Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Omkara]

Couldn't get the search function to work. . .

I'm going to do a visa run soon. I have my sealed transcripts on their way. I am now on to figuring out the criminal records requirement.

As I understand it, I'll need a background check. How would I do this from here?

If I get any information, I'll post it here. Any you could provide would be helpful.

Thanks!

[Omkara]

Here is some information.

http://www.asknow.ca/criminalcheck.

Also, is it possible to get a criminal record check from within Korea and still do the visa run? I read on some web page--not official--that one must go back to their home country now. . .that the process takes a long time.


What are the facts?

[Omkara]

http://travel.state.gov/law/info/info_612.html


Does anyone know if I need the FBI check, or if the local record is sufficient? Or if, since I last lived here, some other route is possible?

[kinerry]

local checks are no good

[Omkara]

Okay, thanks.

I read that something like this is possible. That, I get an internet check done, then get a stamp at the embassy in Seoul? Am I totally off here?

My local check was good enough when I came here more than two years ago. Some things have changed. Moreover, I was HOME when I did the last check.

[tired of LA]

You can do a visa run to Japan to get your visa if you've already had an E-2 in the past. The requirement to be in your home country is because of the interview.

As for you crminal records check, I believe a local one is no longer valid. I think Polonius, posted something recently saying that the requirement just changed and that it now must be a state or federal check. I also believe a internet one won't be accepted by immigration. It has to be a state or federal records check. Whether or not you can do it from within Korea depends on the state. I know some states allow you to do this from Korea, specifically California, since I did it last year. You would need to check on your state for the procedure. As for getting in apostilled, the US Embassy doesn't apostille anything. I read that they will notarize a affadavit stating that your records check is genuine, but I don't know if thats still accepted by immigration. I just got mine apostilled in California.

[Omkara]

Thanks.


Boy, is this an unclear process. I've been reading online for several hours, and have made little progress in understanding what I need to do.

Online check: no

Local: no

Federal: May take up to 18 weeks?!

I've read about the affidavit. I guess you get a federal check (18 weeks?!), then take a trip to Seoul?

What a pain. . .I've lived in this country for a total of 3 years, and the last two were consecutive, follows by a three month break. Is there a single way that that would count as a waiver or something? Anything?

Anyway, thanks for your help here.

[tired of LA]

I remember reading someone who got a FBI check back within a couple of weeks. Not sure who, but I remember they just said that they needed it ASAP. Not sure if they just got a sympathetic person who expediated their check or if its something they do, but don't advertise since it would most likely cause more people to wait till the last minute.

[Omkara]

Okay, thanks. That loosens one know in my back! Doesn't let it go all the way, but a little looser. . .I'll look into that.

[hellofaniceguy]

[Omkara]

Okay, i see.

I'm from california, and it appears I need fingerprints and the livescan request form.

I got prints today, but on a korean form. Don't know if that will be a problem. . . .

[tired of LA]

[I-am-me]

You can use a legal service to get an apostilled cbc. Its a bit expensive, but worked for me. PM for the info. I got a state check in texas. Local ones are ok as long as they are apostilled. Embasy affadavtes not accepted.

[laoshihao]

I had heard that if you are a current E-2 visa holder and sign on with a new school that you could just transfer sponsorship from your old school to your new school to get a new E-2 as long as it is before your current visa ends and you didn't go home between the transfer times. Then you wouldn't need a CBC. Anyone with knowledge know if this is true? I've had recruiters say that it is possible, but then others say to get a new CBC.

[I-am-me]

I think that applies if you work for a public school under GEPIK and work for another school under GEPIK with not much time in-between jobs. Then you just transfer the visa. Hagwon to PS or vice-versa might not work.