Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Raeddie]

I got an email from my recruiter saying that anyone from Arizona can not do a state or local Criminal Background Check. She says it has to be an FBI check. She said the reason was fingerprints are not required for the Arizona check. Does anyone know if this information is correct?

[fred_c]

Arizona DOES require fingerprints.

Whether we can obtain a state CBC from Arizona, I have no idea. The Arizona Department of Public Service is a highly incompetent bunch who keep referring me to the FBI. After I e-mailed them with questions about obtaining a state CBC for purposes of my Korean visa renewal, they responded:

[TBirdMG]

The state of Arizona DOES NOT issue criminal background checks.

The only way to demonstrate lack of a criminal record at the STATE level is to apply for what is referred to as a fingerprint clearance card. Issuance of the card by the AZ. Department of Public Service (DPS) entitles recipients to work in 'vulnerable' industries such as education and health and is the only proof of a clean record (for most major and applicable offenses).

However, to the best of my knowledge, the fingerprint clearance card is not accepted by Korean immigration. Additionally, it may be difficult to have a clearance card apostilled, as it is not a formal document, but a "card" much like a driver's license.

OK, the good news. Korean immigration WILL ACCEPT a criminal background check at the municipal or county level.

If you are in Phoenix, it's a very quick and painless process which can be completed and given apostille in one day. You must be fingerprinted IN PERSON for the city's criminal background check, though.

I am not sure, but I believe Tucson is the same. For other areas, do an internet search for your hometown or county's sheriff office to determine their CBC request protocol.

The apostille can be processed by mail in one week, or immediately if in person at the Secretary of State's offices in Tucson and Phoenix.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

[Raeddie]

Thank you for the information. I recieved a background check from Tucson Police Department. I had it notarized and apostillized. My understanding was this local check is enough. The recruiter says no.

[TBirdMG]

The recruiter is simply wrong. You now have 2 options:

1) Push the recruiter to take the document to immigration. They will accept it.
2) Find a new recruiter who knows what he/she is doing and has a better understanding of the new immigration regulations.

I recommend the latter. If the recruiter doesn't understand the most basic of the new regs, what happens down the road when you face the next challenge in country??

Good luck,

TB

[Ut videam]

I second TBirdMG's advice. Immi regulations clearly state that a local check is acceptable:

[Bibbitybop]

TBird

[aerialsimulacrum]

This is what LA consulate staffmembers are now telling people on the Q&A section of the website:

http://www.koreanconsulatela.org/english/sub_index03.htm?pg=030101&topcode=001&msgid=000002409901&cur_page=1

We were notified that at least state wide criminal informaion must be included regardless the issuer. So, the local PD can be the issuer as long as the state wide information is included.

Also, we are informed that FBI also provide such services. The informational web-page address is following:

http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/fprequest.htm.

[Raeddie]

Holy Cow! What is going to happen to my paperwork? I sent my local background check because that is what was required at the time. Does anyone know if Imigration will reject it? My job is supposed to start this month. I am getting very worried now.

[Lola O.]

Raeddie what ended up happening? I also am in AZ and did the check of the Tucson Police. Did it work out or you had to do another cbc?

[billietea]

EPIK accepted a fingerprint CBC from my city as the state didn't offer full CBCs and it would have taken a long time to get the FBI check processed.