Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Skippy]

Once again stop expecting logic.

You started with provincial check in 2009. The law changed asking for a federal check. You where likely renewed and renewed again in 2011 and given the grace period. But likely you had your boss handle the immigration visit and he did not pass on the words of "but next year we need a federal check".

One aspect is you have to understand is the Korean government is a big entity with many hands. They do know what all the other hands are doing. Education does not have access to Immigrations files so does not know about the degree verification on file. Immigration does not contact individual consulates. All an officer at immigration will do is look for the stamp from the consulate.

Next aspect is when it comes to Korea and it comes to a problem is there is usually the BASIC "this is what you do and ...." . Rarely do people look for or know of the "yes, but you can ..." If you are relying on your boss to do the leg work. He will get the general answer/solution for the group or him not the best solution for each person/you. This is why you have to learn to do things yourself. Always relying on the boss to handle the visits and knowing what to do is a recipe for disaster. Especially with the every present Korean behavior doing everything last minute and the understanding thegeneral concept of foreigners come with different rules concerning laws/procedures.

So try and get a city check. Get it verified. Get it sent to you. Then when next visit to immigration comes - GO!

[jhicks99]

Thanks for the advice skippy!

Well my since my RCMP check is already in process I'm just going to wait on it. My boss was actually on top of things because she made everyone go get our fingerprints knowing this was going to be required and arranged for the RCMP to send sealed background checks directly to the Ottawa Embassy who agreed they'd stamp them for us and fire them back to us (we pre-paid all postage). I'm sure that's more than most bosses would do. We're a big academy with 17 foreign teachers (half Canucks, half Americans) most of whom renew (it's a good gig...).

But you're right, lesson learned... It's better to take care of everything on my own. What I have on file and what I need to renew isn't always going to be the same as my fellow Canadians here. I'm going to go down to immigration next week and have them provide my certified diploma copy and my last background check (since I'm there) so I can use them for renewal if required. I just wish I took your advice earlier and already went to immigration to get my old copied diploma because now I'm having to get a new one done as well in Canada since we're short on time and my university admin will shutdown soon and won't be able to send out the required transcript until mid-January if I don't get on it asap.

[Draz]

[Firearcher]

I called 1345 Korean helpdesk for Immigration and they say that if you already submitted a Fed check CRC and all the apostilled docs there is no need to do so again for a Visa Transfer.


Is that the story others have gotten????


If that really is true it makes matters far easier for those already here.

[ttompatz]

[jhicks99]

That's what's frustrating! I have submitted a stamped/notarized background check, but it was from the Winnipeg Police (includes VSS), it's EXACTLY the same freaking check that Fireacher's federal check would be. But because it says Winnipeg police and not RCMP I had to arrange for a new one... I called to verify I do in fact have to get a new one and was told if it wasn't federal I do. So clearly they don't understand that all police agencies in Canada have run the same check for the past decade or so. If they understood this it would make sense to simply grandfather those previously accepted (everyone here) and apply the new rules (which still make no sense) to new applicants.

[Skippy]

My Story
Ok, I recently transfered and renewed two days ago. I was about 6 days from my end of ARC card leave date. Had the mind to get paperwork early so I had a consulate verified degree and CRC. As commented earlier I checked with immigration and they said if I renewed/transferred, a degree check would no be needed, likely same with CRC.

So went to the immigration office with my future bosses and mangers. Brought the form, release letter, backup docs, passport, and ARC. School brought their paperwork.

When are turn came up got a middle aged Korean gentlemen. I think people comment that when you go you want a women or younger person as they generally are more understanding and likely to give a break.

Since I was with my future bosses, the process was all in Korean. Some minor confusion about what little boxes to check on the form. Pretty certain it got sorted out. Immigration official looked at the the form, passport, ARC. Gave him the degree and CRC, hoping that he would not need it. BUT.... he still looked and took them!. CRC I was thinking yea, but the degree check not expecting. The official took it because rather then thinking and taking what was needed he took everything he could. I mean if I had given him a notarized copy of my birth certificate he probably would have taken that.

In the end, got two little decals in my passport and a new time and address on the back of my ARC. I was transfered.

Was surprised, that immigration did not ask for my health check or ask me to get one. Have not had a health check in about 3 years. School told me I needed to get one anyways for the future as the EDUCATION department needed it. Little confused on that, have to research on that.

Criminal Record Checks
Immigrations standard response to what Criminal record check will be needed is NATIONAL/FEDERAL. Immigration does not really know what each country will accept. If you want to know check your local countries Consulate. My Calgary Police Check was accepted because well it had the Korean consulate stamp. So my advice is get any CRC you and get it consulate verified, if you can. Immigration will likely accept that.

I will reiterate again.
* Winnipeg Police check is now gone. The city changed it process.
* Of the 4 Consulates in Canada, all but Vancouver are vague on the what is acceptable for CRCs.
* Stop expecting logic and reasonableness from the Government.


Good Luck to all

[GrasshopperKR]

Apparently the Ottawa Police Service is acceptable to both the Korean Embassy and Kimmi.

[bobbybigfoot]