Korean Job Discussion Forums

[purpleherman]

Alright, so here's the question: as pertains to my college diploma, what steps are necessary to get a new E-2 visa? I had a recruiter tell me I needed to have my original degree go through the apostille process like my background check. Previously I was under the impression I could take my degree to the Korean Consulate here in Washington state and have it notarized and that would be fine. These are two different things . . .

So what EXACTLY will I be sending to immigration (I probably prefer to send copies as I only have one degree)?

Thanks.

[Norith]

Right before the E-2 changes, I had a copy of my degree notarized and apostilled. The reason I did this, is because the S. Korean consulate in the state where I lived made it clear to me that S. Korean Consulates no longer verify degrees. As of July (pretty sure '07), S. Korea joined the Hague Convention, which means that they now accept documents as verified once they've been notarized and apostilled.

Thus, I'm pretty darn sure the local consulate won't verify your degree.

Also, I believe the new regulations require that you send your original. Like I said above, I sent a copy of mine, and I got my visa...but it took a bit longer, and my boss had to have more than one conversation with immigration before they said it was acceptable.

Good luck

[Khenan]

Send the original. As Norith pointed out, some people have gotten their visas with copies, but in my opinion you are taking a chance of delaying your visa (and having to send the original along anyway, at additional expense). You can order new diplomas from your schools.. I have two degrees from Unis in Washington, and I think they tend to run ~$30 dollars.

[purpleherman]

Okay . . . I will send my original, since I like things to be easier for me. So I only need to send my original degree and nothing else (for example, I don't need to send my original along with a notarized and apostilled copy, OR I don't need to get my original degree notarized and apostilled)?

Thanks for the help.

[muss8813]

[quote="purpleherman"] So I only need to send my original degree and nothing else (for example, I don't need to send my original along with a notarized and apostilled copy, OR I don't need to get my original degree notarized and apostilled)?

I am also trying to get this information. I e-mailed the Korean consulate in SF and they replied that they "can not answer" my question. Not sure if they are unable to, don't want to, aren't supposed to, or what. I would rather not send my original in as I feel that I probably won't see it again. Peace!

[elliemk]

If you are coming to Korea from the States, you have to get your documents notarized and apostiled. While some may have done otherwise, these are the new rules. There are several threads about this on Dave's. Do a search. Don't try to take shortcuts. It will only delay you getting your visa.

[Draz]

I've never heard about a consulate losing anyone's degree.

[kickittome]

[elliemk]

Well, I'm just trying to help and don't want people to have the wrong information and do the wrong things that can wind up being a real headache.

[joewaller]

The process that we have been using is as follows (Applicable to AMERICANS):

Send your original degree, 2 passport photos, a copy of the photo page of your passport, a sealed transcript (stamp across the flap), resume, apostillized criminal background check (local, regional, state, federal� all acceptable) and signed contract.

We have not had any requests from immigration nor consulate for an ORIGANAL degree to be notarized or apostilled. Copies do have to go through that process.

Since the visa changes I've seen this process occur maybe 15-20 times.

[purpleherman]

Thanks Joe, that was just the response I was looking for. Perfect.