, or if Canada finds a way to accomodate them - or even if they all have to go home to renew, that should also send some shockwaves to immigration.

The consensus I have heard is to stop asking for now because NOBODY knows. It doesn't matter what one immigration or embassy or RCMP guy says. What matters is proof - we have to wait until Canadians try to renew from Korea and see if they have to go home.

But I'm not that pessimistic. Maybe somebody will find a creative way around the problem in time to help the first group of Canadians trying to renew from Korea. And if somebody does think of something, then threads like this are a good place to share it Smile

Or they might help us in coming up with a creative solution. There is more to a thread than just expecting a magic answer - though if that happens it would be sweet. "Tis the season after all...

Voyeur · Joined: 19 Jun 2003

Also, to be more specific, what exactly is the catch-22?

Is the problem that the background check needs to be notarized by a notary public since Canada is not part of the Apostille treaty? Or is it the background and the diploma?

And then the issue is that notaries public insist you be there in person?

What about the approval by a consulate? If you managed to get your documents notarized without leaving Korea, would extending teachers still have to go to a consulate outside of Korea?

I'm just trying to get a firm grasp on exactly where the prblems are - at least in theory.

blurgalurgalurga · Joined: 18 Oct 2007

While I don't want to further the already muddied waters, I'll point out that there seems to be, according to one particular consulate in Canada, a further demand: the Vulnerable Persons Check. As I understand it, that also must be applied for in Canada, and many police offices don't handle such requests.

So, the problems, then, are:

1) Can we notarize from overseas?
2) Do we need a VPC?
3) Can we get CBC's done by March 15th, from the RCMP?

Anything else?

Voyeur · Joined: 19 Jun 2003

Is it both the CBC and the diploma notarized or only one of them?

chevro1et · Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Location: Busan, ROK

From the Canadian Criminal Record Check thread (page 4)

Voyeur · Joined: 19 Jun 2003

Does "Authentication" qualify though? Immi wants Apostellate or notary public I thought?

chevro1et · Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Location: Busan, ROK

Voyeur · Joined: 19 Jun 2003

The thing is, even if their authentication is better or equal to a notary public, if it isn't exactly the same I could see Korean Immi saying that it does not technically meat the requirements of the law. Just bringing that up as a possibility.

blurgalurgalurga · Joined: 18 Oct 2007

Just when I thought I was out, they've pulled me back in: the uni who wants me in the spring seems to really, really want me.
Although they know the CRC will come probably a month late, and even though they know it won't have a vulnerable persons check on it, and even though it won't be notarized or apostillized, they told me to go ahead and order the thing in the mail, and that they'd be able (by March) to get the local immie dudes to see reason. Local immie still thinks the Canadian consulate will certify it, though I've told them the truth.
So, I'll let you know in March if it's do-able. Otherwise, I'm off to another country, like I'd half-planned. No skin off my back, really...if it's all a bust, I'll take a month off someplace tropical and hunt jobs from an internet beach cafe.
I told them they should just hire somebody who's not in country, but they insisted I was their huckleberry...who knows? Maybe they really will get it sorted.