Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hari seldon]

As most of you are aware, Korean Immigration is taking a new approach to how they verify academic credentials. They've done away with sealed transcripts and now require that the university diploma be notarized and apostilled. IMO this raises the potential for credential fraud.

Why? Because many states permit any ordinary notary to notarize true copy statements from the degree holder about their diploma. There are exceptions. Some states like Missouri, California and Texas don't allow ordinary notaries to certify school documents. Only school officials in those states are permitted to certify and notarize diplomas. But many states will permit any ordinary notary to certify a true copy statement from the degree holder about their diploma.

Here's a list of states that permit ordinary notaries to certify copies:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certified_copy#Copy_certification_by_U.S._notaries
As an example, I personally have had copies of my (genuine) university diploma notarized by an ordinary notary in Massachusetts. I didn't need to visit the university registrar. Another example is Michigan:
http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-13760-27058--F,00.html
And Alaska offers Copy Certification By Document Custodian:
http://ltgov.state.ak.us/notary/authentications.php

Why is this a problem? Well, only the university's registrar is qualified to verify the authenticity of its degree. IMO Korean Immigration shouldn't be accepting university degrees that aren't certified and notarized by the university's registrar.

[Steve_Rogers2008]

then what are those with diplomas from degrees supposed to do!?

[hari seldon]

[Rachet]

I had to get my degrees notarized and apostilled (which I did over a month ago) and im still waiting to hear if I got a position :s

It cost a lot to get them notarized and was a lot of hassle going around looking for a notary.

[hari seldon]

[Morticae]

I went to The Ohio State University. I live in Oregon. I called up a friend and had them do this for me.

First, I emailed him a scan of my degree and he printed it out.

He took that copy of the degree and went to a place on campus. They did a raised seal and affixed a paper certifying it genuine, and then notarized it.

Then he took it to the county clerk, who signed it as well, stating that the previous notary is valid.

Then he took it to the secretary of state and had the apostille fixed.

About as legit as it gets, I'd say.

[hari seldon]

[Morticae]

Immigration should update their policies to require the certification by the university, in my opinion. I'm certain that every college/university keeps records on who graduates so there is no excuse as to not being able to obtain it.

[Ramen]

How about K-authority just calling or faxing a verification form to the registrar to verify. It would only take a minute to call or fax.

Maybe it's too logical.

[Morticae]

The logical thing would be for immigration to have the applicant do it. Why would they add more work for themselves?

[ttompatz]

Easier solution - Just take the USA off the list of "7" approved countries and the problem is solved.

Then there is no worry about notarized fake degrees with the apostille and people avoiding positive findings on their CRCs by jumping to another state.

1/2 tongue in cheek response.

.

[Ramen]

[hari seldon]

[hari seldon]

[hari seldon]