Korean Job Discussion Forums

The Soju Hoju

I have been offered a University job for March 2008 and sent all the relevant documentation. Yesterday I received an e-mail saying I need an AIDS test and a criminal background check from my Embassy???? Anyone else have to do this as it's impossible (the Embassy don't have anything to do with background checks).

Zaria32 · Joined: 04 Dec 2007

It sounds as if you are a bit behind the curve. The Ministry of Justice has repeatedly told schools (hogwons, public schools and universities) that under the new E-2 regulations we can get our criminal record check from our embassy.

The embassies from the 7 nations providing English teachers have just as repeatedly told/written the Ministry of Justice and Korean Immigration that they can't do it. The MOJ and KI have a number of times called this (on TV and in newspapers) a "deliberate lack of cooperation," and said "these countries will just have to learn to cooperate with Korea."

How you actually get a criminal records check depends on what country you are from, and if American, which state you are from. (I'm Canadian, it's a bit easier for us.) No matter where you are from, the CRC has to have an apostille on it. In the US this means it has to be physically taken to the state capitol of the state or local police department which issued it to receive an apostille.

Also, the University is apparently not aware that you have to have a consular interview (any Korean consulate) in your home country before a new visa will be issued to you.

The Soju Hoju · Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 5:14 pm Post subject:

Appears that myself and many others are soon to be home bound....load of bollox...never mind

chaz47 · Joined: 11 Sep 2003

I'm in a similar boat. I expect something such as this but whenever I ask my future uni I get no reply, 2 weeks and 4 emails in. They're received all of my standard documents but refuse to reply to any email regarding what new documents I may need to furnish.

Gwangjuboy · Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Location: England

nomad-ish · Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 7:14 pm Post subject:

Zaria32 · Joined: 04 Dec 2007

There have been a number of newspaper articles in various Korean newspapers which are English language, and articles in Korean language newspapers, where Korean friends have told me that the language is less pleasant than what I quoted.

Some of the English language articles have been reprinted here.

lastat06513 · Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 8:47 pm Post subject:

Embassies don't provide background checks, the local police departments do that.

If they insist, you should go to your respective embassy, fill out an affidavid stating that your embassy doesn't do background checks, get them to notarize it and turn it in to your school. After that, print out the page from your police department's website stating how long it will take for a certified police check to be done.......and then see how fast they will be quiet.......

They think anything is possible until you give them something that has an official seal on it.......

happeningthang · Joined: 26 Apr 2003

If your university is smart and willing, they could put you under a different visa. These new requirements are only for E-2 and C-4, I think. There's a seperate visa that Unis can employ professors under, but I don't know if this can apply to you.

FistFace · Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 10:24 pm Post subject:

Op, are you in Korea?

See the other main sticky thread on here, but if you are back home, it varies depending on your country. You might be able to get a simple local check with an Apostille.

See that sticky thread.

cubanlord · Joined: 08 Jul 2005 Location: In Japan!

Young FRANKenstein · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 12:29 am Post subject:

Zaria32 · Joined: 04 Dec 2007

Ralph, I know that you are very well informed, but before you assume someone else just spun something off the top of their head for the fun of it, assume, perhaps, that they didn't. Instead of instructing, why don't you ask...

The Daegu immigration office doesn't agree with the information you posted, as of yesterday afternoon. And my attorney in New York doesn't agree with the apostille stuff you printed. i'll be sure and tell them they're both wrong...

indigo777 · Joined: 04 Feb 2006

As Young frank stated the Embassy is not a police agency, and in Canada I cannot see the RCMP giving them access to CPIC.
Also the results or paperwork belongs to the person who requested the check and I believe it is protected under the FOIA, unless it is a police agency requesting that information.
I have had a RCMP check completed before I arrived and made several copies just in case I needed them. It may not be valid in the future as I did not take it to a notary, which in my opinion is ridiculous. Anyone can easily forge a police check then get a notary to sign or heck just sign themselves.

The Soju Hoju · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 1:41 am Post subject:

Yeah I'm in Korea and I sent everything, health check and criminal background from Scotland Yard...................the Uni have my passport and E-2 visa..................haven't got a fekin clue whats going on but they told me to go to immigration and change sojourn and work place by Friday....but I'm going home in January for a month so I need my passport. I really give up with Korea............