Korean Job Discussion Forums

[madkisso]

Hi all,
I had a quick question about the criminal background check. I, unfortunately, live in Arizona where they do not allow individuals to obtain a criminal background check for the purpose of working out of the country. The Department of Public Satefy (the dept. that issues criminal background checks in AZ) says I must request one from the FBI. However, upon calling the FBI, I found out that that can take up to 12 weeks (and usually does take that long). I was/am planning to go to Korea in September and already got my F-4 visa last week, but I won't be able to go without my background check.

My question, then, is can I get a background check from another state? Or will immigration only accept it from the state I currently reside in? I ask because it would be very easy to request a background check from Nevada or California and then take a quick drive to either state to get an Apostille. It only takes them up to 2 weeks to process requests vs. the FBI's 12 weeks. Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Michelle

[SunDevil Dre]

I'm in AZ too, so I just went through this. I contacted my congressman's office and they got the FBI to expedite my background check. It only took 4 weeks total vs 12 weeks. I can PM you details if you want.

[madkisso]

Oh goodness, I'm ready to promise you my first-born child for any information with which you could provide me. I was seriously stressing because 3 months is a really long time and I didn't know what to do. I would love it if you could pm me, although, I don't think I can PM you back. I'm new to the forums and it says I have to have at least 25 posts before I can PM other users. But yes, please, any info would be amazing.

by the way - will it be a problem if I already sent in my request to the FBI? I sent it on Monday of last week. Can they still expedite it? Thanks

[Skippy]

Recent changes to the E-2 Visa says that you have to get an FBI check BUT you are little lucky it does not become a standard till the new year. In the mean time a state check will do ok. As to using another state it is sort of OK, but it depends on the Korean immi official you get and how on the ball they are. Get a CRC from any state that you lived in or went to Uni. Still my advice is still get you FBI check and A state one too. Get on the ball. It may come later but it could still prove useful if the state one is refused and you are kicking yourself for not getting the FBI one earlier.

Good Luck

[madkisso]

Thanks for the info. Yeah, I think it would be prudent to try both. So, I will try contacting my congressman, and try to get a Background check from Nevada. Thanks again guys.
Michelle

[laguna]

It never takes 12 weeks, that's a leftover from the post-911 days.
It took me 3 weeks to get mine during the busy season.

[jamiemexi]

HOW LONG?
On the FBI site, it states it takes 12 weeks (3 months). I know someone who got it in 4-6 weeks and that was in May. Still a long time. You have to be smart about your fingerprint process though. I suggest you send in (2) fingerprint cards and write a note saying please 'accept' the card that is most visible/readable. If they can't see your fingerprints, they will reject it; hence the waiting game.

FINGERPRINTS
Who get their fingerprints rejected? Mainly nurses, females. Nurses because they wash their hands a lot and the fingerprints get scraped off. Females because they have smaller fingers. Its difficult to see the prints. For Apostille, my friend just sent it to Apostille Pros www.apostillepros.com It was more convenient for her to do.

[lifeinkorea]

[madkisso]

[toman42]

SunDevil do you mind sending me a pm with the details of how you got your fingerprints expedited?? I dont have enough posts yet to pm.. Thank you!

[millyfrend]

But you joined a long time ago. That's odd.

[toman42]

Yes I joined a long time ago.