Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Gollum]

If your boss holds onto your degree as collateral, then laugh in his/her face, because it doesn't matter any more. You'll need a new sealed one for your next job anyway....

I asked this exact question to the immigration people at Omogkyo. When the people downstairs couldn't give me a straight answer, I was sent to floor 2, where I asked the same thing:


"Do I need to get a new degree and set of transcripts if get a new E-2 to work for a different school?"


First of all, let me tell you it was VERY difficult to get anyone who spoke enough English to understand what I was asking, or give me a direct answer. I waited at 3 windows on both floors 1 and 2. It took me about 30 minutes to get an answer, and there were almost no people waiting in the upstairs office in the office at the time!

I know many of you know this, but just so you guys no EXACTLY as stated from the immigration office -- you must provide a degree and sealed transcripts in an unopened envelope sent directly from your university EVERY time you apply for a new E-2. It doesn't matter how long you've been here.

I have a legal N. Public -- imprinted with a press -- stating that my degree is legal. I showed them that, and they didn't care.

They want new sealed transcripts/degree.

[blunder1983]

Personally I don't think thats sufficient.

I think the only way to ensure we have legitimate degrees is to fly the head of your school from the University of graduation out here and a lengthy interegation, perhaps a lie detector test too. In fact two separate contacts from the Uni cross interegated might prove more worthwhile.


I think this proposal would be swiftly embraced by immigration, any ideas on who to contact?

[crazylemongirl]

I'm a bit confused.

Sealed transcripts I understand are record of your grades and says that you graduated with a BA in basket weaving and those are sent in an envelope by the varsity.

Sealed degree??? WTF? They want me to buy a new copy of my diploma for a new job.

[Gopher]

Koreans are stupid and don't even understand the rules in their own country. They are stupid people.

When I got my visa from the Korean Consulate in the Latin American country where I was, the Korean consulate officer I spoke with told me:

(a) It was against international law for him to stamp an American's passport with a Korean work visa outside of the United States; and

(b) that I had to return to the State where I was born, and, with a valid birth certificate in hand, request the visa from the nearest Korean Consulate.

I called my shady recruiter and she faxed him a letter and, the next day, he stamped my passport for $50.

Now you're talking some nonsense about a sealed degree. Never even heard of a sealed degree before, not anywhere in Latin America, not in the job in Saudi I turned down after processing, not anywhere. That's probably just what the dude said today. Go back tomorrow and you'll need a notarized letter or recommendation from your class president, too.

[ulsanchris]

I'm calling BS on this. I will have to see it to believe it.

[plato's republic]

Most universities (at least in the UK) will only replace lost or damaged degree certificates. They won't send out extras in sealed envelopes, not even to the queen herself. I don't believe it! It's BS.
You shouldn't believe half of what immigration tell you anyway, they constantly change their minds according to which way the wind blows. The guy probably told you that just to get rid of you.

[guangho]

sealed degree and transcripts.....or fifty bucks and a bottle of jinro soju.

Hypothetically speaking.

[Dawn]

When we processed paperwork for a new teacher last week, we were told that all future E-2 applications would have to be accompanied by sealed official transcripts. No mention was made of needing anything other than the normal degree (or a certified copy thereof). Granted, this information was supplied by the Uijongbu immigration office. Rules of offices ten kilometers to the north, south, east or west may vary.

[rapier]

[Pyongshin Sangja]

[oxfordstu]

This is pure crap. I'm sorry, but what the hell is a sealed degree? I brought mine over with me when I was hired and personally gave it to my director. Somehow during the process I got the E-2 visa. Didn't have to show any transcripts, either.

[Gollum]

Guys, before I get anyone in a panic, I must clearly state that the people I talked to didn't seem to have much of a clue.

Par for the course in that place.

So it's likely just sealed transcripts. I heard both batted around.

I was also told, "Just have your school call us before they hire you."

When I stated that employers rarely high with enough time for me to order and receive transcripts, they said it's Korean law to have them before I can get approval. They couldn't help me with that one.

[Ya-ta Boy]

I applied this week. This is what I was told to do:

1. Contact your university and order a copy of the transcript and a diploma.

2. Have the university send those directly to the school.

3. Do not pass Go.

4. Do not collect W200,000.

I think this is the newest scheme to block illegal teaching.

(They asked for e-mail copies during the application process. Now that the job is on offer, they want the real thing.)

[mindmetoo]

There's simply no such thing as a sealed degree. Maybe a degree with a seal on it...

[Zark]

No problem, if they make impossible rules - they'll soon have no teachers. Then, they will quickly recant.

No such thing as "sealed degrees" - but it is a bit funny that they only recently discovered sealed transcripts - which have LONG been the standard in other professions for the real proof of your education. And long required in some other countries for your teaching job.

Had to provide them Saudi Arabia - about nine years ago. Had to provide them to the Peace Corps in 1989.

Not a new idea.