Korean Job Discussion Forums

bobbybigfoot · Joined: 05 May 2007 Location: Seoul

I interviewed for a job and the guy doing the hiring told me that I would have to submit a NEW criminal check for every extension or VISA that I applied for. Kinda like how we have to give new transcripts with each application.

Here's my situation: My CRC just arrived at the Canadian Embassy (came the end of April) and I have to go pick it up and show ID, then pay 50,000 Won for it to be notarized. On April 2nd, I went to the Ottawa Police website, followed their clear step by step procedure, mailed my application to my mother in Ottawa. She took the sealed enveloped to the ottawa Police and wrote them a check for $45. They opened the envelope and processed my application right there. Told my mom they would have it done within 3 days. Took under a month to have it ready for me in Seoul. And yes, I got the Vulnerable Sector Check.

Here's the catch: I thought I could hand this document over to Immigration and then I'd be good for ANY Visa application/extensions for the next 6 months. My plan was to extend with my current school for maybe 6 weeks, then get another job. This guy then tells me that my extension will require one CRC, and my second Visa Application will require another one. Is this true?

It will cost me 50,000 to have this thing notarized at the Embassy, but I can have it done by the Korean Embassy for $2 back in Ottawa. And I really don't want to have to order and pay for another criminal check and have that one notorized too.

As it stands (and what I was told by my school) I can extend for up to 30 days WITHOUT a CRC but anything longer than that requires one. I was hoping to stay maybe 6 weeks but if I have to come up with TWO CRCs to do this, it's not worth it.

So does anyone know conclusively: Are CRCs like transcripts, where we have to submit a fresh copy each and every goddam time? Or does one go on file and is good for 6 months?

Thanks for your help.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 12:42 am Post subject:

The answers are "yes"... and "no".

"Yes", every 'God damed' time if you're private. "No" if you're public (and have worked in the public system before).

scytale · Joined: 26 Apr 2008

This is what I've been wondering about too. I'm trying to get a C4 for a summer camp job, then switch to an E2 and teach for a year. Does anyone know if I need two CBCs for that or can it just be one like renewing an E2 after you've already submitted the first background check? I'm just looking to do private schools, I don't like the look of the class sizes in public.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 1:38 am Post subject:

Good question. Why don'y you ask Immigration?

murr · Joined: 11 Jan 2008

I'm at a hagwon, and didn't need a Criminal Check for this contract (under old E-2 regulations). I am planning to switch to the Public School immediately on expiry of my contract in Sept 2008.

The coordinating body of the PS's assured me I won't need a Criminal Check for my PS application for Sept 2008 (despite never having had one done), as I am not leaving Korea between contracts.

Does this sound right? No Criminal Check for a PS position?

ceesgetdegrees · Joined: 12 Jul 2007

Nope. an E2's an E2.

Ut videam · Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Location: Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

The Immi regulations now state that if you've provided a background check TO IMMI (not to the public school) after the new regulations took effect (December 15, 2007), you will NOT need to resubmit if applying for a new visa or extension from within Korea.

http://www.immigration.go.kr/HP/IMM80/imm_09/focus.jsp

.

bobbybigfoot · Joined: 05 May 2007 Location: Seoul

Thanks for the link.

From the immigration link:

In addition, those with the E-2 visa issued after Dec 15 2007 no longer need to submit the criminal record certificate to reissue the same type of visa while staying in Korea.

The problem is that my E2 Visa was issued before Dec. 15 so I would be getting an extension on an old VISA. So then would I not need yet another CRC to get a new E2 issued AFTER Dec. 15?

Also it seems that someone who got an E2 between Dec. 15 and March 15 never need to submit CRC so long as they don't leave Korea.

bobbybigfoot · Joined: 05 May 2007 Location: Seoul

Ut videam · Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Location: Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

DongtanTony · Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Location: Bundang

Go with UT videam's info on this bobbybigfoot.

Whoever told you that you don't need a criminal check....as of today at least....is just plain misinformed.

Don't plan on getting a visa...or visa extension...without one.

Once you have submitted a criminal check from your home country....Immigration "should" keep that check on file...theoretically at least...so you would not have to resubmit that check next year.

If they lose it in the paperwork shuffle...well that's another matter entirely.

Good luck!!