Korean Job Discussion Forums

Netizen Joe · Joined: 22 Dec 2009

I arrived in Korea on a tourist visa and have been offered a winter camp job for three weeks. I have to go to Japan to get a C-4 visa (temporary employment). I have to hand over my criminal record checks etc. to get this visa. After this, I want to accept a more permanent position in Korea on an E-2 visa (with a different job). Is imigration going to insist on new criminal record checks for this new E-2 visa position? Or am I okay so long as I don't leave Korea between jobs?

This being Korea, I want to prepare for the worst. Should I order new criminal background checks or not? It's just such a nuisance, and defies reason to ask for a new Canadian CBC if I haven't left Korea since submitting my previous CBC.

All informed advice is greatly appreciated.

NK

thecount · Joined: 10 Nov 2009

If a customs official sees that you are packing C4, there will be an international incident.

In all seriousness, though, I would imagine that it depends on the C4 documentation standards.

The current E-2 Visa Crim. check requirements may differ depending on your Hague standing, but from what I can gather it's your basic notarized copy + Apostille from your state department (or equivalent).

If the C4 requirements are similar and you already have a notarized, state-apostilled copy, you should be fine.

rocket_scientist · Joined: 23 Nov 2009 Location: Prague

I'd prepare for the worst. The fees come to about $50.

acebris · Joined: 12 Jul 2007

Everytime I've been issued a C4 visa (7 times), they've given my criminal checks back to me, along with my degree and my passport. I've even used the same apostilled criminal check for two C4 visa applications in a row. I've never had it issued in Japan though.

Maybe just call the embassy/consulate and ask if you'll get back when you pick up your visa. The people at the Fukuoka Consulate are especially helpful.

Netizen Joe · Joined: 22 Dec 2009

acebris, that's what I want to hear. If what you say is true, and they hand our criminal checks back to us, that's the first logical, reasonable thing I've ever heard about Korean immigration....Maybe that's why. It bypasses immigration altogether. But the embassy people are still Korean - why the rational behaviour? Odd.

Still, if what you say is true, that's great. But as we all know, nothing is done in a systematic, consistent manner in this country. One embassy might be completely different from the next.

Sigh!