Korean Job Discussion Forums

[austinmc86]

I just received my CBC from the Dept. of Justice CA. But, it was not signed or notarized. Does this mean i need to get it notarized before the apostille? And once I get it notarized will Korean immigration accept it, even though it was not signed by CA Dept. of Justice?

It says no record... but there was no signature. Guess I get it notarized and it should be fine, right?

[Sherm]

OK you are almost there, you just need to visit a couple local government offices. Here are the steps I took to get it done in San Diego, and you can look up more convenient locations for the offices as needed:

1. Went to the County Clerk's office at 1600 Pacific Highway. Told the the guy at the metal detector I needed some documents notarized and certified.
2. Per his directions, went to whatever room and got a JURAT notarization. Since there is no signature on the cbc, they are notarizing YOUR sworn statement that the doc is legit.
3. They then sent me to a different office in the same building, and the friendly folks there certified the notarization, lightened my wallet a bit more, and sent me on my merry way to....
4. The Secretary of State's office up the street (1350 Front Street). Tell them specifically what you need the apostille for, and they'll take care of you.
5. That's about it. It sounds like a lot of steps, but it ain't bad. Needless to say, bring plenty of ID. Oh and I forget which places took which forms of payment, so double check on that and bring enough cash if needed. Do not stick a fork in a toaster during breakfast before embarking on this mission. Other than that, you should be fine.

[tired of LA]

If you're not in a rush to get your CBC, then you could save some money by skipping the notarization. If you contact the DOJ and tell them you got a CBC that needs to be apostilled and that you need a letter with a signature and seal, they'll send one out to you. Once you get this letter, you can attach it to your CBC and get it apostilled without getting it notarized.

[Sherm]

Wow-that's helpful if there's a way to cut out the trip to the county clerk!

Sounds like the OP actually already has the cbc in hand, so I'm guessing in their case it may be most efficient just to pay the extra $20 or so to get it done in person at the county offices. But for anybody else, getting a certified document sent to you direct with the record seems like a better way to go.

BTW I'm about to attempt getting a new one done through the County Sheriffs Department (going from E7 back to E2), without returning to the US. I'll let you guys know how it goes; wish me luck!

[Sherm]

Okay so while we're on the subject...

I'm beginning to wonder if the Sheriff's Department background check will fly. Information I've seen seems pretty conflicted about this.

It would be faster and easier than getting one from CA DOJ, but I know for sure that the latter works for E2. If they reject the Sheriff's letter of good conduct, I'll have paid $50 plus perhaps that again in notary and Fedex fees for a document that only allows me to go hunting in Mexico. Love Mexico, but not a big hunter. Just wanna teach...

If anybody has experience with using a Sheriff's Dept CBC, please let me know how it went. Gracias!

[davai!]

The statewide check is called "LiveScan" and there are small businesses everywhere that can do them for you. You will get your check back in about a week if it is clean, longer if it is not. It is about $40 or so. Then do as Sherm said and take it directly to the Secretary of State for an Apostille for about $26 bucks and immediate processing. Mail-in is waaaaay longer. Done.