Korean Job Discussion Forums

gartonator · Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Location: NYC today, Seoul asap

As I've read the recent posts for the new E-2 requirements, I came to understand that you don't need an FBI criminal check unless you get your E-2 issued AFTER Jan 1, 2011.

I'm hoping to start working by October at the latest, but several recruiters/job ads are already asking for the FBI check.

I have a clean record, I just don't want to wait the possible 12 weeks to get the FBI check before I can start working.

I'm guessing they are wrong. Am I wrong?

AM I WRONG? (lebowski... no man, you're not wrong walter...)

Thanks.

Also - just to clarify, I need to get my diploma apostilled, too? Hoops. Hoops...

PianoMan2 · Joined: 10 Aug 2010

I'm actually going through this right now. I'm in the US, and planning on starting a job in mid-September. I have to send ALL of my documents to South Korea (apostilled diploma, criminal records check, passport scan, TEFL certificate, etc).

My recruiter has URGENTLY pressed me to get my documents in before August 31st because my state-wide apostilled criminal records check WILL NOT be accepted after September 1, 2010. All criminal record checks must be issued by the FBI after September 1st, 2010.

gartonator · Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Location: NYC today, Seoul asap

so it's official? FBI checks after September 1st? State checks are useless after August 31st?

IT'S JUST ME · Joined: 08 Nov 2009

greasylake · Joined: 28 Jul 2010

I would recommend getting an FBI one done. If you are pressed for time, start the FBI process now and get a state one for your visa now, and then submit the FBI to immigration after. If you want to resign next year, you will need an FBI. Get as much as you can done now while you are still in the states. It will make your life easier down the road.

gartonator · Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Location: NYC today, Seoul asap

Greasy and ME - Thank you, i think.

So I"ll get a state to get my visa now, get my diploma 'apostilled'

and THEN

I really SHOULD (???) get my FBI check just in case, for next year? If I complete the one year contract, I shouldn't need to apply for a 2011 FBI CBC until at least June, 2011, right?

right.... this is all pig latin,
B

IT'S JUST ME · Joined: 08 Nov 2009

Sounds about right.

FBI states that it can take up to 12 weeks to process a request (although it can take much less), and then you add in the time to get it apostilled plus mailing time.

= 4 months approximately

Note: the background check is valid for 6 months in Korea when applying for jobs.

Note: Something to consider. Many teachers don't finish their contract so you might want to request an FBI background check before of after you start working and have it ready in case your job doesn't work out.

If your job was a bust and you didn't have a background check on hand, it could be months before you could start work again.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

gartonator · Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Location: NYC today, Seoul asap

Thanks, got it all figured out (i think)

Might get the FBI check like you suggest Just, but I'm hoping to scout the school out pretty well. Done this before, didn't have the dream job last time, worked like a slave, but I stuck it out and got paid more base salary than most.

Just ready to get started now that I know I'm going.

Justsurfin12 · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2010 2:43 pm Post subject:

debinoxford · Joined: 10 Jan 2008

did Immigration hold onto your passport when you transferred your visa? I have a friend who just finished her first contract and starts a new one in two weeks and is hoping to get the visa transferred. Immi told her that they have to hold on to her passport for a week while they process that transfer. Which means she can't go home for a week in between. Any answers to this one?

broken76 · Joined: 27 Jan 2008

When applying for your Visa a State level CBC is acceptable (with Apostille). You will need to submit an FBI (Federal) CBC with Apostille once you arrive in Korea though. Immigration realizes that it takes time to get one so they are giving you the time to obtain one. Again this must have an Apostille (Federal Apostille for the FBI Check). Also all documents are now only good for a 3 months from the issue date.

Damnjoe · Joined: 09 Jul 2010

Wait, I am a little confused. I was in the same position as the OP, trying to find a job for mid September or October. I have a clean state check. But according to some recruiters I have talked to, they are wanting you to go ahead a get a federal check even for private schools.

I had assumed the law went into effect in January. Does that mean that if I start the job before that date, the state check will suffice until I finish out my contract (i.e. September or October of 2011), or does that mean that I will have to have a federal check in the middle of my contract to keep from getting fired (i.e. January)?

For me, it is not a matter of convenience. I had a DWI 5 or 6 years ago and I'm pretty sure it would be on my federal record (it was with the city, but they took my fingerprints). If looking for a job in Korea is a pointless endeavor, then I'd like to stop wasting time. Could someone clarify for me?

War Eagle · Joined: 15 Feb 2009

You don't need a fed crc until Jan 1. Recruiters are just being overly cautious prob because if they can't place you now then they want people with docs ready for Jan 1. If they are demanding it, it is because there are plenty of people to fill the current positions and quite simply, they just can afford to require it.

And yes, you will not get a visa with a DUI on your record.

broken76 · Joined: 27 Jan 2008

Immigration clearly states on their notice that if a Federal check has never been submitted it must be submitted by the end of the year for all applicants who have arrived after July 15th.
If you got to Korea before July 15th you're ok until you reapply or transfer your Visa but if you're coming in now you will need to submit a Federal check at one point in time.