Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jeefunk22]

I know all the consulates seem to require different things, but I was just at the DC embassy to Korea and I wanted to share a few things with everyone.


As of NOW (things seem to change every day),

A. YOU MUST DO AN INTERVIEW. Yes, even if you had an E2 visa before. Oh, and the interviews are ONLY on Tuesday afternoons after 2:00.

B. YOU MUST HAVE YOUR DIPLOMAS AND A BACKGROUND CHECK ON HAND. Yes, even though you probably already sent these to Korea to get your visa issuance number.

Here is, I believe, everything you need to take to the embassy (as they instructed me):
- Diploma(s), original or notarized copy
- Background check
- Passport, of course
- Transcripts (they weren't clear on this in person, but unlike some other things this is listed on their website, so be safe and have them)
- Contract (same situation as what I said about the transcripts - be safe. my school even sent me one that THEY had signed just to be completely safe)
- Picture for application, 35mm x 45mm (They have a little photo booth IN the embassy that you can pay to get pictures from if you need to.)
- $45 cash or money order

This may all change tomorrow, but that's the situation right now.

[Snowkr]

I'm so glad I saw this post. Thanks OP.

What a nightmare. At least I won't show up unprepared now.

Thanks again for posting. When did you visit the embassy in D.C.?

[jeefunk22]

YEAH, I just wish I had known this before *I* went the first time.
I was there on Friday morning. After that I had to run all around making calls and getting re-fingerprinted and getting my school to FedEx my diplomas BACK from Korea.
I called Friday afternoon when I got home to schedule an interview for NEXT Tuesday, the 26th. (You can't take the interview until you have all your documents ready.)
Anyway, good luck!

[Ut videam]

Wow, DC is actually worse than Chicago.

On their website, the Chicago consulate asks for an APOSTILLED background check, E-2 Applicant's Health Statement form (the questionnaire we already filled out and sent to Korea), and a set of sealed transcripts in addition to the visa issuance number, application, photo, and fee. Luckily, I had spare copies of everything.

But when they sent back my passport with the visa inside, they also enclosed the background check and the health statement in the envelope. Apparently they didn't need them after all. (They kept my transcript, though.)

[jeefunk22]

They didn't really specify having an apostille on the background check for the *embassy*, although I know the one for Korean immigration had to have it.
Anyway whenever I got my background check application done for the SECOND time (argh) I paid the extra dollar to get the "gold seal/visa" option which from what I understand takes care of the apostille angle anyway. At this point I don't want to be taking any chances.

[expat2001]

[jeefunk22]

University, not hagwon or public school.

[I-am-me]

This is a silly question, but $45 for what?

[Ut videam]

[Snowkr]

OP, I've sent you a pm but just wanted to thank you on the forum for posting this.

Apparently a lot of people go through that embassy and you've probably saved more than one person a lot of trouble ahead of time.

Please update us on how everything goes in DC and respond to my private message!

Appreciate it... A LOT.

[Ms.G]

Wanted to bump this as I am trying to get an interview time but can't seem to get anyone on the phone, I just keep getting messages and no one's returning my call. Did you guys call 202 939 5660? Or, another person told me to call 202 939 5655? Another number altogether?

Do you also think they would accept a copy of my background check, since obviously the rest is in Korea? Any experiences shared would be appreciated...

[Ms.G]

I can't find any information online about the process at this consulate either. booo.

[nuthatch]

Another question regarding the D.C. Korean Embassy, can one obtain visa there if you are from anywhere in the U.S., or does it have to be just for those area states?

In other words, my home state is supposed to use the Boston Korean Consulate, but I will be leaving my home state and traveling to D.C. anyway, and it would be better to pick up the visa in D.C. Will the D.C. Embassy let me do this?

Anyone else able to do this? Korean Embassy was not helpful on the phone...all of them give mixed messages.

[nuthatch]

jeefunk22,

did you give them copies of transcripts or actual sealed/certified transcripts?

[OiGirl]