Korean Job Discussion Forums

DingleBerryLarry · Joined: 06 Jul 2010

I have been working for EPIK for 6 months. I just got an email from the head of my province stating that the visa laws have changed. Now all criminal checks must be from the national level, or an FBI crc. Here is a quote from their website:

"The Ministry of Justice (Immigration) now requires all teachers to submit a national-level criminal check.

For most of the Chungbuk teachers, this will only concern American background checks, as most American GETs submitted a state-level check, and not an FBI criminal record check.

If you have already submitted a national criminal background report, you do NOT have to resubmit another report.

You are required to submit your apostilled (or notarized) national criminal check to your local immigration office before 2011 for ALL teachers who have not submitted a national check.

If you are in Korea, you may get your criminal record check notarized at your country's embassy.

Also, please note EPIK teachers are NOT required to resubmit an apostilled copy of their degree.

The following will guide you on how get a criminal record check in Korea."

I understand where they are coming from, but I don't understand why they are putting the GETs that are already here and teaching through this. This is a huge hassle.

Ukon · Joined: 29 Jan 2008

On the plus side, it will free up the job market. Laughing

DingleBerryLarry · Joined: 06 Jul 2010

This means that every GET that did not orginally submit a national CRC will have to make a trip to Seoul to their country's embassy. Also, on the US embassy site it says that it could take 16- 18 weeks, not including the transit time from Virginia. That means that even if I started the process now, there is a chance that I won't have the FBI CRC by the Jan. 2011 deadline.

My contract is up at the end of Feb. 2011. I wonder what would happen if I didn't get the FBI CRC. Best case scenario, nothing would happen. Worst case scenario, I could get deported and screwed out of my return airfare and my severance. I'm just wondering if they would even notice.

NYC_Gal · Joined: 08 Dec 2009

The FBI check is only for renewal. You aren't going to get screwed out of airfare and severance. If you want it to renew, you need to get started on it now, though.

DingleBerryLarry · Joined: 06 Jul 2010

That's not what I gathered from the email.

"You are required to submit your apostilled (or notarized) national criminal check to your local immigration office before 2011 for ALL teachers who have not submitted a national check."

It doesn't say anything about renewal, it plainly states that any current teacher must submit the national CRC before Jan. 2011.

Morticae · Joined: 06 May 2010

I'm about to go in with EPIK and they certainly have not told me (or anybody else in the new group) that we need to get a national background check. Furthermore, it simply wouldn't make sense as immigration only wants it for new visa issues starting January 2011. So if you go to renew in 2011, or obtain a new visa in 2011, it is a requirement, but otherwise... not. That's straight from immigrations website. You should clarify the matter and make sure they understand.

NYC_Gal · Joined: 08 Dec 2009

I called immigration a couple of weeks ago when I heard about it. It's only for renewal. Fear not.

aweitzm1 · Joined: 23 Mar 2010 Location: Florida

Does the new law state how recent the CBC has to be? For the state level it had to be six months recent. Is that the same case with the FBI since it can take up to 12 weeks to get?

If you want to look for a new job while in Korea does that mean you have to start apply for the CBC six months into your contract to get it in enough time to renew or look for a new job before your contract ends?

My thinking is if there is no time limit on the CBC you might apply for it now and just hold on to it until you need it.

nstick13 · Joined: 02 Aug 2009

I, too, am an EPIK teacher in Chungbuk, and replied to the e-mail with questions and called EPIK to ask about it.

It seems like this is only a Chungbuk-wide requirement, and we all have to do it, even if we're not renewing.

I'm certainly in the boat where I just want to say "no" and see what happens. EPIK knew nothing of this when I talked to them. I could see them talking the national immigration office for us, maybe? There has to be someone to advocate on our behalf. This is absurd and expensive in both real money and opportunity cost.

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

What's a GET?

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007

Guest English Teacher replaced the old term Native English Teacher. Apparently the old term gave us too much power and status in relation to our own language and the teaching thereof.

sojusucks · Joined: 31 May 2008

perkxplosion · Joined: 18 Jan 2010 Location: gogo's. you know know.

Is this only for GEPIK or is it a new law for anyone public or private?

NYC_Gal · Joined: 08 Dec 2009

If you plan on renewing or working in Korea next year, get it. If not, just say you're working on it and finish your contract.

iwillteachyouenglish · Joined: 07 Jul 2010

Seems silly but what can ya do? I think as far as immigration is concerned if you arrive on Dec 31st or sooner, you still only need the state until you renew. Sounds like they have added an additional requirement. Actually, I think next year will be less confusing when everyone just needs the national check. I hardly think it is going to reduce the flow of jobless graduates lol The economic situation coupled with the fact that Korea is still a cheap place to get started working in insure a never ending supply.