Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kat_b255]

The recruiter who has found me a job is being very unhelpful so would appreciate it if anyone can answer my questions!
I am in the process of getting my subject access check from the police and a copy of my university diploma. Do both of these have to be notarized Apostille by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and will I be charged the �27 fee for each separately?
Once I have all my documents do I need to apply to the Korean Embassy in London for my visa before sending these documents to Korea? I am just abit confused about the process for the UK and do not seem to be getting any straight-forward answers off anyone!

[Christinateacher]

Firstly, tell your recruiter to be more helpful. They will get commision for placing you in a job. It is their job to help you.

This is what I believe is the process:
Apply for your Subject Access form (�10.00, up to forty days)
Apply for a copy of your degree transcripts in a sealed university envelope (�10.00, ten working days)
Have your Subject Access form stamped at the Foreign and Commomwealth Office in London (�27, four weeks by post or take it there yourself and have it done same day)
Send your original degree certificate, sealed envelope with transcripts, stamped subject access form, signed copy of contract, CV, 4 passport photos and a photocopy of your passport to your employer in Korea.
They will then pass it on to some department in Korea with their business documents. In ten working days they will send you a visa issuance number.
You then apply for your visa (in person or by post) at the Korean Embassy in London. You need your completed visa application (with visa issuance number), one passport photo, your passport and the �27 fee (they do not accept cheques) and a stamped, self addressed special delivery envelope if you are not collecting it in person.
Then five working days later you should have your visa or a call to have an interview.
When you arrive in Korea you have 90 days to have your health tests done (I think it is 2 drug tests and HIV testing). You then submit your clear health form to Immigration along with your passport, another form and probably another fee.

You do not have to have your degree certificate stamped by the foreign office, the sealed transcripts and the original certificate go to some Korean Education board, who check that they are genuine.

I am actually still waiting for my subject access form, so I can't say that this information is 100% accurate but it is what I will be doing as per my recruiter's instructions. If I come across any hurdles I will post them.

[kat_b255]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!

[irwinpryce]

I am on the road to getting into Korea. My recruiter is asking for sealed transcripts. Quick question- being based in U.K with a slightly different education system from the Americans, do I really need the transcripts? i.e Is my degree certificate not good enough? Plus are most universities familiar with sending out sealed transcripts?
Thanks

[Beeyee]

[ED209]

Prices for transcripts differ from uni to uni. Mine were and continue to be free.

Call your faculty to find out the deal.

Beeyee when did you last need transcripts? Does the Korean Education Board really need sealed transcripts?

[Beeyee]

[seoul101]

Yes, you'll need transcripts. The first time I asked them for some they had no idea what I was asking for.. I had to explain exactly what immigration needed.
No costs involved though..

[Sapa]

So you have to send your original degree certificate to Korea? Will a photocopy do?
So you only need to get the Subject Access Form stamped, nothing else? I had heard various things about getting some of the documents notorised by a solicitor.

So let me get this right,

1. Subject Acess Request - stamped in London or send in post to Foreign and Commomwealth Office

2. Sealed and stamped transcripts from University - these don't need to be notorised? 3 sets at least.

3. Your degree certificate - Not stamped, sealed, notorised or anything?

4. Health form - printed from Korean Embassy's website.

Can anyone confirm, or add to the above list?

[Savant]

After speaking yesterday with a woman in the Consular Division at the Korean Embassy in London it was "confirmed" to me that you need to send to Korea:

Original Criminal Background Check with Apostille (FCO)
Original Degree Certificate with Apostille (FCO)

At first I asked if I could send a notorised copy of my degree certificate, which she said was fine until I asked about sending a notorised copy of my CBC too. After checking with someone else (higher up??) she said both documents needed an Apostille.

Still I gather they are not so sure about what legalised documentation is acceptable and what is not.

You are not required to get your transcripts notorised. They would need to break the seal to confirm what's inside.

Yes, you are required to send the Self Evaluation Medical Form too.

[xanderspuppy]

[Savant]

[xanderspuppy]

Just gave the embassy in London another call, got someone who was quite helpful this time, she said that we post our documents down and as you said, we may not need an interview, which surprised me. She also emailed me the list of what is required:

1. Passport
2. One completed application form with one photograph affixed
3. Number of certificate for confirmation of visa issuance issued by the Ministry of Justice in Korea
4. Diploma and Criminal Record Check
5. Consul�s checklist for E-2 Applicant
6. Visa Fee : ￡25.00 (Payable to : the Korean Embassy) either by cash or by postal order. Cheques are not accepted.

However it also says "Submitted documents will not be returned except for the passport. " which worries me if I send my original degree certificate which I was intending to do. Also it does not say if the CRC and Degree need to apostilled. I have emailed her back to ask about these, hopefully I'll hear soon.

[Savant]

You need to send your original documents (with Apostille) to Korea to obtain your visa issuance number.

Thereafter, what you send to the Embassy in London is just copies of your Degree and CBC. No further Apostille or notorising required.

That is what I understand.