Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Alias77]

Are you sure it's only 8$? That seems inappropriately cheap compared to the cost of getting a diploma apostilled. I feel like there's a hidden charge or complication lurking there somewhere.

Immigration has accepted the affadavit from the US embassy for background checks up until this point. Considering that 15 additional days of waiting time are involved, that may cost someone a job opportunity as the CBC must be present to begin the visa issuance process.

I just called immigration and was told that the apostille is, in fact, the primary choice of verification. However, the representative said that getting the affadavit at the embassy may be accepted under "exceptional" circumstances, which would be determined through a conversation at immigration at the time of the document submission. So, it turns out that you're right in saying that it might be a gamble to try for the affadavit.

I'm curious to know what the definition of "exceptional" will be.

Well, at least I now know that I should have the CBC mailed directly to someone in the States to have it sent on for the apostille to save as much time as possible. Thanks for making me check up on that.

[melirae1976]

Actually, I have done my research and rather than doing something that may be rejected, I'm going through the time and expense of doing it the right way so that I don't have to deal with a headache down the road.

[melirae1976]

Alias77- yes, it is only $8 per document from the State Department.
http://www.state.gov/m/a/auth/index.htm

Also, your diploma shouldn't be that expensive to get apostilled. A few states charge around $20, but most are under $10- I only paid $3 in my state. http://www.apostilleinfo.com/usa.htm I think where it gets expensive is when you start using those services.

IMO, I think what will happen with the affidavit is they will accept it initially if someone doesn't have time to get the apostille in order to meet deadlines, but they are going to want a CBC with an apostille at some point down the line. That's why it just makes sense to "do it right" the first time- I don't want to have to go through getting a CBC a second time. If you submit your CBC with the affidavit, they probably won't return it, so when they want one with an apostille, it's fingerprinting time again...and another 12 weeks for the CBC...then 3 more for the apostile...and lots of money ($18+$8+tons of FedEx charges!)

I have also seen a few people post that their employers have been told that those renewing at the same school will be given a small grace period if they can prove they're working on getting an apostilled CBC done- but that is completely heresay- I can't confirm that.

[passport220]

[nstick13]

[melirae1976]

[nstick13]

And commence the head-banging against the wall part of the evening.

I appreciate you following up on this. I put an e-mail in with the EPIK Coordinator. I'm willing to push immigration on this a bit, especially since EPIK should be willing to assist. EPIK, like all of us, can only go with the information available on the website, right? They can't call in for every single set of documents.

Are you in Seoul?

<---- Me vs. Immigration.

I am going to the states in late Jan., so I can get an apostille to replace at the last minute, though I won't tell immigration this until the very end (as the trip is brief and there will barely be time for the apostille as it is).

Game on.

[princess]

[nstick13]

The e-mail back from my EPIK coordinator said that after I mentioned it to him and asked him about it, he ran it by his supervisor who was OK with it.

Here's one of the initial questions I've had about this that's been nearly impossible to answer:

When does this matter?

As far as I know, our documents never go to immigration. Last year, I got my visa in Egypt, and only took my notice of appointment and passport to the Korean Embassy in Cairo, and was given my visa the next day. EPIK is still going to send our contracts soon (whenever they do). I'm not showing an apostilled CBC (or notarized one, for that matter) when I go renew my visa, mainly because even if I had had an apostille, I wouldn't have that to take with me now, as it would've been submitted with my documents.

[melirae1976]

If you're at a legit place that's not a public school, your documents do go to immigration. For people who get visa issuance numbers as opposed to notice of appointments, they would have to submit all their paperwork first to get the visa issuance number. This is why people shouldn't turn over the CBC with just a notarized affidavit- it will be taken to immigration, you might not get it back then immigration wants one with an apostille, you have to go through the possible 3-4 month hassle of getting another one.

[nstick13]

So I wasn't totally wrong, and immigration needs to clarify their website (surprise!).

Only in Korea can what seems crystal clear look like mud.

[hari seldon]

I'm sure this question has been answered and I apologize for not finding it.

If you're in Korea, have had E-2s before, and are changing jobs, is the FBI CBC a make or break requirement after January 1?

I ask because I have a state CBC in hand and could be waiting another month or more for an FBI CBC.

[melirae1976]

Yes.

[hari seldon]