Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sab2197]

So I thought I was all set with my documents but I am starting to wonder if my diploma will be rejected. Some things I have read say that only a notarized and apostilled COPY of the diploma will do, others are saying it needs to be the original. Here's how I ended up doing mine:

A few months ago when I started gathering my documents, the first notary I went to refused to make a copy of my diploma and notarize it. She said that it was too big to copy and besides, a notary didn't notarize copies, only signatures. So I called my school and explained my situation to them and what I was trying to do. The registrar said that I could order another copy of my diploma for around 40 bucks and she would notarize it once it got to the school. Technically what I have is an original notarized diploma and that is what I sent off to get apostilled. Will this be rejected?

Thank you for your help!

[Hokie21]

I was told they no longer want an original copy, they haven't for a few years now. Here is what I've done in the past and it's always worked out fine. (Note I live in a different state then where I went to college.)

I mailed my original diploma to my university, they made copies of the diploma and notarized as many as I wanted free of charge. Upon getting my notarized copies back I then mailed a notarized copy of my diploma to the Secretary of the Commonwealth (Virginia) to have them apostille my diploma.

Tl.dr Mailed original diploma to university in Virginia. Got notarized copies. Mailed notarized copy to Sec of Commonwealth for apostille. All said and done took about 2 weeks.

Will they accept original? I don't know.

[sab2197]

When I asked the registrar about making a copy, she, like the notary, also told me it was too large to copy but that she could order another copy and notarize that.

It took me forever to get that apostille put on the diploma. I am so disheartened to learn I may have to start all over with this, especially since I just accepted a job

[Hokie21]

I seriously doubt they'd reject an original....my guess is you'll be OK...you're probably just out an additional $40 you didn't need to spend.

[sab2197]

Ok, that makes me feel a little better! I'd rather be out 40 bucks than not be able to go to Korea!

[ttompatz]

[sab2197]

Thank you so much, ttompatz. I do not care if I don't get this diploma back, as it was one I ordered just for this purpose. It sounds like it will be ok, then