Korean Job Discussion Forums

[withnail]

Here's the story: One night back in 2006, I accidentally got locked out of my house in London where a party was going on. I made too much noise trying to get anyone to let me back in again. I was drunk so obviously unaware of the racket I was making. The neighbours called the cops and I was arrested (I guess) and spent the night in a police cell. Before they kicked me out early the next morning, they fingerprinted, photographed and DNA swabbed me! They told me it was the new rule. I wasn't charged or fined but given a caution. Stupid and embarrassing, I admit.

When I first came to Korea in Sep 2006 I didn't need a CRC. When I changed my employer in Nov 2007, likewise. Now I'm extending with the second employer and I need a CRC. I've ordered it and its on the way. However the family tell me that a mention is made on this CRC of the incident in 2006. It's otherwise clean.

a. Am I screwed completely?
b. Is it at the discretion of the local immigration office?
c. Is it nothing to worry about?

Has anyone out there filed a CRC with their immi office with a misdemeanor or minor caution on it?

[laogaiguk]

Korea is always "B". Be friendly and don't argue about anything, be polite. I have yet to go to two different immigration offices (hell, even two people in the same office) and them give me the same answer...

[gangpae]

Knew a guy from SA with a DUI on his CRC and he got an E-2 VISA. I bet immigration will let it slide. Not after the boozers, after the dopers.

[cobright]

Way back in '06? Surprised they even kept records back then. If it's the only thing in your CRC and you've already put in a year in country without issue I don't think it will be a problem.

[ceadem]

Strange because I also have that little stain of a drunk and disorderly night in my past yet it didn't appear on my CRC, when I phoned to enquire about this (beforehand) the lady told me only court appearances and charges would show up, not fines.

[cdninkorea]

Drunk and disorderly? You'll fit right in! (sorry, nothing constructive to contribute)

[Yu_Bum_suk]

[Tobias]

In the states, you may be able to get this expunged, depending on the state. Can you do this in England? If so, definitely get it wiped. You never know what they'll do with the requirements next. Farting in public may become a deal breaker.

[justaguy]

Keep in mind that even if your previous altercations are not a problem with immigration, it's possible your employer may have a problem with it.

I knew a guy who was fired because he was previously involved in a legal dispute over child support many years prior.

I even saw a Korean professor get fired because her husband's business went bankrupt.

I don't wish to fear monger. But just because you think some minor incident long ago is no big deal doesn't mean that the Koreans will share your point of view.

Koreans are notorious for misunderstanding, not wanting to listen to your explaination and overreacting. They do not have the same legal system we do. Any mark on your record is just plain bad in their eyes. It doesn't matter what you did.

[justaguy]

[TheChickenLover]

I was informed that any applicants who had spent ANY time in jail would be summarily refused.

You should seriously consider making a phone call to clarify your situation on what would or would not be accepted (doing any time in jail even if for a day).

People do tend to try to minimize these things as 'mistakes' and things that happened 'long ago'. Sadly, computers have very good memories and never forget things.

The only people who can give you a definite answer would be those who are in power to accept or refuse your application. Everything else we say is either speculation or hearsay.

Chicken

[Tobias]

[Bigfeet]

That's one good thing about being from the US. Don't like the CRC that you got? Just go to a different county or state and get another one!