Korean Job Discussion Forums

[youcollme]

Hi there!
I apologize if this topic has already been posted, however, it seems like the E2 visa requirements change on a daily basis! I have signed up with several recruiters and I've done a LOT of research on here, and no one ever seems to have the same answer regarding background checks. For a NEW person hoping to come to Korea in September (please keep this in mind as requirements are MUCH different from when you got here a year ago, 6 months ago, etc.), are you required to submit a notarized, authenticated and apsotilled STATE background check or will local suffice?

I have been told by some recruiters that a local background is "okay for this semester." (in Gyeonggi) and by others that it "absolutely has to be state." I've also been told I can submit a state background check from another state than the one I actually live in! Is that even true??

The bottom line is that I have a local background check ready to go, and let me tell you, it's a pain in the ass to have it notarized, authenticated and apostilled, especially when you're working full time, thus I'd really like to get down to the bottom of this in case I need to do this run-around all over again....and why are some recruiters allowing local and others aren't? Don't they have to submit these papers to the same place!?

[alphakennyone]

the best answer I think you will find is "it depends." Some people are still getting visas using local checks, but there are stories of people getting rejected for not having a state check. It depends on immigration and who receives your application. If you want to play it safe, get the state background check. If you want to try your chances, use the local.

Starting around May/June, most recruiters started saying a state check was required, so that's what I got. I didn't submit a local check, so I don't know if I would've been rejected or not.

I will give you one good piece of news: most state checks do not require a notary, just an apostille. Because the criminal record check is signed by a state government official, the secretary of state doesn't require a notarization and county clerk signature - this is for California anyway. So just a two step process.

Welcome to the land of morning ambiguity.

[lifeinkorea]

It isn't a simple yes or no. Since you could fool immigration into thinking you are from another state, some immigration officers would rather see a local check. This to them might seem more legit, since you were able work with a police station at a local level.

I had an affidavit with my local check and immigration accepted. Someone else on here claimed to have done the opposite and didn't get accepted. So, they printed out a local one from online, went to the US Embassy and signed an affidavit. That I understand got accepted.

The recruiters are probably telling you to get a state check because they think that will trump anything. It doesn't necessarily mean immigration won't accept a local check. If you are in the states, you should be able to get a state check. I suggest that for firsttimers to Korea.

If you are already in Korea you can try getting a local check accepted. I am preparing that myself. Hopefully, it will go through.

[youcollme]

I suppose you're right, a state background check would be a safe bet, however, it seems as if public school jobs (especially in any semi-metropolitan areas aside from Seoul) seem to be more scarce, or recruiters are making it seem that way. I was told by one recruiter that a school will offer several teachers the same job, and whoever gets their paperwork in first, will get the job, (which sounds ridiculous and kind of cruel), but I was hoping I would be able to send my paper work (including my current local background check) right away when needed. I'm not really getting many offers anyway, though I have a bachelor's degree in journalism, the CELTA and teaching experience, thus I guess taking my sweet ass time getting a state background check wouldn't make a difference anyway!

Does it really matter which state you get the background check from? Just curious!

[wallythewhale]

Public schools require only a local CBC whereas private schools want a statewide CBC. That's just what my recruiter told me. I sent in my local CBC and got accepted with SMOE.

[youcollme]

[nyla54]

[t1m1ty]

[nyla54]

[nyla54]

[wallythewhale]

[Theo]

[I-am-me]

Beware of coming to korea in the first place. That is the advice from the American embassy on their website. Come at your own peril. Immigration policy changes from office to office, officer to officer. Dont expect a "Legit" answer here.

[Kimchieluver]

[Theo]