Korean Job Discussion Forums

[nwiley]

Hey guys,
I am pretty fed up with my visa process. My recruiter failed to tell me that the copy of my College diploma, which came from Connecticut College, must be apostilled by the state dept in CT. Is this true? I went into the city and got it apostilled by New York. Only to find out that it is completely useless. Do I need to get it apostilled in CT? Also does anyone recommend sending my original diploma, just to get past all this bs?
Thoughts?

[okayden223]

I'd avoid sending the original diploma. For one thing, depending on your university policy, you may not be able to get a duplicate made or the duplicate may have some alteration from the original. Another thing is that some hagwons have been known to hold onto diplomas as collateral to prevent you from leaving. There are also many stories on here about the hagwon owners being unable to locate the diplomas when the time comes for you to leave. Almost every recruiter will ask for the original as it looks more authentic than a copy. The apostille process is a pain in the ass but you definitely need to get it all done in the same state. Hope that helps.

[Car0lina]

I've been going through the same thing- except my problem was not being able to find my diploma at all- searched through tons of boxes I had in storage, etc. I finally was able to speak to the person at my university who actually handles the diploma replacements. The website said it would take 8-10 weeks for a replacement, but after I explained the situation, they are sending mine out next week. You might want to try calling your school to see how hairy it is to get a new one.

It's true sometimes schools make slight changes to the diploma format... so if that's important to you, then don't send the original. For me, this was a non-issue.

Good luck!

[nwiley]

thanks guys, basically my recruiter messed up, so I am not with them anymore. It is almost impossible for me to get another apostille for my diploma, because I would need to go to the State dept in CT which is far far away from where I am. It seems I have no choice but to send the original, and my recruiter promised upon pain of death that I would get it back. He also lives in Seoul and I have his address, so at least I could hunt him down if he screws me over.

[cataclysmblack]

You may be able to send an official letter of graduation from your university, and then bring your diploma with you. I know that's sometimes an option for recent graduates who don't get their diplomas for a couple of months.

[nwiley]

I am going to send the original, just talked to my college and they said they can send me a new one if 3-4 weeks, if I lose the original.

[kinerry]

If your school makes duplicate originals, don't worry about it