Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jhuntingtonus]

I want to teach public school in southeast Korea, elementary or high school is best. I see some job ads ask for documentation of my (lack of) criminal record.

How should I get this? Is there something I can get here in the US, that would meet general employer needs? I want to get everything done in advance that I can.

Thanks!

[polonius]

You need to go to your local police station, and request a criminal background check. Then you will need to take it to the State Department to have an Apostille affixed to it.

You will also need your university degree. If you don't want to send the original, then you make copies of the degree, have them notarized then take them to the Korean embassy closest to you and they will stamp their authenticity.

You will also need transcripts. Then need to be in a sealed envelop with a university stamp or signature over the lip. Some embassies require to see a copy of transcripts, so I advise to get 2 sets, one to send to your employer to process the E2 visa issuance number, and the other to hold onto, just in case the Korean embassy requests it.

You need passport sized photos. They don't need to be real passport picture, just the size. So, don't spend tons of money to get the real passport pictures.

You will have to sign a paper that says you have a clean medical history. The school or recruiter can give you this paper. If they don't have it, I can email it to you.

You need to send your resume in the package.

You will also have to send a photocopy of the picture page of your passport.

And finally, you will have to send a copy of the signed contract.

Those are the eight things you will need to send to an employer in order for them to process the E2 visa number.

After they will send you the number, you will have to fill out a form, and take it to the Korean embassy closest to you. You will have an interview.

[Tobias]

About 98% accurate.

[DongtanTony]

Criminal Check:

Start with your local PD. Some will issue what's called a BCI which is a simple background check. Some local PD's do this without issue...some will refer you to your state police. The FBI check is the lengthiest most comprehensive check and is largely unnecessary.

Important note--make sure you have a very "official looking" document that clearly states "No Criminal Record, or No Criminal History." Some states, such as Kentucky, use an on-line database which has not passed the muster of some Korean Immigration officials. If it looks like your document has been obtained by an on-line/independent source, it will most likely be rejected. State seals, signatures, and "stamps" or other seals are welcomed by Korean Immigration as they are similar to documentation authentication procedures here.

Apostille:

First...call your Secretary of State's office. Your Secretary of State will issue your apostille. All states have different procedures for obtaining the apostille, so you should learn all of the regulations and necessary accompanying documentation before you submit your documents for the apostille.

Your documents...this also may include a facsimile of your diploma...must first be appropriately notarized. Some states will require your notarization to be verified at a county clerk's office, with additional documentation...so learning the procedures from your Secretary of State's office is very crucial.

Important Note--some police agencies may offer notarial services, which you must request, and possibly pay a minimal fee for, at the time you request your background check. This may save you additional hassles obtaining the apostille. Learn what services the police agency offers, and check with the Secretary of State to see if your background check document will need accompanying documentation. Some will, some won't.

Good luck...if you need any additional assistance, feel free to PM me or respond to the thread.

Did I mention that you need to go through the Secretary of State for the apostille?

[DongtanTony]

Also...jhuntingtonus...I see you might be in China...or Korea fairly soon.

Your current location may change some of my responses for obtaining the apostille or other methods of documentation verification.

If you could please respond with your current location, I might be able to give you some hints and tips on "short-cuts" through this process.

Good luck.

[Jammer113]

Please understand that an apostille is basically a notary of a notary. It's an internationally recognized document that says your notarized background check is actually notarized.

I found this out the hard way when I got my background check, took it in for an apostille, and they asked where the notary was. My local police department also offered a "city" background check and a "state" background check. I chose state.

Oh, and this isn't an employer requirement. This is an immigration requirement. You need it to get an E2 "foreign teacher" visa.

[DongtanTony]

[Tobias]

In some states, my home state, for example, the CBC comes with the apostille seal. No secretary of state visit is involved. But only some states do this.

[jhuntingtonus]

Thanks for all the help!

I am near Orlando, where I have lived for 22+ years, for the next two weeks anyway.

[robot]

my police record:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j230/vancouverock/policerecord2jpg.jpg

[michaelambling]

[mtessence]

jammer113: