Korean Job Discussion Forums

[EmGen]

Hi all,

I made it back from my first year in Korea about a month ago, in October. I've been using a recruiting company (Korvia-public school recruiter) to try and get a new job at the beginning of next year. My recruiter told me I don't have to rush to get the FBI check done, so I sent in my fingerprints about two weeks ago.

I got my envelope returned today because it didn't have enough postage -But I just overnighted it back so it should get there soon. I haven't talked to my recruiter yet, but I'm a little concerned about whether or not I can get it to them in Korea on time (I'm trying to get a job at a public school and also applying to GEPIK). I think I read one of the deadlines was December 27th, and on the FBI's website it says the required time is 10-12 weeks. I called the FBI to see if I could expedite, and they said no. I'm really worried that I'm not going to be able to make the deadline with this.

I'm in the process of having my diploma apostilled, so my diploma shouldn't be a problem. And my letters of recommendation shouldn't be a problem either.

Also, does anyone know about our college transcripts. I didn't have to send those in last year (for a Hagwon job), but I've read that we have to send two sealed transcripts this year (it's kinda pricey to send two official transcripts abroad, something like $70). Anyway, time shouldn't be an issue with these, but I just wanted to ask.

I've read a lot about these issues so far, but I couldn't find a clear answer about what the time constraints are for the background check, or whether it's absolutely necessary. Was hoping some people could cut through all the red tape for me (one guy even said he called his Congressman to have him expedite the background check). How anal are they going to be on the Korean side about getting that in at a certain time? (I'm sure others are having problems with this too). Plus if anyone has any experiences with Korvia, that would be helpful also.

p.s. My recruiter has already sent me two job offers, but I didn't like the towns they were in. She told me I would have trouble finding a job in the area I prefer. Should I accept her word for this?; I've got a year teaching experience in Korea plus I did well in University (cum laude at a known school, fairly difficult major).

Thanks for the help,
sorry for the tl;dr

[Vetter]

Hi EmGen, I just pased the EPIK interview they sent me a list of documents that I need before I start. My understanding is that if the FBI background check will not be in on time, to get a state Criminal background check. They usually have a return of 3-5 business days. Make sure you get it notorized so you can have your state apostille it. In the meantime, you still need the FBI apostilled background check. However, they are willing to wait for this upon your arrival.

My understanding according to the EPIK requests are that you definetly need the official transcripts from each of your colleges (I have associates, BA and MBA) for the school to submit to the department of education...what ever it is called there. You may also need an extra set for the Korean Consulate once you actually go for your E2 visa. Thye said to have them just in case. This is not big deal. I have about 6 offcial transcripts in my posession from each of my colleges. They take less that a week to return.

EPIk requires that I send everything in one packet. this will also save of ocverseas postage.

As far as towen preference goes, I just got mine. However, EPIK only places on a first come first serve basis. This means that nothing is guaranteed until I submit my docs. However, they said I look good for what I want.

Hope this helps!

[Vetter]

Sorry about my horrible spelling. I was in a hurry.

[EmGen]

Thanks a lot for the reply!

[EmGen]

Also, I had planned to go back to Korea in January or early February, but I've been talking to one of my recruiters trying to get me a direct placement in a public school, and she says this would not be possible with that ridiculous background check. She said I would probably have to wait until April.

This is really terrible news for me, as I have cancelled my grad school plans to go back as soon as possible, plus my Korean girlfriend is waiting for me. I emailed my congressman to see if he could do anything for me. Anyone know of a way for me to get back to Korea earlier? Maybe I could get a state background check done to send in, then send the FBI Check once I'm actually going to Korea?

[Vetter]

EmGem,
Forget the recruiter. Apply directly through EPIK at www.epik.go.kr They have an application form right on their site. Follow all of their directions. I got the interview within 4 days after I applied. I will be working the March first semester. However, I will fly out early Feb. for orientation. I ordered my FBI background check Mid Oct. This takes 10 - 12 weeks. The only cost is the fingerprint charge at your local police station. Again, My understanding is that they will be willing to wait for the FBI background check if you provide a state apostilled check in the meantime. You will need the FBI background check original apostilled document when you arrive for orientation. This info I recieved after I was offered the job. I still do not have the contract. This is not issued to me until EPIK recieves all fo my documents. Hope this helps.

[EmGen]

Hey Vetter, thanks for the reply

I'm actually using two recruiters; one for direct to school, and the other for my EPIK application. I sent my FBI check in 2 weeks ago, but I had to do another one yesterday with a request that they put their logo on it. I overnighted it to their office. I actually emailed my congressman and asked if he could have it expedited, and his office replied back to me today that they contact the FBI but they needed my tracking number.

I have almost finished my EPIK written application with my other recruiter. I did not realize that we could get to Korea by early February for orientation. Is there any reason I should forget my EPIK recruiter and go straight through the site, or should I continue with this recruiter? Is there any difference?

Plus, I'm my understanding is that EPIK doesn't place you until you arrive in Korea, is that correct (I would like to work in Incheon, for example)? I need to be at least near Seoul, as my girlfriend works there.

Again, thanks a lot, and I hope to hear back from you

[sluggo832004]

[EmGen]

Sorry to reply yet again, but on the EPIK website it still only has Fall 2010 applications. Does that matter, or should I just treat that as a Spring 2011 Application?

[lahoang]

I would suggest applying to EPIK directly. It's much faster and easier. With recruiters it's basically having a middle man so you have to send everything to them which they send to EPIK and EPIK sends to them and they send it to you, it just takes too long. Although the FBI says that it takes about 12 weeks to process the CRC, I've read that some people have gotten it back in seven weeks. The FBI received mine on October 4th and they just charged my credit card so it's in process now. EmGen, what did you say in your email to your Congressman? I emailed my Congressman and never got a response I did speak with the EPIK coordinator that I had an interview with and he said that there is no due date for the FBI CRC. I just sent in my documents last week and I included an apostilled state level CRC. Make sure to check with your Department of State that the FBI seal and signature of a division official will be accepted as a notary because my Department of State does not accept that, I have to get it notarized at a public notary.

EPIK won't be mailing out contracts until possibly early December-January. We will know what province we are placed in but we won't know the school until we arrive at orientation.

EmGen, I only see the Spring 2011 application on the website http://epik.go.kr/

[millyfrend]

You might make your deadline of Dec 27th. But remember, you're going through the holidays in the U.S. --- November 25 and November 26 and probably December 24. So minus those days 'cause I doubt FBI workers will work on those days.

Some people said they got the FBI background check in 3-7 weeks 'cause either the FBI are hiring more people or less FBI background checks are being submitting at this time of the year. But it's 10-12 weeks.

At any rate, say you're lucky enough to get your FBI background check back to you on Dec 22nd, you can expedite the apostille process to meet your deadline.

Option #1. Notarize it and have it apostille in the state you're in.
Option #2. If you send it to DoS for apostille, that will take 15 days (3 weeks). Most people on here said it takes 3 weeks, look below. By then it will be too late. You will need to hire an agency to expedite the process. They do it in 4-5 business days to obtain the apostille from DOS in Washington. In some states, like California, Michigan, you can notarize it and apostille (1 day process). Saving time on shipping, they can forward the finish apostille to South Korea.

Option #3. This you have to make up your mind before submitting the FBI Background Check, you can forward the FBI Background Check to an agency or family member to get the apostille. Save you time on shipping cause if the FBI forward the FBI Background check to you, you will lose time forwarding here and there.

Anyway, good luck!

naturegirl321
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Joined: 18 Jul 2006
Location: Suwon
Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 7:27 am Post subject:
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mid July. took 10 weeks to get it done, add a couple weeks for mailing to and fro and three weeks in Washington.

MID JULY. Oh, this is so annoying. this royally sucks!
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[Vetter]

Milliefriend or naturegirl,
If you are still in the states you only have to take your FBI background check to to your state department and have it apostilled on the spot. It is important to remember to have the FBI have an official signature and FBI seal on the document in order for it to be apostilled. They do not offer this automatically. It must be requested in writing upon application.
I am sure hoping to get mine back before the 10-12 week expected wait.
Thanks!

[millyfrend]

There are 50 states in the U.S. If you're in California or New York, it's nearly impossible to get to Washington.

The other way is notarize it and apostille in the state. But some state won't allow the notary to notarize the CRC. California is one of the state that allow a notary to notarize the FBI check and then apostille. There are other states that allow that as well. You have to check on the state you're in. So no need to go to Washington.

[Vetter]

I also found a professional apostille company in CA that can get anything apostilled that you need. They are quick yet pricey. $170 for first document and $90 for each additional. They may work in an emergency. I had found them here on daves eslcafe.

[EmGen]

lahoang, I actually know a lady that works for the congressman, she is trying her best for me, not sure if it will help or not yet though.

You guys were talking about this, but I'm still a little unsure; do we need to send the FBI check to our state secretary of state, or the national one in D.C.? You said some states allow this document to be notarized but others don't, right? So if they allow the notary in my state, I can notarize it then send it in to my state's SoS?

Also, lahoang, my recruiter is saying that they don't need actual copies of anything, just scans. I wonder if this applies to the later items like the apostilled diploma, or not. I wonder if they'll just want me to send those items directly to EPIK?

*edit

p.s. (sorry for all the ridiculous questions, but it's hard getting any answers from these recruiters)

I'm working on an EPIK application with one recruiter, and a direct hire application with another. If I send my documents (more importantly, the FBI Check) to my direct hire recruiter, do I need to then retrieve the documents to give to my other recruiter, or will they be on file with the government? I'm a little concerned about how to get documents from one recruiter to another.

-Sorry for waaaayyy too many questions-