Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tlord1986]

I did the research on this in 2008, but I fear my information may be outdated or that I may have forgotten something. Please help me remember what documents I need to get started.

I know I need a:

Notarized copy of my diploma
Notarized copy of my TEFL certificate
Several copies of sealed, official university transcripts
and a recent background check.

In regards to the background check, does it have to be notarized as well? Also, if I leave one job in Korea and find another, how does the background check work. Will I not need one given my Korean teaching experience?

Have I forgotten anything?

Also, I can't remember which Visa I should get. I know multiple entry is better, but I can't remember which letter/number combination.

Thank you for your help.

[Globutron]

The visa is E-2

Your list is pretty much right, it's just a matter of how many of each you should get. I'd suggest a few of each. and about 600 transcripts (as in about 5).

things that need stamps is the CRC and transcripts, nothing else. UK at least. Things work slightly differently depending where you're from.

Alternatively, just do a Google search http://www.asknow.ca/visa.aspx (took me 0.23 seconds according to Google)

[tlord1986]

Am I correct in assuming that once I have accepted a job offer, I can go to Korea and get my visa once I'm there, or do I have to get the visa ahead of time? Are there steps between accepting a job offer and arriving in Korea?

[naturegirl321]

The background check has to be notarised (if you're in SOME states in the US, you have get it autheticated before you send it to the Apostille), then the Apostille.

BE aware that that sometimes the CBC takes FOREVER. Serioulsy, it took 3 times for them to notarise it. And this is after my mom had written
PLEASE NOTARISE and highlighted it.

Get the visa, if possible, before coming to Korea.

[LosSeoul]

a quick question about the CBC?
How new does it have to be? If I got my CBC now and applied for jobs in june, july or august would it still be valid?

[tlord1986]

Wow naturegirl321! I completely forgot about needing to get the background check apostillized. I'm glad you mentioned that. Is there anything else I haven't mentioned that needs to be done before going to Korea? I don't want to forget anything.

If I want to get my Korean visa before I go there, how do I accomplish this? What are the steps?

[frankly speaking]

Of course you have to get your visa before going to Korea. How can someone get a visa for the country that they are in?

Once you have received your paperwork back from your school, you take the letter they give you and your passport to a Korean consulate nearest you. You might also have to do an interview there.

Do transcripts need to be apostilized now? I didn't last time. How can you get a sealed document apostolized?

[Globutron]

It's not apostillisation you need for the transcripts per se, I was just asked to have an official stamp of the University, who should stamp it before putting it in the envelope. which mine didn't do so I had to do it again.

And no you can't go to Korea to do it, but I'm right in thinking if you have taught for one year already, then you can go to Korea, fly over to Japan or nearby country to get it done and come back.

That might be a dying trade now too though, not sure.

[tlord1986]

I looked at the website for the Korean Consulate, and one of the requirements for the E-2 Visa is "A certificate for recognition of visa issuance issued by the Korean Ministry of Justice." What is this, and what is the process for getting this document?

(Boy, the paperwork is more complicated than I thought it would be.)

[Globutron]

[tlord1986]

All of this seems so complicated. Every time I think I finally have all of the information, I found out there is another step. It is frustrating enough to make me rethink teaching in Korea. Are there countries that have simpler Visa processes?

[Globutron]

I just did this in light of all the confused faces I've seen around here in the last week or so.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=178159

[tlord1986]

In light of the instructions provided by Globutron, I have two more questions. First, what is the self-health statement? Second, I need to have my university diploma apostillized also?

[Globutron]

[tlord1986]

Thank you, Globutron. The one thing that is really making me feel better right now is that I'm sure it is easier to renew an E-2 Visa than get one for the first time.