Korean Job Discussion Forums

Browncoat Fox · Joined: 14 Jul 2010

I just finished my last contract with my Hagwon on Oct 31st. Extended my ARC to Nov 6th for a few days before flying home. They collected the ARC at customs on the flight home.

I am trying to get a new job and get back to Korea, asap. I submitted new prints for a new FBI background check, but 3 different recruiters have told me now that if I return within 3 months I don't need a new criminal check.

Is this true? I haven't had a chance to contact immigration yet (will try today), the embassy didn't seem to know though. If true, it will save a lot of the hassle waiting for the FBI check to come back (and logically makes sense not to need a new one with such a short time back). Want to believe but haven't found anything to back it up yet.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

The definitive answer is "maybe".

The rules say yes, for the visa confirmation number application, provided they have the CBC and degree copy (that meet the current standards) on file then they CAN issue a visa confirmation number without new copies PROVIDED the application is made within 90 days of your departure from Korea.

The practice is no, you will be asked for new copies by the recruiter.

If you are looking at a PS position you will need new copies anyway (regardless of the immigration requirement; it is a PS school policy).

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Wildbore · Joined: 17 Jun 2009

Browncoat Fox · Joined: 14 Jul 2010

Thanks for the replies! I also called immigration earlier and they confirmed the 90 days rule. The few recruiters I talked to seemed to know about this, (though the embassy didn't seem to know) and immigration sounded emphatic that it is completely ok.

As long as I can use that information to obtain a job more quickly, I don't mind dealing with explaining to officers if they don't know. Just want to get over to Korea again asap, and glad there is something in place to make that happen (after doing it all the first time with a clean record, it should be obvious I didn't rush back and start committing felonies). Hopefully it all goes smoothly from here, and just need to do the other paperwork hassles (degree apostille mainly) which are much less of a headache than the FBI check.

Again thanks for the help, hopefully this becomes more common knowledge to teachers and officers for those of us wanting a break at home before lining up a new job in Korea.