Korean Job Discussion Forums

haya · Joined: 12 Jan 2004 Location: Seoul

In the past I've sent my original diploma and done the whole visa thing with no problems. But I'm sick of sending the original document overseas -- I'm figuring at this point the odds are against me that it'll get lost in the mail or something. (And unlike many universities, my univ happens not to issue another diploma -- if i lose it, it's gone forever -- I can get an "official document" saying i've graduated, but it's not the same.)

Sooooooooo.. how do I get a notorized copy?
Do i just make a photocopy and bring that to the Korean Consulate General? Are they picky about the quality of the photocopy?
How long does it generally take to get it all done?

Thanks in advance for any help/info! Very Happy

-haya

azzwell · Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2004 7:31 pm Post subject:

find out which korean consulate in your country handles your area, that is the way it is in the states. then send a copy of your drivers lisence, copy passport, photocopies of how many notarized copies you want, a sase envelope and, in the states, 2 bucks for every one you want done, mail and wait. mine took four days. do not forget to check about fees!

haya · Joined: 12 Jan 2004 Location: Seoul

Thanks ara_lester!

I called the nearest Korean Consulate General; they mentioned that they need my original diploma as well as a copy (or several copies, if I want). I'm hesitant to mail my diploma -- i've done that too often, the law of statistics is against me (that it might get lost in the mail). I'll try to go there in person sometime soon...

Thanks! Smile

azzwell · Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2004 9:17 am Post subject:

I did not have to send my original. just four copies. that orginal stuff is bullhsit

ryleeys · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Columbia, MD

I lucked out, I lived close enough to the Korean embassy in Washington that I could just drive over there to show them the diploma, let them copy it and notarize it, and it never had to enter the mail. Frankly, nothing important that I own that's a once in a lifetime shot, gets put in the mail.

Disclaimer: Not a dig on the postal service, they do an outstanding job... but even if 99.9% of mail is delivered perfectly, there's still gonna be thousands of items lost every day.

viva · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Location: Jeju Island

On my first trip to the Korean Consulate in Toronto I brought my original degree as well as some photocopies and foolishly thought that would be good enough.

They informed me that I had to have a copy notarized by a lawyer??. So, I made an appointment with a lawyer and brought my original degree and copies with me. He notarized the copies with his seal and signature and kept one for his own file in case I need the job done again in the future.

I went back to the Korean Consulate a second time with the lawyers notarization and it was no problem from there.

Most universities have some official (ie: a Dean or a Registrar) who is an official "government commissioned notary" and will have a seal of their own. Going that route might be cheaper than paying lawyers fees.

Not sure if the process is the same at other Consulates, or in the US though.

prairieboy · Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Location: The batcave.

Have you contacted immigration? They may notorize your diploma as well. The last time I applied for a new E-2 I was still in Korea and went to get the blue paper work started with my new boss. I had my originals and the guy in the visa processing office photocopied the originals and stamped the copies.

I'm not sure if they do this separately for you or only when applying for the blue paper.

Check it out and see what they say. Worst thing they'll tell you is no, but if they say yes, then it may be a bit easier for you.

Just a suggestion anyway.

Good luck.