Korean Job Discussion Forums

[JC VT]

My father can't find his Naturalization Certificate, is there any way around this? The lady at the Washington D.C. embassy seems to think that my father's passport, SSN, etc isn't proof of his US Citizenship.

We literally have everything else: hojuk, and ALL documents for my mother, including her Naturalization Cert. I have several copies of my birth certificate, passport, and head-shot photographs. This one hurdle is irritating me to no end, especially since it takes a year + $380 to replace my dad's certificate.

[winterfall]

[JC VT]

Apparently he sent it in to the US State Dept to get his passport and never received it back. This was 10 years ago. I don't think he just lost it... he's annoyingly meticulous about paper-work.

He doesn't have an ARC either; the last time he was in Korea for an extended period was like 24 years ago, before he became an American Citizen.

Am I screwed? I already have an offer and am ready to sign a contract. Could I go an work on a US passport while all of this is in processing?

[djbeans]

i would call the consulate and check to see if you can just use your mom's information (granted that the hojuk you have has your mom on it). it shouldn't be a problem since both your parents should be on the birth certificate that you're going to be submitting as well.

[SFValley]

[JC VT]

Just checked with the Consulate in Atlanta and they said my mom's info is all that is needed.

Hopefully they D.C. Consulate feels the same way. They told my dad that they needed BOTH my parents' info before moving forward with an F-4...

[SFValley]

[Carla]

When he got his naturalization certificate, the first thing it says to do is to get your passport because this will be the first proof you have of your citizenship that you can carry.

But that's for in the States. For immigration to another country, I don't know. Tell the lady that the passport clearly says that your father's nationality is American. As for the SS card, that is worthless. Even temporary residents/workers can get SS cards. That has nothing to do with your citizenship, just with working.

[andrewchon]

JC VT:
Have you checked your draft status in South Korean Army? If you are on F-4 visa always check that!

[amoonbot]

If you are not on the Hojuk or family registry in Korea, you are not in line for the South Korean army.

[JC VT]

I should be good to go now!

One final question... I realized that I have 10 months left on my passport; is this going to be a problem? I could probably have a renewal rushed, but I'd rather do it after I land in Korea.

[iisabrane]

You can renew the passport at the US embassy in Korea but the embassy usually keeps the old passport. This would mean you would have to get the F-4 visa stamp again (I think). If possible, I would just rush the passport and have the Visa put on the new one.

[Carla]