Korean Job Discussion Forums

AwesomeA · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Location: Yeosu

I have an F2 visa. I was wondering if I still have to have a criminal record check etc.... A lot of places require them, but I don't need to go through immi. Other than EPIK, are these new requirements strictly for a visa?

OiGirl · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: Hoke-y-gun

In my experience, non-E-2 holders applying for permission to engage in E-2 activities DO NOT have to have a medical and criminal check. An employer might tell you otherwise, but immigration does not require it.

An E-2 holder applying for permission to work at an additional workplace DOES have to have the medical and criminal check.

Your results may vary depending on the whim of the immigration agent.

winterwawa · Joined: 06 May 2007

F2 VISA holders do not have to have CBC or medical, but a lot of (as in most) Koreans are assuming that all foreigners have to go through this new process. If your prospective employeer says you need them, first, politely ask if this is their company's policy or to satisfy the immigration policy. If they say company policy, then you have to abid, but if they answer that it is for immigration, kindly explain that it is your understanding that the new regulations are only for the E2 VISA and ask them to call the local immigration office and ask them what is needed for an F2 VISA holder. Immi will tell them nothing and that should solve the issue.

Good luck.

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

I got a criminal records check just in case some stellar job wants me, then asks for it. F2 or not, working around kids...I don't to see some F2 pedo slip between the cracks and screw it for all of us. Better if we have one on hand as well.

lucas_p · Joined: 17 Sep 2007

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

dogshed · Joined: 28 Apr 2006

winterwawa · Joined: 06 May 2007

mishlert · Joined: 13 Mar 2003 Location: On the 3rd rock from the sun

big_fella1 · Joined: 08 Dec 2005

winterwawa · Joined: 06 May 2007

winterwawa · Joined: 06 May 2007

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

As I have said on two other threads, the public universities are likely going to require the same things that E-2's have to, except that it is going to the employer instead of immigration.

I agree wholeheartedly with wawa about having them show you where the new requirements are in the school's policy (and in fact one of my coworkers who is an F-5 said he'll do the same thing). Personally I'm opposed to having medical tests and questionaires. If it comes down to it, I'll leave rather then do it.

AwesomeA · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Location: Yeosu

I have had my medical done, hopefully they'll take the Korean one. The only problem I have with the criminal record check is that it's impossible for me to get it before the job starts.

tob55 · Joined: 29 Apr 2007

(I am not making these statements to anger anyone, but I want to get out a few facts regarding the whole issue of the new regulations recently enacted by immigration)

For all of the F-visa holders who are receiving conflicting information regarding the criminal background checks. There is no valid reason on which to base your decision to have a CRC or other background check done. (If you want to do it then fine, but please don't come on the forum and stir up the pot because you think you are doing people a favor, you're not...)

Those who received their F-series visas had to go through some initial screening when they applied for and received their F-visa in the first place. By bowing to the whims of the Korean programs that are demanding this when it is not an immigration sponsored regulation, you are going to open a can of worms for all of us who have been living and working here for a long time with no criminal record or even a hint of breaking the law in Korea or elsewhere for that matter.

If your employer comes to you and tells you that a CRC is required, just inform then that you are on an F-visa and you are not required to go through this additional screening, end of story. I have been working for my school for three years and they pulled the same thing on me. I informed them that this is a policy intended for E2 holders, and that I was not required to do it because of my F-visa status. (They were fine with this answer, and didn't think I was trying to hide anything)

It really saddens me when people can be so controlled into thinking they must submit to every request just because the Koreans in charge think they can get away with making demands.

One of the reasons the F-series visa exist is so that people can live and work without having to go through the hassle of constant scrutiny with a more normal life just as they would have in their home country. Now to suggest that we fold to a demand that isn't even a regulation is putting us all back at the same place we started before moving up to our F-series visa. Maybe you feel comfortable with it, but it isn't necessary.

Think people, don't go looking for trouble when there is nothing to worry about. I am personally not guilty of any criminal or other law breaking offense, and I have worked hard to gain the privilege of the F-visa status I have. PLEASE, don't make it hard for all of us by doing unnecessary things.

(Also, if you are not an F-visa holder you should not be adding comments about the concerns of F-visa holders, just because you feel it is unfair for your given situation or not. We all appreciate the struggles you now face, but we all went through them just as you did before we were able to achieve the visa status we are privileged to hold.)