Korean Job Discussion Forums

[damstraight4]

I posted this topic in a different thread, but I wanted to find out more specifically about Korea. I recently received a DUI (It is a misdemeanor in Oregon, where I live), and I am curious if this is going to prevent me from working in Korea.

I have previously worked in South Korea for a year, and am considering going back. However, I believe this DUI on my record might not allow it. I have searched the internet and found various answers. Some people have said that they know many who have a DUI, and that they are able to find work in Korea. Others have said that a DUI will not allow it.

I am also considering other countries as well. Do you happen to know of any countries that will still allow me to enter even though I have a DUI? China? Thailand? Japan? Anywhere in Europe?

Any insight would be much appreciated.

If it matters, a brief description of myself:

I live in the United States (Oregon)
I am 24 years old
Hold a B.S
Have 1 year experience in Korea as an English Teacher.

[litebear]

Here we go again.

If this incarnation of an often repeated thread provides a conclusive answer then it'll be the first. Essentially about 80% of people will say you can't, 15% will say they know someone who has a minor charge on their record and got a visa, and about 5% will sort of suggest they themselves have a minor charge on their record and got a visa - they won't come right out and say it though, just something mildly cryptic with a smilie on the end.

The general consensus amongst everyone though will be that anyone who did get a visa with a record did so due to the individual in immigration assessing their file having a good day/being persuaded/being lazy etc and not down to any particular thing that you yourself can control.

[ttompatz]

In Korea, trying to extend/transfer/etc. you have a very small chance of success of pleading your case at immigration with a positive finding on your FBI check.

Not in Korea your chances at this point in time are effectively "0". The general policy is to deny any application for an E2 if there is any comment on the record other than "no derogatory finding".

You will have similar problems (with legal work/visa/permits) in Taiwan, Vietnam and China. China may have a get-a-round with an out-of-state check rather than an FBI check or working on a business visa rather than a "Z" visa. The same is true of Thailand and Indonesia.

Japan is also an option - no check required.

.

[hellofaniceguy]

As stated above....here we go again.....
NO ONE on this board or site can tell you with 100% accuracy if you can be issued a visa...only immigration can tell you.....it's hit or miss depending on the mood of the immigration person reviewing your case.
You have nothing to loose by trying...good luck!

[damstraight4]

Thanks for the response everyone. It definitely helped

[fosterman]

I am no expert, but why would a DUI prevent someone from working overseas? especially teaching ESL in Korea. sounds very fishy to me.
first I have ever heard of it, sure having a drug conviction, or a under age sex conviction or any form of theft , arson, battery, but DUI?
I don't see it being a problem. never heard of any candidate being refused a visa for it either.

so that would also mean, if someone who is on an E2 and was given a DUI in Korea, would mean he wouldn't be able to renew his visa next year right?
seeing that now korea has introduced the new law where criminal checks will be required from your home country and also starting from 2012 in Korea also.

[Airborne9]

[minos]

[bekinseki]

I have a friend with a master's in ESL teaching and a DUI, who can't work in Korea.

[fosterman]

[Yaya]

I think F-2 holders are safe from the DUI issue.

[TheUrbanMyth]

No. F-2's who teach will have to submit a CBC...all visa types who teach have to by February as per new regulations by the MOE.

[Yaya]

At least the F-2s can stay in Korea and teach privates, I guess.

[skunk902]

I knew a guy who allegedly had TWO DUIs on his record.

He had experience teaching in Korea previously. He apparently tried for months and months to get employment and was turned down by nonstop by schools and even recruiters. He gave up and was about to accept a job in one of the middle eastern countries; I can't recall which one at the moment. He didn't take that job because he received a call from a recruiter informing him that a school would take him on and that his papers and visa were in order. He came over and everything - his visa IS legit. The last part I CAN vouch for.

He'll tell you he has no idea why he was successful, but hey, according to him it's happened and he was a reliable guy in my books. I don't imagine this is too common though.

[jeronimoski]

Ah, here we go again is right. The misinformation on Daves continues. OP, I suggest you simply try it and find out. Who knows what the immigration officer will say? If you call the immigration office here and ask them what the guidelines are, they will tell you that it is up to the immigration officer dealing with your case. So you will not know until that point. Recruiters will not want to take a chance on you if you have some type of record because they may be wasting their time (and money) if you do not get a visa.

If you are already here, there is a chance. The '15%' thrown out there is a bogus number. Don't listen to some of the posters on here. They may think and guess what will happen to you, but they are not the voice of immigration or the MOE. It depends on how you explain your situation and how the immigration officer feels at the time. Sounds weird, but that's the way it is. The next step is equally vague as well. Who knows what the MOE office in your particular gu will say? Nobody does. So two hoops to jump through: Immigration and the MOE.

Not ALL jobs in China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan require a CRC. It is not a MANDATORY document. You can and will find people who will tell you that they did not have to submit a check. And YES, there are recruiters and employers in Japan that DO require a CRC.