Korean Job Discussion Forums

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E-2 regulations update for submitting (a) Diploma (b) Transcripts and (c) Criminal background check.

Note: I started this thread because I'm from the U.S.A and trying to get some clear information posted for the teaching community. The new changes are essentially the same for Canadians, but there are some slight differences in procedures which someone from their home country can offer better assistance on.

You can read more about Korean Immigration's change in application for E-2 visas at:

http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/NtcCotnDetailR_en.pt?bbsGbCd=BS10&bbsSeq=2&ntccttSeq=31&langCd=EN

If you need clarification, contact Immigration at (02) 1345.

DIPLOMA

Sept 1, 2010 (not July 15) - a copy of diploma with apostille.

I was given this date yesterday. It coincides with the date change for eliminating the requirement for sealed transcripts. It's also mentioned in a notice on Immigration's website.

Step 1: Notarized copy of diploma It should be notarized in the state where you graduated. Contact university registrar's office for notarization. I looked up my university on the internet, emailed a copy of my diploma to the registrar's office, which they notarized for free and mailed to my brother the same day who will submit it for an apostille. Note: the diploma has to be notarized in the same state where you apply for an apostille. In some rare cases, universities also assist with obtaining apostilles.

Step 2: Apostille. I searched the internet for the state office handling apostilles where I also graduated university. See example:

www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/Authentications/authentications.cfm).

FBI CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK

Jan 1, 2011 - you will need an FBI criminal background check with an apostille.

You will need to submit a request to the FBI as follows:

(a) Applicant Information Form
(b) Standard Fingerprint Form (FD-258)
(c) Credit Card Information Form if paying by credit card

FBI website states that "processing times may take up to 12 weeks."

see: http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/fprequest.htm

NOTE: LEGIBLE FINGERPRINTS CRITICAL. you might consider visiting a local police station for assistance in getting your fingerprints done (U.S. Embassy offers no assistance). Imagine months going by and then getting a response from the FBI stating that the fingerprint card you submitted was being returned because they were not legible and you now have to start the process of application all over again. Recommend submitting multiple fingerprint cards.

NOTE: FBI SEAL. When submitting your FBI criminal background check request, make sure you include a memo requesting that you need an FBI seal on your completed criminal background check because you plan to submit the document for an apostille.

See: http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/faqs.html

U.S. Secretary of State not state secretary. When I first contacted the FBI and asked about an apostille they said that they put a seal on the criminal background check at the request of applicants and that it was sufficient for a "state" apostille.

When I called another time, I realized they meant U.S. Secretary of State, not state government, because a document has to be notarized in your state before being submitted to your state for an apostille. Still, the FBI refers you to their list of state offices.

I searched the U.S. Secretary of State's Department for the office that processes apostilles.

This seems to be it: the Office of Authentications. I sent an email just to confirm; awaiting reply.

see: http://www.state.gov/m/a/auth/

Technically, you should also be able to get the criminal background check notarzied in your state and then submit it to your state secretary for an apostille. The FBI seal eliminates having it notarized.

TRANSCRIPTS

Sept 1, 2010 - Transcripts no longer required.

MEDICAL CHECK

After you are hired and get ready to have your medical check so you can obtain an Alien Registration Card (ARC).

Marijuana was added to the drug test list.

The medical check can only be done at specific hospitals.

Revision of HIV regulation - indicates you can have HIV and be approved to teach; also, your visa won't be cancelled.

[murmanjake]

What a pain in the arse. Planning on getting a job come January.

Is the FBI check valid for 6 months as the state-wide CBC was?

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[jimmyjames1982]

Where can I get my fingerprints taken in Korea? Police Station?

[seonsengnimble]

Christ, what a pain. One would think that after submitting eight or more sealed transcripts, immigration would understand that I have in fact graduated.

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[baguingr]

delete

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[denali]

[tokkibunni8]

Is this for first time e-2 visas only? Does it apply to renewals or change of job?

[cert43]

Any-one tried live-scan yet?

[710]

[/quote]

Can some please clarify:

[b]What is the difference between and Notarization and an Apostille?

You need BOTH?


Thanks in advance.[/quote]

You get a notarized copy so that you don�t have to submit an original of an important document. You get the notarized copy apostilled to prove that it is a legitimate, untampered with copy of the original. That is why you must make sure the form of attachment of the copies is not tampered with and intact�

[baguingr]

Going to be a lot harder for Americans to get jobs

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