Korean Job Discussion Forums

[PastImperfect]

I will be applying for an E2 visa for the first time and I'm confused about the requirements for verifying my degree:

*The forum thread featuring a translation of the requirements http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=107251&highlight=
which some recruiters are referring to as the most accurate version of the new regulations says this:

[Atavistic]

Nobody has accurate information because this is Korea and

a) things change on the turn of a dime
b) even if things change, or don't change, it doesn't matter because everything depends on the mood of the person you get that day
c) these regs are so new nobody (and by this I mean the Koreans involved) can keep anything straight
d) I am guessing the bit about EPIK just hasn't been updated yet

OP, you might be better off to wait a couple months until things settle down.

[I-am-me]

..You are better off going to Japan or China at this time. Even if you do submit all that crap, there is no guarantee you will not be fired within 3 months! The horror stories here are not worth jumping all those hoops.

[PastImperfect]

Doesn't anyone have any further information?

The regulations have been in place for ten days now... Has anyone received a visa under these regulations? If so, what did you submit?

[Boodleheimer]

you should probably just go with whatever the consulate/embassy you're going to says.

[PastImperfect]

But the degree is supplied to immigration in Korea in order to get the visa issuance number, not to my consulate. Or that's my understanding based on what the consulate told me...

[Norith]

Nothing has changed concerning the verification of degrees. Most offices of immigration still prefer the original degree; I'm sure they always will. However, they're all supposed to accept a copy of a degree that is notarized and apostilled. I got my visa prior to the changes, and this is what I had to do. I tried to get the local Korean consulate to verify my degree, but Korea accepted the Hauge Convention in July of this year, and so they now accept apostilles as validating the authenticity of a document. I've heard rumor that they will require originals, but I'm pretty sure getting it notarized and apostilled is fine. It's an easy process, and shouldn't take more than 30 min to get both, depending on where you live (in the U.S.).

[PastImperfect]

Okay, so I can assume there are two options:

1. Provide the actual original diploma

or

2. Provide a notarised copy with the apostille attached

Thanks.

[Manticore]

Hello

I'm a South African having similar problems.

I'm getting conflicting reports from the South Korean Consulate in SA, my recruiter in SK and other people there - does one need an apostilled degree for an E-2 visa?? My recruiter insists so.

Anybody who is up to date on the latest rules plz let me know.

Thanks!

[blonde researcher]

The rules are different for public schools and hagwons. But apparently only for the next 6 months. [a phase in period for public schools has been given, but no phase in for hagwons]

If you are outside of Korea these rules apply:

For a hagwon job you need to provide an apostilled diploma (process is- notarizing this first on a photocopy in all countries- then the apostille is done by a government or state department). For a public job via EPIK you only need provide your diploma photocopy and then show your original on arrival at orientation [no Apostille yet]

Police checks have to be notarized and apostilled for hagwons now, but once again, no apostille for the police check for EPIK for 6 months

You should not send your original Diploma now to your hagwon employer unless you have a second original degree, as the new consulate interviews require you to show your original diploma and a sealed transcript at the official departure interview. [6 months later for EPIK]
Another easy process now is in place for EPIK applicants as they don't get an interview at the consulate and dont have to show any documents apart from old visa rules - for the next 6 months
For hagwon jobs your documents go into immigration and a visa number is issued.For public schools your documents go through the offices of education [not immigration] and a letter or employment is issued. Both ways are legally equal as as visa confirmation when you get the visa stamp in your passport at a Korean consulate or embassy to depart for Korea.

It is no wonder everything is confusing right now because as well as there being 2 sets of rules and 2 processes, there are also some amazing differences in what is being asked for in the 2 systems. [for the next 6 months anyway]

[Otherside]

For a hagwon job you need to provide an apostilled diploma (process is- notarizing this first on a photocopy in all countries- then the apostille is done by a government or state department). For a public job via EPIK you only need provide your diploma photocopy and then show your original on arrival at orientation [no Apostille yet]

So, if I'm reading this correctly, the notarization by the KOREAN consulate is not enough? It has to be notarized and Apostilled?? If you use your original diploma, surely that doesn't need to be apostilled?
This whole situation is complete madness.

(manticore, I replied to you in the other thread, but it appears the situation is VERY different for public and private schools, so my response might not be accurate depending on your situation).

[blonde researcher]

Since Korea signed the Hague convention for international document processing in July 2007, the Korean immigration will no longer accept any Dipoma notarizing done by a Korean embassy or consulate in another country. In fact if you approach a Korean embassy now to ask them to do this, they will direct you to the 'Apostille process'

[Manticore]

Blonde reasercher - thanks a million, that clears things up.

Otherside - yes indeed, the process is madness. Time consuming and expensive too.

The worst part for me is sorting out the interview - which i will have to have once I get to JHB from CT, before the international flight to Incheon. The logistics around organizing that are nightmarish. (telephonic/webcam interviews not accepted)

[Ut videam]

There are a few inaccuracies in what blonde researcher has posted.

Sending an apostilled copy of the diploma to Korea is an option, but not the only option. Sending the original remains an option.

It is simply not correct that the original diploma must be brought to the consular interview. Even the Chicago consulate, quite possibly the biggest pain in the arse out of all of them, lists these (and only these) documents as necessary for visa issuance:

[blonde researcher]

A number of embassies are quoting confusing and crazy information on their websites and from their staff - they are all mostly out of the loop with knowing exactly what is going on themselves and hoping they get it right.

Welcome to the world of confusion