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New E-2 Regulations for Non-Americans?
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blurgalurgalurga



Joined: 18 Oct 2007

PostPosted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 4:44 am    Post subject: New E-2 Regulations for Non-Americans? Reply with quote

Hello helpful people,
Does anyone know how the new E-2 regulations will affect non-Americans? Do Kiwis, Canucks, Brits etc. need a national CRC, and must we too notarize our diploma certificates when getting a new job, a visa transfer, or an extension?
Any info is appreciated--thanks.
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alwaysbeclosing100



Joined: 07 Feb 2009

PostPosted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 4:48 am    Post subject: re Reply with quote

As best I can tell from reading the info in the link the diploma/apostille and national level CRC requirements are for all E-2 visas and not just teachers from the US.

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



Joined: 18 Oct 2007

PostPosted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 4:58 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yeah, that was my unhappy interpretation as well.

Last I checked, the Canuckleheaded bureacracy took some months to process an RCMP fingerprint check. Maybe it's streamlined now but I doubt it.

Canada isn't part of the apostille treaty though, ASFAIK...should be interesting/ aggravating to see how this will all play out.
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Wildbore



Joined: 17 Jun 2009

PostPosted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 5:10 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

blurgalurgalurga wrote:
Yeah, that was my unhappy interpretation as well.

Last I checked, the Canuckleheaded bureacracy took some months to process an RCMP fingerprint check. Maybe it's streamlined now but I doubt it.

Canada isn't part of the apostille treaty though, ASFAIK...should be interesting/ aggravating to see how this will all play out.


All it says is "nationwide version," nothing about having to be issued by the national police (RCMP). On my Thunder Bay Police check, it says "this check searched the Canadian depository of records and the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC)." So, it was a national search, simply issued by a local agency.

A CPIC check/search is nationwide, doesn't matter if its done by the RCMP, OPP or the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service (for example). They all search the same database, CPIC, which is a national datebase.

Therefore, I don't see how the issuing agency is relevent, RCMP, local police, or otherwise.
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questionmark



Joined: 11 May 2010

PostPosted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 4:59 pm    Post subject: Re: New E-2 Regulations for Non-Americans? Reply with quote

blurgalurgalurga wrote:
Hello helpful people,
Does anyone know how the new E-2 regulations will affect non-Americans? Do Kiwis, Canucks, Brits etc. need a national CRC, and must we too notarize our diploma certificates when getting a new job, a visa transfer, or an extension?
Any info is appreciated--thanks.


Yes, for the most part.

I started the thread for U.S. teachers because being from there, I can help with information on the procedures for a national background check, apostille, etc.

Still, if you read through the U.S. thread, you might find the answers to many general questions you might have.

Here's a link to the E-2 visa changes Immigration has approved with a copy of the full text.

Also, here's the phone line for Immigration (02) 1345. I would recommend calling when you have specific questions that aren't answered in their general notice.

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

FULL TEXT AS FOLLOWS:

Conversation teacher (E-2) related system improvement notice.

1. Aim of improvement.
When first applying for the visa status for the first time, although it takes some time we will verify the qualification thoroughly. After the verification is done the related procedure will be greatly simplified.

2. The details
○ Criminal background check reinforcement
- A criminal background check from your own country's government which covers the whole country's information is required.
- According to the Korean immigration law a criminal background check from the Korean Ambassador of your country will not be accepted.(But, if the document is issued by the verification of your own government and it is proved, the document will be exceptionally accepted.)
- Until 2010.12.31 the criminal background check from either central government, local government or the Ambassador in other country except Korea will be accepted. But, when the time applying for alien registration or the next sojourn related application is made, you will have to hand in the criminal back ground check which is nationwide version.
- Those who came in before 2010.7.15 and still in Korea and also those who did not hand in sufficient document should hand in the nationwide version criminal background check when you make a sojourn related application after 2011.1.1.

○ The change of 'self verification of the original diploma' system
- From 2010.9.1 when you get visa status invitation, apply for extension, apply for the permission to move into a new workplace and all kinds of sojourn related applications you will have to submit a copy of your diploma or graduation certificate or certificate of obtain degree which has a Apostille stamp or verification from the Korean Embassy in your own country or a verification from the Korean Council For University Education.
* The original rule for submitting the original diploma and sealed transcript system will be abolished.(from 2010.9.1)
* Submitting the sealed transcript will be omitted.(from 2010.9.1)

○ The simplification of required documents of re-applying for a certificate of visa issuance approval
- Criminal background check
� Those who had stayed overseas under 3months to issue a visa status can omit the document.(If staying over 3month overseas, the document should be submitted when the foreigner applies alien registration.)
- Certificate of obtain degree
� Those who submitted a verified document can omit it.

○ An additional sojourn period when applying for a certificate of visa issuance approval.
- When the visa status is issued, additional 1month (term of contract+ 1month) will be added to the term of a contract.(within maximum 2 years)
* Example) When applying for a certificate of visa issuance approval. after making 1year contract between a teacher and the employer, teacher will get additional 1month from the ending date of the contract.

○ Marijuana test is added to the drug test list.
- Since the crime related to Marijuana is happening again and again, Cannabinoid test has been added to the drug test list.
* List of medical check : To check the fact of taking drugs such as Philopon, Heroin, Meta Amphetamine, Amphetamine, Marijuana etc. TBPE test and Cannabinoid test should be taken.


○ Medical check can only be done in specific hospitals.
- For the reliance of the result of the drug test the headquarters of immigration is going to select a specific hospital which has a perfect system for the drug test.
- To select a specific hospital the headquarters of immigration will get help from the Ministry of Public Welfare of Korea. Hospitals which have perfect check system will get the priority of the selection. And to give less difficulty for those who live far the selection will be made near every local immigration offices. Also official announcement will be made.
* In the closest future medical check document will be accepted when they are from the selected hospitals.

○ A revision of HIV infected people regulations.
- By the regulation, just because of the reason infected to HIV, no rejection will happen when applying for a certificate of visa issuance approval or get their visa status canceled or will not be forced to leave Korea.(from 2010.7.15)

For further information contact the immigration call center (1345 without district number)
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Louis VI



Joined: 05 Jul 2010
Location: In my Kingdom

PostPosted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 5:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

So I get to stay in country an additional month at the end of my contract, don't need a CBC when applying for my next job (because was out of country less than three months in past year) and don't need transcripts any more? All I need to do is somehow get my original diploma verified from the Korean Council For University Education (which might be done by my employer during visa processing). AWESOME NEWS IF THIS ISN'T SOME ELABORATE ONLINE PRANK. My B.S. meter is going off, but maybe that's just me being cynical in my middle age. What wonderful news that would be. Time between contracts, no more transcripts or CBC ever as long as holidays outside country are for less than three months. Gawd, with these rules I might be here another eight to ten years!
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morrisonhotel



Joined: 18 Jul 2009
Location: Gyeonggi-do

PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 3:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

So what does this all mean for Brits? My contract is coming up for renewal. What documents, if any, will I need to renew at my current work place? What else will I need to do to renew?
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Skipperoo



Joined: 05 Jul 2010

PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 3:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sounds great. Pity I just went through the rigmarole of applying to get multiple copies of my transcripts etc, looks like I won't even need them by the time I apply Razz

The extra month is fantastic news. Not only will it give people time to enjoy the country after their contract ends, but it should limit the number of people getting screwed over by their employers buying them early plane tickets etc.

What happens if you are fired/quit though, do you still get an additional month of visa, or does the contract have to be completed in its entirety?
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morrisonhotel



Joined: 18 Jul 2009
Location: Gyeonggi-do

PostPosted: Sat Jul 24, 2010 6:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bump. Any ideas anyone?
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Hawkeye Pierce



Joined: 22 Jan 2010
Location: Uijeongbu

PostPosted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 12:42 am    Post subject: Re: New E-2 Regulations for Non-Americans? Reply with quote

Quote:

2. The details
○ Criminal background check reinforcement
- A criminal background check from your own country's government which covers the whole country's information is required.
- According to the Korean immigration law a criminal background check from the Korean Ambassador of your country will not be accepted.(But, if the document is issued by the verification of your own government and it is proved, the document will be exceptionally accepted.)
- Until 2010.12.31 the criminal background check from either central government, local government or the Ambassador in other country except Korea will be accepted. But, when the time applying for alien registration or the next sojourn related application is made, you will have to hand in the criminal back ground check which is nationwide version.
- Those who came in before 2010.7.15 and still in Korea and also those who did not hand in sufficient document should hand in the nationwide version criminal background check when you make a sojourn related application after 2011.1.1.
country or a verification from the Korean Council For University Education.


○ The simplification of required documents of re-applying for a certificate of visa issuance approval
- Criminal background check
� Those who had stayed overseas under 3months to issue a visa status can omit the document.(If staying over 3month overseas, the document should be submitted when the foreigner applies alien registration.)


Something here appears to have been lost in translation. The actual meaning of this will be in its implementation. The way this reads, visas will be issued until December 31st of this year without a FBI background check, but ARC cards cannot be issued without it. So entering Korea without an FBI CBC is OK, but no residence card without one.

The latter part is also ambiguous. If I submitted a state level CBC last year for my visa, and then left Korea after my contract ends, and then came back in under 3 months, then no additional CBC is needed for a visa. Again, an FBI CBC would be required for the ARC.

The devil is in the details here.
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passport220



Joined: 14 Jun 2006
Location: Gyeongsangbuk-do province

PostPosted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 4:58 pm    Post subject: Re: New E-2 Regulations for Non-Americans? Reply with quote

questionmark wrote:

○ A revision of HIV infected people regulations.
- By the regulation, just because of the reason infected to HIV, no rejection will happen when applying for a certificate of visa issuance approval or get their visa status canceled or will not be forced to leave Korea.(from 2010.7.15)

For further information contact the immigration call center (1345 without district number)
Can someone clarify this language. If you test positive for HIV you will not be rejected?
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blurgalurgalurga



Joined: 18 Oct 2007

PostPosted: Sun Aug 08, 2010 9:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Anybody clear on what the process is for Canadians to get their diplomas authenticated if they are not in their home country?
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isisaredead



Joined: 18 May 2010

PostPosted: Sun Aug 08, 2010 9:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

i used my original diploma and did not get it notarised/apostilled/whatever.

immigration accepted it, along with my apostilled National Police Check, a signed, sealed and stamped copy of my transcripts, a copy of the contract, a handful of passport size photos, a photocopy of the info age of my passport, the health statement and an application form of some sort (i think) and gave me my visa issuance number quite quickly.

i was back home for exactly six weeks. i got back to s. korea last week.

i have not applied for my ARC yet. i expect no huge problems when applying for it in a few days.

i am australian.
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drcrazy



Joined: 19 Feb 2003
Location: Pusan. Yes, that's right. Pusan NOT Busan. I ain't never been to no place called Busan

PostPosted: Mon Aug 16, 2010 2:56 am    Post subject: Re: New E-2 Regulations for Non-Americans? Reply with quote

questionmark wrote:
blurgalurgalurga wrote:
Hello helpful people,
Does anyone know how the new E-2 regulations will affect non-Americans? Do Kiwis, Canucks, Brits etc. need a national CRC, and must we too notarize our diploma certificates when getting a new job, a visa transfer, or an extension?
Any info is appreciated--thanks.


Yes, for the most part.

I started the thread for U.S. teachers because being from there, I can help with information on the procedures for a national background check, apostille, etc.

Still, if you read through the U.S. thread, you might find the answers to many general questions you might have.

Here's a link to the E-2 visa changes Immigration has approved with a copy of the full text.

Also, here's the phone line for Immigration (02) 1345. I would recommend calling when you have specific questions that aren't answered in their general notice.

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

FULL TEXT AS FOLLOWS:

Conversation teacher (E-2) related system improvement notice.

1. Aim of improvement.
When first applying for the visa status for the first time, although it takes some time we will verify the qualification thoroughly. After the verification is done the related procedure will be greatly simplified.

2. The details
○ Criminal background check reinforcement
- A criminal background check from your own country's government which covers the whole country's information is required.
- According to the Korean immigration law a criminal background check from the Korean Ambassador of your country will not be accepted.(But, if the document is issued by the verification of your own government and it is proved, the document will be exceptionally accepted.)
- Until 2010.12.31 the criminal background check from either central government, local government or the Ambassador in other country except Korea will be accepted. But, when the time applying for alien registration or the next sojourn related application is made, you will have to hand in the criminal back ground check which is nationwide version.
- Those who came in before 2010.7.15 and still in Korea and also those who did not hand in sufficient document should hand in the nationwide version criminal background check when you make a sojourn related application after 2011.1.1.

○ The change of 'self verification of the original diploma' system
- From 2010.9.1 when you get visa status invitation, apply for extension, apply for the permission to move into a new workplace and all kinds of sojourn related applications you will have to submit a copy of your diploma or graduation certificate or certificate of obtain degree which has a Apostille stamp or verification from the Korean Embassy in your own country or a verification from the Korean Council For University Education.
* The original rule for submitting the original diploma and sealed transcript system will be abolished.(from 2010.9.1)
* Submitting the sealed transcript will be omitted.(from 2010.9.1)

○ The simplification of required documents of re-applying for a certificate of visa issuance approval
- Criminal background check
� Those who had stayed overseas under 3months to issue a visa status can omit the document.(If staying over 3month overseas, the document should be submitted when the foreigner applies alien registration.)
- Certificate of obtain degree
� Those who submitted a verified document can omit it.

○ An additional sojourn period when applying for a certificate of visa issuance approval.
- When the visa status is issued, additional 1month (term of contract+ 1month) will be added to the term of a contract.(within maximum 2 years)
* Example) When applying for a certificate of visa issuance approval. after making 1year contract between a teacher and the employer, teacher will get additional 1month from the ending date of the contract.

○ Marijuana test is added to the drug test list.
- Since the crime related to Marijuana is happening again and again, Cannabinoid test has been added to the drug test list.
* List of medical check : To check the fact of taking drugs such as Philopon, Heroin, Meta Amphetamine, Amphetamine, Marijuana etc. TBPE test and Cannabinoid test should be taken.


○ Medical check can only be done in specific hospitals.
- For the reliance of the result of the drug test the headquarters of immigration is going to select a specific hospital which has a perfect system for the drug test.
- To select a specific hospital the headquarters of immigration will get help from the Ministry of Public Welfare of Korea. Hospitals which have perfect check system will get the priority of the selection. And to give less difficulty for those who live far the selection will be made near every local immigration offices. Also official announcement will be made.
* In the closest future medical check document will be accepted when they are from the selected hospitals.

○ A revision of HIV infected people regulations.
- By the regulation, just because of the reason infected to HIV, no rejection will happen when applying for a certificate of visa issuance approval or get their visa status canceled or will not be forced to leave Korea.(from 2010.7.15)

For further information contact the immigration call center (1345 without district number)


If you go to the site now the most recent announcement is June 24 and is about a branch relocation. Why is it always so difficult to find information at that site? Sometimes, and many other posters over the years have pointed it out, you can not find information that is less than 2 years old no matter how long you search.
Crying or Very sad
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Andyc24_uk



Joined: 21 May 2007

PostPosted: Mon Aug 16, 2010 7:37 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

You know what? If this is correct and nothing major has been lost in translation, then hats off to Kimmi for finally coming up with an intelligent, forward-thinking policy.

- National checks are a good idea as they weed out those arrogant fools who try to game the system with out-of-state checks and assume the dumb foreign policeman won't know the difference

- No more transcripts is a good move - useless paperwork which proves nothing ( If anyone was really that desperate to forge them, they could easily be typed up on a computer and a quick download of the university seal and a visit to the local dojang maker would do for the sealed envelope)

- No more sending valuable original degree certificates back and forth via the mail - Less chance of them getting lost, and more importantly an end to unscrupulous hagwon owners holding degree certificates hostage!)

- a 13-month validity for the ARC card - will again hit dodgy hagwon owners trying to mess emloyees about at the end of the year; and will also allow employers more flexibility if an incoming teacher is delayed or needs a training/handover period, and the exiting teachers freedom to travel at leisure at the end of their contracts

- An end to discrimination against HIV-positive workers - Basic human rights provision, good work Korea!

- No need to resubmit everything if leaving for less than 3 months - Excellent, logical move which saves time and hassle for everyone

- Degree can be certified by Apostille, or the Korean Embassy in a home country, or the Korean Council for University Education - If I'm reading this correctly, then it gives options to get your degree verified - Apostille or the local Korean Embassy would probably be easiest for those applying from their home countries, but if the KCUE does its job correctly then this appears to provide an easier method than before for those renewing or applying in-country

- Cannabis check is back - Can't see much point TBH - given the fact that it's generally pretty much unobtainable in Korea, certainly outside of Seoul, I think they're worrying over nothing!

- Specified hospitals for the health check - Extra hassle, but considering the incompetence of some Korean hospitals who tend to diagnose the slightest variation from the norm as a life-threatening disease (Lower-than-average blood count and a mild cold after 24 hours on an economy -class flight? Must be leukaemia!!!) it might be for the best... Cool

the only issue I can see is with requiring those applying to renew or extend sojourn to submit police checks from home countries, to cover a period where the applicant has been in Korea and therefore couldn't possibly have committed a crime at home! - It's pointless, and I wouldnt be surprised if that was changed fairly shortly so that one requires a Korean police check in order to renew without leaving the country.

So well done Kimmi - Good work overall, and it's good to see someone's got their head screwed on straight at last! Very Happy
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