Korean Job Discussion Forums

[djg11002323]

Can anyone confirm that a sworn affidavit from US embassy in Seoul is truly valid for FBI CBC? My new university jobs implies that it will work for the E2 visa. I am already in Korea. If one does the affidavit does it then make the FBI check no longer valid for apostille? I am trying to save a bit of time. Also, can one just walk into the embassy and have this done, or does it require an appointment?

[melirae1976]

I'm already in Korea, in the process of renewing for the 3rd time and the affidavit is not sufficient according to immigration (as relayed to me by the Korean who communicates with immigration on my behalf). The CBC needs an apostille.

An affidavit is not equivalent of an apostille- it is simply a notarization of a written declaration that indicates that the document referred to in the affidavit is a true and valid document. The affidavit will have to be written by you and the Embassy will simply notarize it. You should make an appointment for this, as it's much quicker and simpler. If you have had the CBC authenticated by the FBI, it's the same thing so it would be pointless to go and have this done- save yourself $50.

If you have the CBC in hand and it was not authenticated, you could go to the Embassy to get it notarized (via affidavit) then send it to the State Department for the apostille. However, if you have someone back home you could send it to, it would be cheaper than the Embassy option. Have your friend/family back home complete an affidavit and get it notarized and then apostilled at the state level.

I've previously posted links and info for the State Department and locations of offices for each state that provide apostilles.

[D-Jay]

Is that a new rule? Since my state doesn't do statewide background checks, I had to do the FBI check last year. At that time, immigration accepted my embassy affidavit in lieu of an apostille.

[melirae1976]

The "new" rule is the one requiring an apostilled photocpoy of your diploma and an apostilled national (FBI) CBC, even if you are renewing and staying at the same employer. However, in the past, state CBCs had to have an apostille. If you got by with just a notarization from the Embassy, you may be able to sneak under the radar when it comes time for your renewal since you have already turned in an FBI version.

[nstick13]

Is it written anywhere about the the apostilled CBC? On their website, they mention the change to the apostille with the diploma, but still keep the stuff about the affidavit. You said you spoke with someone there, but another person said they had success using the affidavit.

Also, I know someone who recently submitted the affidavit to the Chungbuk Province (within the past few months) and had no issues.