Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jadarite]

I am from America, but I live in Korea now. I want to get a criminal check, but at http://apps.michigan.gov/ichat/home.aspx I only see online checks.

Is this doable, or do I need to go somewhere else to get something "official" stamped? Do I go somewhere in Korea (another country like Japan) and pay the $10 mentioned?

I am hoping for anything besides "You have to go back to America" LOL, and yes I have an E2 visa already if that helps.

[Cracker006]

Go to the FBI website http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/fprequest.htm

Download their "Cover-Letter". Fill in the blanks with your name, address, etc, why you want the CRC. You will probably want to have it sent to someone back home, so they can handle the apostille.

Print.

Download the standard fingerprint form (FD-258)

Print multiple copies incase there's a mistake

Take it to your local police Headquarters office in what ever part of Korea you're staying. Get your finger prints taken at least 2x to make sure there aren't any errors. Be prepared to argue with them a little and explain that this is for the FBI, not for anyone in Korea.

Go to your bank and get a Bankers Check or Money Order for $18USD made out to the U.S. Treasury. It will cost you about 26,000W

Mail the Cover letter, Fingerprint Cards, and money to:

FBI CJIS Division � Record Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306

On the OUTSIDE of the envelope, you need to put the date you need it by (allowing 3-4 weeks for processing). Get it sent to someone who can either send it to you, or send it to get an apostille.

Once that person recieves it... you have two options.

(1) You can have it sent to the Authentications Office, Department of State, 518 23rd St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20520, (202) 647-5002. They handle federal documents. The cost is $5 and you need to include a cover letter explaining why you want it apostilled.

(2) You can have it sent to you here in Korea. Then you write an affidavit, swearing the information contained in the CRC is true and correct to the best of your knowledge. You take the AFFIDAVIT to the Embassy. Sign it, and have them notarize THAT and give an apostille for the AFFIDAVIT. They will not notarize a CRC.

I mailed my CRC on Feb 15th, for 16,000w.
Arrived Feb 19th to the FBI
Arrived Mar 7th at my parents house
Mailed to me in Korea and I'm waiting

[Ut videam]

Cracker006:

Everything you posted is correct EXCEPT the following:

[agoodmouse]

In any case, you've all been helpful, as this is the most lucid description of the steps one needs to take to get this part of the bigger process done.

[jadarite]

Well, I am not under any time constraints. So, since someone has replied with some detailed info and this is in the early stages, I'll try to go ahead with it and see who or what gets in my way, lol.

Thank you very much.

One question I have is what constitutes an affidavit? Do I need to print one out and fill it in, or is it simpler being just a letter signed stating everything is accurate?

[Cracker006]

I *think* it's just a letter, because I spent a long time looking online for a form. I didn't see anything that matched what I wanted, even closely. I tried "Affidavit of truth" and "Affidavit of disclosure"... both of which came up with something totally wrong.

[Ut videam]

It's not just a letter. The legal form has to be correct or the Embassy will not notarize it.

Example affidavit and instructions here: http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?p=1485586#1485586

[Lekker]

Did you look at the site I posted up? I think that would be the most sufficient way to get an apostile.

Someone else told me to write out an affidavit report myself, and take it to the U.S. Embassy and have them apostile that?

Sounds sketchy to me.

[Ut videam]

[Lekker]

If I am mistaken correct me.

An affidavit is a written statement that describes a criminal act, which has to be written out by a police officer. I am not a police officer. That is why this sounds sketchy to me.

[Ut videam]

What you describe is one specific form of affidavit, an affidavit of criminal complaint.

An affidavit is a sworn written statement attesting to a fact or fact. In this particular case, you need to execute an affidavit swearing that:

1. You are the person named in the criminal check;
2. You obtained the criminal check from a legitimate source, namely (agency);
3. The criminal check is true and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief.

Again, take a look at the link I provided above. It gives an example of the type of affidavit you need.

[Lekker]

Okay,

First off, many thanks for your help so far.

Now for some information regurgutation.

1. I have a criminal background check produced. An online one from a legitimate source is okay?

2. I then take the CRC along with an affidavit that I have done myself to a consular official, along with my passport.

3. The official will then notarize the affidavit.

So it doesn't have to have an apostile Seal on it? I'm still confused here.

[Cerriowen]

I heard a rumor that the Embassy doesn't *have* an apostille stamp, and will only notarize things... but not the final step.

Is that just gas in the wind, or has anyone else heard this?

[Ut videam]

It's true: the Embassy will not issue an apostille. They will only notarize a document for you. BUT:

An affidavit with embassy/consular notarization serves in place of an apostille to authenticate a document.

In other words, if you do an affidavit and get it notarized at the embassy, you're done. No apostille needed.

[Cerriowen]