Korean Job Discussion Forums

[chachee99]

I have been reading a few posts about people getting their e2 applications denied because they had charges on their criminal record reports. Some seem kind of silly because they have nothing to do with teaching such as

reckless driving
DUI
Public drunkeness
Traffic accident



do you need a clean slate in order to get a teaching visa?

[tob55]

I don't want to make this too simplistic, but what part of no "criminal" record isn't making sense? The immigration people have for all practical purposes taken a zero tolerance policy in regard to virtually all infractions just to cover their rear ends. The rule is this: if you don't know how to fairly apply a regulation so that it makes sense to the 99% of people who may have had a minor scuff in the past, then just paint with a wide brush, and you are sure to catch the people who did something more serious. It makes little sense in terms of overall fairness, but it is the system they have chosen, and the new E2 applicants as well as some former E2s who were under the radar prior to this, no longer are considered suitable for Korean employment.

Completely fair? No
The way it is? Yes

[Suwoner10]

just get your check done from a neighboring state if you are iffy.

[Netz]

[poet13]

It could also be that because different countries define different crimes in a different way, that Korea, rather than trying to determine what is the equivalent level of the crime in this counrty, are doing as the previous poster said, painting with a wide brush.

I know that a first offence DUI or DWI her is pretty serious. I had a student (maybe 22 years old) who told me a nightmare laundry list of the punishments he received for his DUI. Fine, loss of license, classes, having to restart to entire license application process, and something else that I don't remember.

[nomad-ish]

[jurassic82]

THis is a topic that has been beaten around for awhile now. Since December 15 new applicants have been required to submit criminal record checks and so far I haven't seen anyone on Dave's post anything about being deinied a VISA because of any small offense. Yes there was the previous case that was mentioned the other day about the man who got in trouble because he had a car accident in Korea but others have contested that they too have had accidents and have had no problem getting a VISA. There was obviously more to the story than we know about not to say he was at fault. I read a post a while ago about a man getting denied but that was because of his employer not immigration. He stated that immigration granted his VISA even after discovering he had an arrest record. I also saw another post a month or two ago about someone applying for a Public school job with a small misdameanor on his CRC. He told them and still got his VISA.

This ZERO TOLERANCE stuff I here on this board about CRC drives me crazy. I'm sure if people were getting denied VISA's because of small infractions they may have made back home this board would be flooded considering this is were everyone comes to cry about how unfair Korea is. So far I have seen nothing that would make me believe this. Even when March 15 rolls around I don't think think things will change. Many people also need to remember what criminal is. I have looked into this myself and in order to have a criminal record with the FBI back home you have had to be arrested of a crime that is punishable by over 93 days in jail. This includes all felonies and some high level misdameanors. If you got caught going driving 90mph in a 60mph or were caught drinking a beer before you were 21 at some college party then I don't think you have much to worry about.

If you have been arrested and charged and convicted of a felony regardless of what it might have been then I would be a little concerned. Also remember though this could also make or break a job back in your home country too not just in Korea. I don't see what Korea is doing as unreasonable. I do think they should have taken into account certain things like how long it will take us to get these checks and I think the whole interview process is stupid. If you want to know what will get you denied don't come to this board. IT is a waste of your time and you will just get cynical comments from people who have nothing better to do than get a rise out of other people. Ask your employer or go to immigration for answers. Most of us have had some kind of small criminal offense. I myself have gotten caught speeding many times and even thouth this might be a criminal offense it doesn't make me a criminal and I also believe that Korea realizes this also contrary to what many of you may believe. I look forward to hearing some feedback on this topic and to some harsh criticism from various people on this board. PEACE!!!!!!!

[WoBW]

[Ut videam]

Just for reference, here's what the regs actually say:

[marlow]

Is there no difference between a record and a criminal record?

Wasn't Canada going to decriminalize marijuana, which would therefore have made an offense not be part of a criminal record?

If the above is just a demo of my ignorance, flame away.

[branbuddy]

[Ut videam]

[colewest]

I have been going through the Visa process for the first time, recently. I was worried because I received an MIP in Oregon 4 years ago and everyone (state police, DA, people on this forum) told me it would show up when I got my background check. Well, paranoia set in and I ordered an Oregon state as well as federal background check.

The federal check took a little less than three weeks to receive from the day I sent it. They told me to write the day I needed it by on the request page and it seems to have worked. Anyway, all it said was, "No arrest record" which leads me to believe that if you have not been arrested, even if you have some traffic tickets, MIPs or whatever, you'll be fine. The state check came about a week later and said the same thing, "No arrest record."

People who are saying any kind of misdemeanor will get you rejected are just fanning the flames of anxiety.

[bassexpander]

[DrTommyTom]