Korean Job Discussion Forums

robrodjr · Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Location: Gyeongsangnam-do Korea

I am applying for an esl position in South Korea. I just completed a criminal background check and like dave's esl and many other web sites and ESL job agencies and South Korea schools stated I needed an Apostille placed on the check. So I went to the Rhode Island Secretary of State's office which handles Apostilles to have an Apostille placed on my check. And low and behold the notary claimed that South Korea did not recognize the Apostille process. After much hand wringing she gave me the Apostille. What's going on? Does the South Korean government require the Apostille or not? Any recent hires in South Korea help me out.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

They did for about 3 months, then last week made an announcement that you only need a consular's approval on your criminal background check, not an apostile. Look at the current threads about the E-2 changes for the info.

Ut videam · Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Location: Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

http://www.immigration.go.kr/HP/IMM80/imm_09/focus.jsp

Here you go, OP:

DongtanTony · Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Location: Bundang

I echo the sentiments of UT videam.

The apostille process has not been scrapped by any means...especially for US citizens...the process is not that complicated.

1. Obtain your documents--Criminal Background Check and Diploma

2. Find a notary public--my suggestion...go to your city hall...even in smaller cities there are usually at least 10 notaries in any given city hall.

3. Apostille--this is completed through your Secretary of State's office. Call ahead of time to learn the specifics, especially if you are mailing your documents. You usually need 1) a cover letter designating your purpose for receiving the apostille and for which country, and 2) payment enclosed, and sometimes 3) self addressed return envelope with postage.

If you have the ability to travel to both locations...you can complete this process the same day. Get your docs...get in the car...go to city hall...go to your state capital. Done in one day.

CANADIANS do not need the apostille...and that is the center of most of the confusion. Canada is not a signatory state of the Hague Convention...Canadians must verify their documents at their local Korean Consulate General...the same as before.

My opinion about that article that has been referenced is that it failed to make that specific distinction...yes it has been shelved for some, not for others.

OP---you list your location as the USA...my advice, get the apostille.

DongtanTony · Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Location: Bundang

And Bibbitybop...

The article...if we are to believe it for this week...clearly states that these changes are for teachers currently residing in Korea....not first time teachers that are still residing in their home country.

You can't obtain a notarization if your physical presence isn't in the same room as your notary public. Simple. If I'm not there to notarize my documents in person...I can't obtain an apostille. That's the excuse most people are using.

However...state background checks through your Dept of Justice, or Office of Public Safety...whichever it may be called in your state...should in fact provide a notarization without your presence. Since they are state gov't agencies, they can do so without your physical presence, you simply pay an additional fee.

Universities will also issue, in most cases especially state uni's...a certified copy of your diploma, with notarization...without your physical presence, for an additional fee.

There's some leg work and phone calls involved...but come on...an undue burden...hardly. In fact, I think it's valuable that people, especially teachers here in Korea, become a little less complacent and slightly more involved with the inner workings of international employment.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

Yeah, I posted the immi info just for clarification out of the horse's mouth, even if that horse isn't the brightest of organizations.

DongtanTony · Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Location: Bundang

Lekker · Joined: 09 Feb 2008 Location: Seoul

Ut videam · Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Location: Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Lekker,

He's not mistaken, but it sounds as though you've been the victim of miscommunication within the immigration service (imagine that!).

Please see my post at http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?p=1590259#1590259. That e-mail, from a Deputy Director (사무관) at Immigration, is a very clear explanation from a reliable source that the embassy-notarized affidavit IS acceptable. The e-mail includes the name of a contact, Namil Choi (최남일), within the immigration department. According to Mr. Lee (my correspondent), "If there is any discrepancy between Mr. Choi's opinion and other immigration officers', please rest assured to accept Mr. Choi's. His opinion prevails no matter what if it is regarding E-visa."

I would contact Mr. Choi at (02) 500-9068, and then go back to Mokdong Immi. Request that they reconsider their decision, because it is incorrect, and if necessary ask them to speak to Mr. Choi on the matter.

I'm sorry you didn't have this information before you spent so much money on an apostille service. This should have been cleared up with a few phone calls.