Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Sneakers O'Toole]

I know. I know. Dave's regulars are sick of addressing this topic. "I have a minor criminal record. Will Korean immigration treat me like a diseased puppy and refuse to touch me with a 20-foot pole?"
Here's the deal. I do have a minor blot on my record - a misdemeanor drug offense from 11 years ago. In my book, that is a minor thing from a long time ago. Who cares. (I know, my view does not necessarily match that of Korean immigration, Korean culture, etc.)
Here's the thing: I called the Korean immigration service to ask about this. They told me the determination is up to the immigration officer (in the U.S.A.) who investigates applicants for E-2 visas. In other words, the determination is made on a case-by-case basis, so there is still reason to be optimistic.
Maybe, if I wear a nice suit and tie, act very respectfully toward the investigator and show the proper regret for my past, the officer will overlook the blot on the record.
So, what I would like to know from people is whether anyone on here has gotten by on this, or knows anyone who has gotten by on this.
I don't want to hear "No, there is no way." Or, rather, I don't mind hearing that IF you have direct knowlege or direct experience. No knee-jerk or snarky remarks to this question, please.
Do you know someone who has slid by on this? Is it possible? Does it happen sometimes? Are immigration investigators ever willing to cut some slack for old, minor offenses?
Will ALL recruiters immediately slam the door in my face the second the CBC comes in for their review? Would I be better skipping the recruiting agencies and applying directly with the hagwons themselves?
Again, please back up your post or opinion with empirical evidence.
Thank you.

[Sneakers O'Toole]

"Please back up your post or opinion with empirical evidence."

One second thought, anecdotal evidence is fine also, just as long as you know what you are talking about.

[ttompatz]

[mc_jc]

OP, if you are in the US, have you thought about asking your state's DoC to have the offense removed from the record?

I know it is not possible in California.

[interestedinhanguk]

Here's your chance:

Get it removed, by requesting your state do it. Then apply for your E2.

Let's put it this way. If you apply and then get rejected, you have a permanent black mark that states your visa was rejected. Even if you have your arrest expunged after that, and apply again, being declined a visa will still show up. Simply, why risk your record with immigration?

[Sneakers O'Toole]

Thanks to all who responded. I appreciate your honest opinions and advice, whether based on "empirical evidence" or not
I hope I didn't come across as defensive or confrontational in my original post. I have posted similar topics on here before, and received too many replies along the lines of "You caused this problem for yourself, so stop whining." That is not helpful. I came here for informed, non-biased answers to difficult questions, not moral judgments.
I checked with a criminal defense lawyer in my state, and found out it is virtually impossible to remove an offense from one's record if one was an adult at the time it occurred. So, I think Korea is out.
I don't want to go all through the long, difficult journey to get a visa, only to have the door slammed in my face by a legal system that considers me to be a degenerate drug addict for something that happened a long time ago.
I know, it's their country, their rules, and I certainly understand the need to keep out perverts and obvious criminals. But if this forum is my only place to air some grievances with what I consider to be a wrong-headed, unjust rule, then so be it, and I hope the authorities who created this rule have received at least some heat from other people who feel the same.
I wanted to live in Korea because I know many Korean people and know more about Korea than any other Asian country. It was my dream. But I am more-than qualified to teach ESL in any country, so I'll work in another country where the immigration policy is more sane.

[Wishmaster]

Living in Korea is your dream? Wow. But hey, if you've got a decent job back home, I'd be willing to switch places.

[I-am-me]

From Immi website: ※ Exceptions are made if the nature of the crime is light and does not affect their ability as a teacher."

[BigMikeAbroad]

Get a po box in a different state, then get the background check done there. I know a few people this worked out fine for.

[ttompatz]

[BigMikeAbroad]

Koreans are insaneeee, fbi required background checks? Who do they think is trying to come teach!?

[Sujini25]

fbi cbc aren't needed until after Dec 31,2010. so if you want to try that out of your state po box thing, do it quickly