Korean Job Discussion Forums

ViceReVersa · Joined: 03 Jul 2009

I have a few minor misdemeanors on my record, all but one are more than 7 years old. (Public intoxication, minor in possession of alcohol) Is this going to make it impossible for me to secure a Korean Visa? I understand the background check because I will be working with children, but I don't feel that the victimless "crimes" that I have on my record should prevent me from doing so. If anyone has any information or experience with this, it would be greatly appreciated.
-Sam

ajmg8808 · Joined: 15 Jun 2009 Location: Songpa-gu

If you were convicted at all on anything in the state that you apply for you visa then it might be a problem. If you have moved different states since then, go get your CBC done in your new state and it shouldn't be a problem. They only require state or local background checks that are notarized by the apostille in your state. If you have some time before you apply for your visa, you might want to use an address in a state other than the one you were convicted in, and you have to get a driver's lic. there also. I have some silly things like that on my record, but in KY, and I moved to WA, just 3 months before applying for my visa and getting my background check. I used everything from WA, and it was no big deal. They think here that if you have been convicted of almost anything (even superficial) that you are a criminal and don't deserve to teach children in their country and it won't matter how long ago either. Criminals are criminals in their book. Hope this helps.

ViceReVersa · Joined: 03 Jul 2009

Thanks, that helps a lot. Everything occurred in SC and I currently have a VA license, even though I am living in SC again. So, if I do everything in VA, I should be good. Thanks so much, I am really excited to go to Korea, but extremely worried that these trivial charges would hold me back.

ajmg8808 · Joined: 15 Jun 2009 Location: Songpa-gu

Oh yes, I had some issues, but it was with my name change. I had just gotten married; my passport said one name and my lic said another and it didn't go through the first time and it was an ordeal to fix it. Yes, that sounds fine then. I think it will work for you if you get all your paperwork in VA. That's where my husband is right now, Norfolk. Good luck, let me know if you need anything else. I'm here until March 2010.