Korean Job Discussion Forums

hiua25 · Joined: 03 Feb 2006

I had a UK criminal record check done in February this year.

I'm considering applying for a job in Korea to start in about August. Will the criminal record check from February still be valid for a visa application in July/August?

Thanks.

Scouse Mouse · Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Location: Cloud #9

Originally, it was supposed to only be valid within 90 days. It may have been extended, as some recruiters are now saying 6 months.

As you have time, it would be a smart move to apply for another now Smile

losing_touch · Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Location: Ulsan - I think!

The criminal record check is good for 6 months.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

The OP is from G.B., but potential teachers from the USA may be viewing the thread, too, and there is a lot of confusion about this.

In my case, I went into the website for the FBI records check, and filed for the 'FBI fingerprint background check for employment or licensing purposes'. DO NOT REQUEST THIS! This is for a STATE LEVEL RECORDS CHECK, and not what most schools in Korea want. So now I have to resubmit for an 'FBI Identification Record, often referred to as a Criminal History Record'. THIS is the national level records check!

Here is the link to the FBIs website:
http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/fprequest.htm

YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE FINGERPRINT FORM! They suggest making a few sets just in case. YOU CAN DOWLOAD THE REQUISITE COVER LETTER, TOO!

THE COST IS ONLY US $18.00.

I don't know if they mail overseas, but I wouldn't take the chance anyway. I'll mail all back to the US, then have my family send it along to me when it gets there.

Good luck all. What a pain!

losing_touch · Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Location: Ulsan - I think!

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Alas, this was not true in my case. I filed the state-level check, but the university is insisting on the federal level check. It didn't stop me coming on board, but they want it and I have to supply it.
According to the web site, it takes about a month to get it back, so with the mailing to and from the US, I'm looking at a couple of months give or take. Like I said, a royal pain. Funny thing is, I've been in Korea for most of the last 16 years!

Snowleopard · Joined: 27 Jul 2007

If you want a State of FBI CBC, you must fill out a fingerprint card. Where exactly could you get that done in Korea?

nachoinkorea · Joined: 25 Mar 2009 Location: Seoul

Never heard of a place demanding the federal check. For Americans the local check is always the best route.

For fingerprints, for most of our home countries if you get fingerprints done they must be on a card written in English and signed by the officer who did the fingerprints. Most Korean cops will not sign these forms (and they are written in Korean anyway). Do not waste your time going to your local Korean police station for fingerprints.

Go to the National Police Agency HQ in Seodaemun and visit the Office of Science and Technology. They will fingerprint you on a form in English and then sign it. It's quick, easy and painless. http://www.police.go.kr/eng/index.jsp

Also, be aware that most of the embassies here DO NOT do fingerprints. South Africa is the exception to this rule, they will fingerprint their citizens at the embassy. Canada is working on setting up a system, but from what I have heard it is still not off the ground.

If you absolutely want to get the FBI check, you can print off the official fingerprint form from their website. I believe you can take it to the NPA HQ and they will do it there for you. Hell, I've even read that you can do it yourself if you want, but they recommend you get a professional.