Korean Job Discussion Forums

[michaelholmes]

So I just had my EPIK/SMOE interview. I have all my paperwork done, and ready to go. Then the interviewer asks if I have a Connecticut background check prepared. I live in Pennsylvania. I went to University in Connecticut 10 years ago. She didn't care that it was a decade ago, she wants a background check from there. My last ESL job didn't require it, so it was a surprise for me and for my recruiter.
Connecticut's website states it will take 6-8 weeks to return the paperwork. I haven't got that kind of time to get it back and then mailed to Korea. What can I do to get a CT background check quicker, or what can I do to satisfy EPIK that Connecticut is not a required criminal background check, as I don't live there?
Help!

[tanklor1]

They want it for their own files. Talk to your recruiter there are a couple of ways around it. One is promising the board of education that you can get it by mail within 90 days. If your recruiter has any connections with the board it'll work in your favor.

I recently went through something like this and it worked out for me.

Best of luck.

[SeoulNate]

get the national FBI check. It will be back to you in about three days and it is better than a state level check anyway (a little more expensive however)

[michaelholmes]

Those are both great ideas. I will ask my recruiter if we can get it later, and also if the FBI check will suffice!\

[Skippy]

Once again people do not expect LOGIC when dealing with the immigration office or any bureaucracy. For example... I have not been to my home country in 3 years as I have been working here in Korea. I have only left for a visa trip and some small vacations and they want my criminal record check and it can not be more that 6 months old. I have an old one yet it will not work.

Hey try this favorite. Person from England has lived in Australia since toddler age, never got citizenship (thus English passport), went to an Oz uni, and the immigration wants his CRC to be from England. HA

[exit_everything]

It's ridiculous. I've lived in Australia since birth but because I am a New Zealand citizen and have a New Zealand passport (my parents are kiwis), my visa application with an Australian CRC was denied and I lost a great looking job. I've never lived in New Zealand but they still required a New Zealand CRC. It's all about ticking the right boxes. I've had to take the lengthy and expensive route of obtaining proof of Australian citizenship and applying for an Australian passport to try again for a visa. It's only slightly less expensive than flying to New Zealand to get all of my documents sorted before flying out to Korea from there.

[michaelholmes]

Do you think getting an Online background check, for CT, from a 3rd party would satisfy them? I have lived in PA for 5 years, and have my apostilled background check from PA already in hand.

[michaelholmes]

Good news, I think! I just got a list of documents to send to Korea, and here's what it says. Note Item D:
5. Apostillized Criminal Background check (Please make sure that you will obtain STATE LEVEL POLICE CLEARANCE and you must obtain every state�s CRC if you have record of residence more than 6month for each states � For Example: Born in MA and Studies in CO and currently living in OR then you need to send us three CRC from each states.
A. Apostillized OR state police clearance
and
B. CO state police clearance (no apostille stamp required)
C. MA state police clearance (no apostille stamp required)
or
D. You can skip B&C if you provide FEDERAL LEVEL POLICE CLEARANCE)

[SunDevil Dre]

[michaelholmes]

[SunDevil Dre]

I just requested a FBI check. They got it on Monday according to my tracking number. So, we'll see how long it takes. I wrote that it was for a Visa. I've read that they'll expedite certain requests (like for those who need a check for adoptions).

[winterfall]

The FBI check takes a really long time. I did it for the Peace Corps. Took about 2 months. But, I've heard others say anywhere between 2 weeks - 8 weeks. Like another poster mentioned, you can speed it up. Just tell em it's for a time sensitive working visa. With the job market now, they're be sympathetic.