Korean Job Discussion Forums

Marissa0687 · Joined: 26 Mar 2009

Anyone that can provide insight would be greatly appreciated...

I've been hearing from many recruiters that immi will now only accept statewide background checks. Okay, but they won't accept anything online, right? Washington state established a website called WATCH and you do the check yourself, print it out, send it off to get notarized/apostilled, etc. I called them and was told that this online search was the only way I could get it done. I have no problem doing this but I've already wasted money on a now useless local check, and don't want to waste this money on an online check to have it rejected.

Has anyone gotten the E-2 from Washington state? Was this printout accepted?

ajmg8808 · Joined: 15 Jun 2009 Location: Songpa-gu

I do have my E-2 from Washington state, Seattle area, but I don't know about the online print-out. The one I got was from the county sheriff's office and then I had to mail that to the Apostille in Olympia. I will ask my recruiter to see if he knows more.

Drew345 · Joined: 24 May 2005

I have been checking into the Washington State CBC through the WATCH system, though I haven't done it yet.
I called them, they said that you do the $10 check online, then you mail or fax to them along with the online form for the notarization, and they will mail you a notarized letter showing you have no criminal record (if that's the case).
I haven't done it yet, but hopefully that notarized letter will be good as a "standalone" CBC without needing that online printout.

Anyway, I did call them once and they were nice and explained about getting the notarized letter.

ajmg8808 · Joined: 15 Jun 2009 Location: Songpa-gu

That sounds about right. Then I think you have to send the notarized letter (make a copy first) and then send it to the consulate where you got your visa or are going to get your visa. Good luck.

wallythewhale · Joined: 12 Mar 2009

Depends on who you'll be working with. From what I heard, you don't need a statewide CBC IF you're going to be working in a public school. BUT if you're going to be working with a private school, then you'll have to get a statewide CBC. That's just my 2 cents and I sent my signed contract with a local sheriff's CBC. Recruiter says it should work, but maybe you can ask your recruiter.

ajmg8808 · Joined: 15 Jun 2009 Location: Songpa-gu

I work in a public school and the one I had was just for the area near the sheriff's office, not even for where I actually lived. It said specifically the areas it excluded (which was where I lived) and it was notarized in Olympia and it was fine.

I don't think they care as long as you have a CBC done in the state you live in and it's notarized by the Apostille. For teaching in the US you have to have to do fingerprints of all fingers and palms and it has to be checked with the FBI and state police records. It's way more expensive and time consuming. This was easy in comparison. Also I just moved from Florida shortly before accepting this job and they don't check other states, which is really a joke, because anyone can move from one state to another, get a CBC done in the state they just moved to and come over here and teach. Ok, that's all.

Chambertin · Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Location: Gunsan

My state just set up a system similar to this. The WATCH site is built as a convince for those who are seeking corporate in state jobs only. It also serves a lovely source of revenue before they explain to all those seeking a visa, liquor license (in my state), or other actual background check activity.

If you want a background check that will stand up for immigration you need to get fingerprinted. It could be done through a scan of your fingers or the oldschool ink method. Either way you should check through your county level government about a statewide background check.

I had to do it the oldschool way, and spent a couple weeks chasing my tail as the new online method turned out to be worthless.
I also checked around the Washington sites, unluckily I didn�t see the same liquor control regulations so I don�t know how to advise you.

Call the contact number and be specific about the purpose of immigration and the need for a full state check.
http://www.wsp.wa.gov/crime/crimhist.htm#contact

This form may help you, as it is the only one your state has that gives the option of notary and has a fingerprint (optional!)
https://watch.wsp.wa.gov/help/Pubform.pdf

Must be nice to live there with a criminal record.

All in all good luck and hope this helps.

dhalgren17 · Joined: 13 Oct 2008

I completed mine via the online site. They mailed the results to me, and I sent them to be apostilled. I didn't have any trouble getting my E-2 using this procedure.
dhalgren17

Marissa0687 · Joined: 26 Mar 2009

Thanks for the input, everyone. My recruiter also said that the local check should be fine for a public school, but it will be changing next semester. I sent it off yesterday but would hate to get a phone call in two weeks to be told I need to submit a statewide check. Hopefully the local check is still good. Otherwise, I may start the process to get the WATCH check done. Thanks again!