Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hagwonnewbie]

I got my state CBC here in the US thinking it would suffice. Actually it does suffice until the end of the year for getting an E-2.

However, you need to get your ARC within 3 months, and you need your national CBC to do that. So I'll have to dish out the extra money now. Wish I'd known this before.

My recruiter said a number of teachers had gotten their E-2 with the local CBC, but were rejected when they applied for their ARC. The Americans were in a quandry because they had to wait 10 weeks to get the FBI CBC.

[jgarci17]

Can anyone else confirm this? This doesn't seem very practical, or logistical for that matter. I just arrived in Korea and used a state CBC during the E-2 process, and if they throw this out there now, then what the hell was the point of me coming here now if I'm going to have to wait for an FBI check to get my ARC? Not only would this be more money for me to spend, but more time for me to have to wait just to be able to have a bank account, internet, etc. I seriously hope this is just people getting the wrong information, cause there is no way I can wait over a quarter of my time here to have necessary things needed for my daily life here.

[3DR]

You sure? I just had like 4 friends recently go over there with a state check and have had no problems getting a card.

[fugitive chicken]

The FBI criminal record check requirement goes into effect Jaqnuary 1.

If you get a job and start working BEFORE January, you can get a local CBC, but after you need the federal one. Get started now, it takes at least 3 months.

[DosEquisXX]

I heard in a thread on Dave's that this change was pushed back to 2012. However, I read nothing from the government confirming it.

Mine is still being processed as it has been 2 months and generally takes 3 months.

[runthegauntlet]

[runthegauntlet]

[hagwonnewbie]

I haven't ordered the FBI check yet, but I have read the new E-2 regulations. They state specifically what I posted originally. It's so counter-intuitive that it defies reason and seems incredible, but that's what the new regulations are. You officially need at least a local CBC to get an E-2. Then you need a national CBC to get your ARC.

I have read the other threads as well and seen stories of people who had to sign some waiver to say that they would produce the apostilled documents to immigration as soon as they finally recieved them.


It's good news to hear that I may not need to order my FBI. I've already spent a lot of money to get my other documents. Now my recruiter wants me to FEDEX my documents. That'll probably be another 50 bucks. Then the application fees. It never ends. That being said, I will go down to the local police station and get my finger-prints down, just in case.

[runthegauntlet]

[hagwonnewbie]

Good to hear that the regulations are not being enforced as they were written.

Which office did you go to?

[runthegauntlet]

[hagwonnewbie]

This is from immi's website:

"...Issuance of proof of (lack of) criminal records
※ The records must be affixed with the relevant nation�s Apostille

※ Nationals of countries that have not signed the Apostille treaty, (China, etc) must get their records verified by their local Korean consulate and those already in Korea who were issued their criminal records from their consulates in Korea have no need for an Apostille

※ In case applicant stay in Korea and is sent Criminal Background Check by mail, Or one's entry to Korea is imminent, the document notarized by one's embassy in Korea may be exceptionally acceptable.

※ Immigration office will not recognize the criminal records issued by online website or E-mail notarized by consulate's office in Korea as a valid criminal records.

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 nation wide version. "

Read the last sentence in particular