Korean Job Discussion Forums

[wsiggins]

I am going to head down to the Korean Consulate in Toronto after Canada Day, but apparently for them to verify my degree- they need to see a NOTARIZED copy (and by notarized, I mean a photocopy with the official notary public seal ON the photocopy- NOT A NOTARIAL CERTIFICATE). One of the recruiters I am working with has said that they will NOT accept the ORIGINAL degree, they want a notarized copy so in case I forged my original degree they can save face later....

This is the first recruiter I have talked to to tell me this, obviously I am going to contact the KC later but if I have to go see a lawyer again I'd rather know before I spend the 30 odd dollars notarizing something I don't have to - because of time constraints I am trying to get this done quickly.

This just seems pretty unreal to me- this is what the Korean Consulate website says:

VERIFICATION OF ACADEMIC DEGREE

* Submit one of the documents as a followed for verifying purposes
* Sealed Transcript
* Original degree
* Copy of notarized degree* (Fee : $2.20)
* Certificate of degree completion from University* (Fee: $2.20)

*Consular Seal must be affixed by Korean Consulate after notarized by a notary public registered in Ontario or Manitoba

http://by106w.bay106.mail.live.com/mail/ReadMessageLight.aspx?ReadMessageId=bb6cd9c3-debc-4ca0-88be-5c2cff2174a3&n=90547523

I already own several copies of my notarized degree but it is notarized on the certificate, not the actual photocopy of the degree. Is this recruiter just taking the piss?

[icicle]

What part of the process are you talking about? Are you talking about getting the visa issuance number OR going to the consulate to get the visa put into your degree?

[wsiggins]

This is the first time I will be going to the consulate. I am going to the consulate so they will "verify" my degree and criminal background check- from there I will be sending these things to my employer in Korea.

I don't think this is for the visa number (not yet), and if you meant going to the consulate to get the visa put into my passport then def no, not yet.

[Sody]

This is news to me as well. It used to be that you had to send your original degree to Korea and then you get a visa issuance number via email from the school or recruiter.

What a pain in the ass to have to verify everything before you send it. Insist that they pay for your processing and verification fees.

[egrog1717]

In a way it could be better though... Instead of sending your original degree to Korea, get an approved photocopy from the consulate and you don't have to worry about it going missing...

[DongtanTony]

I agree...why send your original when that document is so valuable??

There is a distinction wsiggins.

IF.....and only IF......you want to use a verified copy of your diploma to obtain your visa issuance number......yes, you must notarize a reproduction of your diploma...then have the Korean Consulate General's office that you use in Canada, verify the document with a consular stamp.

IF....and only IF.....you choose to use your original diploma for your visa issuance number....you may also choose to do so. Personally, I would feel extremely uncomfortable letting go of that document. Some universities do not re-issue diplomas...some do so at a hefty price tag...so if that document is lost, it becomes a real pain in the arse.

A third option is to have your employer verify your diploma. This can be done through the Korean Council of University Education. All you will need to provide is a scanned image of your diploma, as well as complete a release form and an informational form about your graduation dates, student ID number, as well as other information about your university.

Your employer must initiate the process: http://english.kcue.or.kr/

It's not the greatest website, but that's the starting point for your employer.

By the way wsiggins....are you aware that you will 100% in fact need the same notarization and consulate stamp for your criminal background check??? Since you must notarize and go to the consulate for your background check....you might as well also do it for your diploma.

For other people reading this thread...remember...this is information for Canadians. Cheers.

Good luck.

[DongtanTony]

By the way...your recruiter does sound a little screwy.

Why take his/her word for it??? Many recruiters don't really know their elbow from their.........you should call the Korean Consulate's office that you do business with. Let them answer your questions.

[KoreanAmbition]

I did my ENTIRE process with the Korean Consulate in Toronto this month.

Your recruiter is ACCURATE.


You require a notarized copy of your original university degree, AND you should bring your actual degree as well when you go.

ALSO...

You must have a notarized copy of your CRC (CBC) and bring the original of that as well.

They will not take the originals, but they will probably look at them to make sure they match up with the notarized copies.


PLEASE NOTE:

The Korean Consulate in Toronto closes at NOON so you must go earlier to get this done.

You will have to fill out an application form that asks you for all contact info of the company you will work for and some other info about your previous educational institutions and addresses. I suggest you go early because they WILL CLOSE when they say.


When you go to get your documents notarized, get both done at the same time. I paid $25 and was able to get both my degree and CRC done by the end of the day.


You cannot go to the consulate without your VISA ISSUANCE NUMBER.

Second, plan to spend the day there. They will issue you an interview time which will most likely be for THAT AFTERNOON.

My interview time was at 2:00pm, and I showed up to the interview along with about 10 others. Your interview takes about 5 minutes but you have no idea whether you will be first or last. I was last.

You can park in the back of the consulate for free during the daytime. The parking is limited and VERY TIGHT. If you drive a bigger vehicle don't park there. I had to climb in my car thru the passenger side at one point.

You can easily park at the meter parking on St. Clair avenue about a 1 minute walk from the Consulate. Just so you know, for the interviews, they don't want people parking in the free parking, so they made me move my car onto St. Clair and use the meters.

Finally, they have a photocopier there so just bring like $1 in dimes so that you can photocopy anything they happen to say you need that day.

They are relatively friendly at the Consulate, and it's on the first floor. Just understand they will not bend the rules and you must do everything by noon. I stress to go early to make sure you can complete everything you need. They have internet right at the consulate in case you need to go online and find some information. However, there's only one computer.

Okay, I think that's about everything I can say for the process.

OH, and they will issue you the VISA within 5 business days, however it actually tooki 6 for mine. I think usually they are pretty good with the time though.

Good luck

[Young FRANKenstein]

[talika]

What KoreanAmbition said is true. I had my CBC and photocopies of the degree notarized by a lawyer and again notarized by the Korean consulate. You must obviously have the originals with you at both times.

[Sody]

Just curious, how much does it cost to get the CBC and the degree notarized by the Korean embassy?

[wsiggins]

[KoreanAmbition]

[wsiggins]

[KoreanAmbition]

wsiggins,

I got your PM and I'll respond later. I have to go do some prep at my university right now.

I think what you have for notarized documents is fine. I do agree to get them done now even if you don't get the job you want. It just makes the process faster when you choose where you will work.

Cheers