Korean Job Discussion Forums

[iggyb]

Like some other people, I've been having an issue with the time table for getting my diploma and final transcript.

I just finished an MA-T (Teaching) program that has graduation this week, but paperwork will not be finished until a week or two into August.

Luckily, I had already notarized and apostillized my BA degree as a backup in case something like that came up, but I didn't know if SMOE would process my Visa since the contract I signed was for a higher status than the BA...

I had to DHL my documents ($55) and send the BA transcript expedited and directly to the recruiter ($35). The transcript just arrived Monday.

I sent a few emails to my recruiter asking if the documents had arrived and when I would know whether or not SMOE was processing the Visa or voiding it.

I just got back an answer that SMOE would process the Visa, and he would explain the situation to them, but I needed to get the documents in as soon as possible.

And that is where I'm at...

I hope SMOE is processing the E-2 based on the BA. If they do and things work like the recruiter says, it will make sense and what I'd hoped.

I haven't been able to get an official letter yet from the university saying all was finished with me in the program. It is graduation time, and the registrar is swamped...

I did get an email saying my course work was completed, and I forwarded that to the recruiter, but it isn't a certified and apostillized hardcopy...

Time will tell...

[iggyb]

Oh --- and the email was from the head of my program - not the Registrar...

[nyla54]

I'm not sure what your question is, but my two cents is that I think you should be okay.

From my own experience and research, I know that the public school programs understand there's a bit of a paperwork lag, e.g. later mailing of diploma, with recent graduations.

As long as SMOE knows that you are accredited, i.e. have the MA degree, I hope and really believe you should be fine. They do expect you to prove it at some point, but they understand that it's difficult to get some paperwork from schools in a timely manner--at least that was my case. My only very slim concern is more of a surprise: I was surprised that they didn't ask for some type of documentation, official or not, for proof of your MA; this could be transcripts and such. However, you wrote towards the end that you Dean did supply a verification letter in place of your MA diploma--that should totally be fine. If not, then I would imagine a sizable amount of SMOE admitted teachers are screwed, myself included.

As for your E-2, I would not be concerned. Ceteris paribus, your BA diploma should definitely suffice.

At this point, it's a waiting game. I would trust that your recruiter knows what they are doing, and go with it; you've done all that you can. I know this completely goes against what many have written on the forum. However, I have a fantastic recruiter and have been guided on the right path so far.

I believe, at this point, not hearing directly from your school is a good thing. Instead, you should expect to receive your NOA in about two weeks to start the visa process.

[iggyb]

I didn't have a question - just reporting my experience. Thanks for the advice though.

All my documents (the BA version) were finalized Monday when the transcript arrived.

My recruiter said they were going to process my Visa now but I needed to get the MA stuff as soon as possible.

So I think I'm fine.

When I started the process, I emailed all my previous transcripts including an early one from the MA program.

The problem is getting the finalized versions for that program and the diploma. Graduation is tomorrow and the next day. Final grade submission is the 31st. They don't begin the final checking of course work until the day after that. And I have no idea how long that will take before they mail my diploma and final transcript...

The "letter" I had from the department was an email which I forwarded. So, nothing "official" if you are a stickler for such things. Certainly not notarized and apostillized for something like a Visa.

But, the recruiter said the BA was good enough at the moment, and I'll take his word for it --- they have been pretty good so far...