Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Chiseal]

Hey all:

I was just informed by the University of Florida that it takes three months to get a copy of my degree. They suggested getting an "official letter" but the recruiter said the degree has to have an apostille stamp. My question is: How can I do this? Does the apostille office require a hard copy of the degree (which I have scanned into my computer some time back and still have) or can they use any other document from my university? Yikes ... I am in the process of renting my apt. --- likely prematurely.

Thanks

Colleen

[Morning_Star]

I'm kind of in the same boat but I'm hoping that a graduation verification letter is enough. Do you know if your school has that?

Also three months? What the hell do they do? Pave it in gold? Seriously, why does it take so fucking long for them to mail out diplomas?

[Ramen]

No copy of your degree = No E-2.

Verification letter won't do.

[Theo]

I understand your dillemma and resulting anxiety. However, I think the fault lies with the ridiculous, cumbersome, and inefficient requirements imposed by KOREA.

I jumped through the many employment/visa hoops required of me last year, and regretted it all as soon as I arrived as my employer lied, deceived, and breached the contract from the start.

Based on my experience, you're not missing a thing if you pass up/lose employment in Korea.

I lived and worked in China for five very challenging and often frustrating years, but none of that compared to my brief, seven-month nightmare in Korea.

[Chiseal]

I have decided to go with China and forfeit the money and the hassle. If anyone has a clue as to this diploma/apostille dilemma with regards China PLEASE let me know sigh

thanks

[cedarseoul]

[Theo]

[Chiseal]

I am bailing on Korea

[Theo]

Great decision, Chiseal!

For a country in such dire need of more and more foreign teachers, they seem to be dedicated to making things as difficult for prospective FTs as possible -- and it seems to be getting more ridiculous each year.

Hopefully, if enough Fts begin to drop out of the E-2 visa process (and it will take THOUSANDS to do so) perhaps the Korea government will come to their senses and simplfy the process. IF I had known what was waiting for me in Korea, I would have NEVER complied with some of their unreasonable policies --- such as sending ORIGINAL diplomas and flying to a Korean consulate for a time- and money-wasting visa "interview."

Best wishes to you! Do you have an alternative plan/choice for ESL employment elsewhere?

[typo]

I was in your boat. My uni told me it would take 8 weeks. It turned out to take 3 (or less, actually). YMMV

[ramen209]

You don't necessarily need an official copy. You only need a notarized photocopy for the apostille.

Try your local bank for a notary. Take your original degree and photocopy to them (if you have an account there) and they will prob. be able to notarize it.

I just photocopied my degree, and then had it notarized as an official copy. Then you get an apostille on the notarized degree. Should not take you more than a few days.

[winterfall]

[Kikomom]

Sorry Winterfall... a Notary is a notary is a notary. Some banks and govt. offices will do it for free. The guy at the car dealer wants five bucks or so. It does have to be notarized in the state where you have it apostilled. That's what the county clerk will do, verify for the SOS that the notary is legitimate for that state.

Colleen, are you saying that you lost your original degree?

[qwerty123]

I'm also in the same boat. My university told me 1-2 months but recuiter said they'd accept the certification letter until the diploma arrived. I'm applying for an F4 visa, not an E2, so not sure if the copy of th diploma is needed for that.

[nyla54]

I was also told by two recruiters (from the same recruitment agency, mind you) that a verification letter would suffice. I had the Dean of my University write a letter with the official letterhead stating my name, graduation date, and degree.

I double-checked and the diploma copy has to be apostilled; thus, I would assume that the verification letter needs to be as well. There's a lot of cost involved with apostilled documents, especially if you're in a hurry in Southern California. What I'll be doing is having the document notarized ($5-10), certified by my county clerk ($9), and then take it to the Secretary of State to have it apostilled ($26 or 20, depending on how many documents you have.

**In order to have the document apostilled in a branch office of the Secretary of State, you must have to document notarized AND certified by a country clerk.

However, if anyone's heard differently for SMOE employees, let me know.