Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Mr Poe]

I have to get hold of a criminal check from Northern Ireland. I'm in Korea so have to apply from here, any idea how long it will take? I've got about 2 weeks before my visa is up, but my school think they can get me a one month extension.

[sineface]

Don't know for sure, but when I got my Scottish one (whilst in Korea too) it only took a couple of weeks. I got the woman to email it to me and send the hard copy afterwards, which worked fine for me, but it wasn't for an E2 or anything. So I"m not sure if that would fly with immigration. All in all I'd say if you got that month extension you'd be fine, and it would arrive some time then. Good luck.

[BS.Dos.]

A Basic Disclosure will take about 2-weeks if done online (assuming of course that you have scans etc of all your documents. It'll take longer if not), but you'll then need to add time on for it to be shipped out here etc. If you DHL it, then it may only take an additional 2/3 days.

[seoul101]

So has a Basic Disclosure been confirmed as accepted by immigration?

I've yet to read or hear anything confirming this..

[BS.Dos.]

Well, mine was fine when I arrived last year although, that was before the recent changes were introduced. Don't be confused by the word 'Basic' though as, and to the best of my knowledge, it's still very much a valid Criminal Record Check. It only differs from a 'Full' disclosure inasmuch that the full disclosure gives details of all/any Police incidents you may have been involved in over the years and includes those incidents that didn't necessarily involve a criminal charge/prosecution/conviction etc, but it will disclose all information relating to any Police involvement such as cautions, arrests, questioning etc

I suppose the Korean authorities could request a full disclosure, but I doubt that they would because a) they're probably unaware of the difference and b) any offences of a serious nature would show up on the basic disclosure anyway.

[Davew125]

when i got mine done in Korea for the new E2 regs i needed to get it done via the data protection act 1998, its a full disclosure of whats held about you on the police national computer (look on the met police website) . it says it can take up to 4 weeks, mine actually took nearer 7 because of a cock up at their end ( and dont expect any favours or it being fast tracked for ANY reason). and you need to get it Apositlled as well. This can be done before they send it to you via another company (you'll need to get the crim check sent to a family member back home and then have them send it to get it apostilled this will take about another week ) or, if you live in Seoul, you can get it notarised by the British Consulate.

basically, with the notarisation i would give yourself about 4-5 weeks.
i was also told by the consulate that once your visa/arc card runs out you have about a months leeway to to 'sight see/travel' etc... but you should get that confirmed by the consulate first as im not 100% sure.

and also make sure your documents are 100% acceptable. I had trouble proving where i was living in Korea because my hagwon owed my house so make sure you have something with your current address on!!!!

[Mr Poe]

I don't have to get the criminal check apostilled (it can be done by the consulate due to a change in requirements), but someone told me i'd have to send it to london to have it stamped by the department of foreign affairs (or some other department). Is there any truth in this?

I spoke to the police at home, it will take 3-4 weeks. That's ok, but if i have to send it from northern ireland to London, then back, then on to Korea, it might leave me struggling for time.

Thanks for all the help. I've never really used Dave's before, but it's great being able to ask questions and receive reliable answers!

[Papa Smurf]

Legally they have to provide it within 40 days of your application and mine took about 40 days.