Korean Job Discussion Forums

[interestedinhanguk]

So, my question is, what exactly is the copy of a diploma that will go for apostille. I thought it was a photocopy of the university notarizes it and then I get it apostilled. Fairly simple. However, I e-mailed my university with a question about if I need to also mail in the original for verification. They replied by saying I should order duplicate copies of my diploma (as far as I can tell, these are like 'new originals'). First, I don't meet the requirements for a new diploma (you can only have one at a time and mine isn't lost/stolen/damaged as they indicate). Also, I dont want to wait the 10 weeks it takes to get one.

I'm already in Korea and want to get this done soon. My Uni takes care of notarization AND apostille which is convenient

So, am I right in this? Do I just need the photocopy notarized and apostilled? Anybody who was gone this route, your comments are appreciated.

[Ramen]

[plato's republic]

I'm also interested in this particular issue. Will Korean immigration accept a copy of the diploma notarised by the university itself?

And for any Brits reading this, will the FCO accept copies notarised by a UK university, rather than a public notary, as being ready for apostillisation? Will a diploma copy notarised and apostilled by the university be accepted by immigration? Or would they only accept an apostille from the FCO?

Any clarification on this matter would be much appreciated.

[jamiemexi]

Yes you are correct.

In the U.S., majority of notaries are not lawyers as in other countries. The degree or diploma get copied, then notarized by a notary in the U.S. and then it can get apostille. Just be careful in which notary you select, some can actually do it wrong.

Most people would not apostille the original degree simply because it will ruin the actual degree (i.e. the stamp and staples.)

[SandyG21]

My original is glued into a thick padded folder thing = with plastic over it. So nothing can be stapled to it anyway.

I can order a copy from my Uni for 15 dollars USA and I should get it in less than 2 weeks.

Alternatively I am wondering if I can just use a copy machine to make a copy of the original and just use that to get it notorized and apostilled.

I am still confused about who does the notorizing and apostilling however = I have been playing phone tag all day finding answers in my little town/county in the USA.

I would really like step by step directions that are the same for everyone.

[jamiemexi]

Sometimes, apostilles are done in 2 steps, notary and apostille. Sometimes, it's done in 3 steps, notary, authentication and then apostille. Documents that originate in the U.S. must get the apostille in the U.S. Documents that originate in Europe must get apostille in Europe, unless the requesting agency accept copies then it can be done in the U.S. So each case is different.

If you don't know what you're doing contact
www.apostillepros.com

Each state has it rules and regulations in obtaining an apostille; however you can get your apostille in any state, must match to the notary. The U.S. is part of the Hague Convention, so all the U.S. states are considered as the U.S. in the Hague.

Also, FYI...
If you need a background check, FBI background checks takes 8-12 weeks. Most people get it in 4-6 weeks. But don't count on the 4-6 weeks. If you need that, do that ASAP. State background check are done within 1-3 days if you don't have a record. You can go to your local police station or live scan facility. If you're overseas, I believe they do it at the police stations or embassies.

[SandyG21]

I know where to send the documents for apostilles in my state.

I know now where to get finger printed - hard copy - FBI.

Not sure about the notary thing - in my state nortaries tend to be at banks - they look at your id and put a stamp on the document.

I have no idea if my county clerks office has a notary = trying to find out.

Also I found out I have to get some kind of official stamp of my documents at the police department to - at least the fbi clearance - I have no idea if they have this.

Really each state in the USA does thing so differently - no 2 states are alike in how things are notarized or apostilled.

Even in the same state - each county or city has different rules - a big city or county will have something much different than a tiny little town.

[SandyG21]

Also I still am unclear - can I make a photocopy of my diploma and get it notarized and apostilled?

Or

Do I spend 15 dollars (rather than 10 cents) and get that one notarized and apostilled?

[aske]

Also, for the upcoming FBI check requirement make sure to have the FBI include a signature and seal for an apostille as per the instructions here:

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

[SandyG21]

Jamie - in what way can the notary be done wrong? Tell me so I can make sure they do it right.

I doubt an attorney notary would be affordable in the USA - they would charge like 300 dollars!

Probably would be done by their secretary anyway.

Any notarizing I have had done is walk to the local bank - teller - stamps it and signs it - does it free or charges a dollar.

Some one who speaks/writes Korean and English should write an article about how much time and money goes into this process.

[interestedinhanguk]

[SandyG21]

January isn't that far away - so yes since it can take up to 12 weeks to get an FBI clearance - definitely get it now - many schools and recruiters are already asking for it - I am also getting a state one - I might get hired now and only need that - but I want to be prepared for anything during this change over.

Each recruiter and school is requesting something different at this point in time.

[millyfrend]

Did the police station provide the FD-258 card or you have to buy it?

[princess]