Korean Job Discussion Forums

[connda]

I�m from the United States and I�m currently teaching in Thailand, but I�m interested in teaching in Korea.

However, it looks like the process to obtain an E2 visa from outside the United States is daunting. From what I�ve read I�ll need:

� University diploma that is notarized and apostilled
� A Criminal Background Check notarized and apostilled
� An interview at the Korean Embassy in my own country

Question 1:
To get a criminal background check from the local law enforcement agency where I use to live in the US, I�ll need to send them my fingerprints on a standard FD-258 fingerprint card. Where can you get your fingerprints taken on the correct form in Thailand or where can I obtain an official FD-258 card (i.e., not a PDF downloaded copy)?

Question 2:
The University diploma and criminal background check need to be notarized and apositlled. The notarization can be done at the US embassy, but where in Thailand can you get these documents apositlled? There are apostille services on the Internet, but they charge anywhere from $125 to $400 per document. There has to be a easier and less expensive way to get this done from outside the US.

Question 3:
Do I really need to travel back to the United States for an interview at a Korean Embassy there?

I�m interested to hear from any other United States citizen who has successfully obtained a Korean E2 visa from outside the United States. I gotta believe that someone else has already done this before -- how did you do it???

Thanks!

[connda]

How ironic. Absolutely no one knows. Personally I think it's impossible to do, but- no surprise!

[runthegauntlet]

Ehhhhh, there are a couple of unsubstantiated answers depending on who you ask.

One is that ALL first time E2 visa applicants MUST have an interview in their home country.

Another is that you can get your documents verified by this agency and then you won't have to get the interview.

http://www.teacheslkorea.com/e2_process/verification_of_academic_degrees.html

Who friggin' knows. Really, if you could contact immigration or the embassy multiple times (because you'll probably get different answers each time) you might be able to ascertain your options.

[runthegauntlet]

Oh, as for your no. 1 question.

In my state (TN), you can submit an online application for a CRC through the TN Bureau of Investigation. Your state may have something similar. No fingerprints required. THEN, you might be able to have them sent to a notary and on to your secretary of state (or whatever they're called) for your apostille, then mailed back to you in Thailand.

I don't think local checks are allowed anymore. It must be a state check.

But again, that might depend on who you ask. General consensus seems to be to either get an FBI or a state wide check.

No idea about an apostille in Thailand.

This seems like it's going to be a massive pain for you, but hopefully you can get it sorted out.

I had a work mate who just went through all of this himself.... he hadn't left Korea in 3 years but still had to get the apostilled CRC et al, hahaha. Stupid. But anyway, he managed to do it with a lot of phone calls and emails. So it can be done.

Whether or not you'll still actually get the E2 issued in Thailand is another story....

[Murakano]

[runthegauntlet]

[Colorado]

I did it four years ago. Things have gotten tighter, but I believe it's still possible if you do the research and jump through the right hoops.

[waynehead]

I'm going to do it in a couple of months, but this will not be my first E2.

Best guess? For a first time E2, you should go home just to play it safe. Sorry for the bad news.

[Murakano]

[nickwils]

So if you have previously had an E2 you can pick up the visa in Thailand or Cambodia once you have sent your documents to Korea?

Anyone...

[Toffenheim]

I got my first E2 visa in Thailand. You need to have your degree authenticated by the KCUE or whatever first though.

[nickwils]

I have already had an E2 visa so my degree should have alreadt been authenticated? I wil send the original anyway...

[Paddymctaff]

Toffenheim, Please could you get in contact with me asap. I cant pm you as I have less than 25 posts but if you could email me on [email protected] I would really appreciate it.

Thanks alot

Andy

[Paddymctaff]

Murakano thank you very much!