Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Binch Lover]

If I get a copy of my degree certified by the Korean embassy in my home country, do they need to see the original too? I want to ask my parents to do it, but the original is here. I just didn't think of that issue until today and I need to get it done asap.

Any help is much appreciated.

[ttompatz]

[Troglodyte]

You may want to get a couple copies verified at the same time. Every time you get a degree verified, you have to give them (you don't get back) a sealed copy of your transcripts.

Get your parents to call to see IF the consulate will let your parents get the docs verified for you. I'm not sure but I think that when I was at a Korean consulate they said that they'd only do it if I showed up in person.


I'm curious. How long are those verified copies valid? Last year I made couple copies of my diploma. Will they still be good after a year when I want to apply for a new job?

[ttompatz]

[Ralphie]

What if you are already in Korea and want to renew with the same school? I was hired last December with my original diploma and apostilled Canadian criminal background(vulnerable sector) check. If I renew before 1 January 2011, do I still have to follow through with the new laws that went into effect this past September?

[ttompatz]

[Ralphie]

Actually ttompatz,

What I meant was that I took the original CBC, + copies of it, to the K consulate in Toronto and a staff member verified my copies with stamps on each. Are these stamps called apostilles?

IMO, it seems redundant to have to get my original degree verified again when it was the exact original document I'd submitted last December!

[Ramen]

Conversation teacher (E-2) related system improvement notice.

1. Aim of improvement.
When first applying for the visa status for the first time, although it takes some time we will verify the qualification thoroughly. After the verification is done the related procedure will be greatly simplified.

2. The details
○ Criminal background check reinforcement
- A criminal background check from your own country's government which covers the whole country's information is required.
- According to the Korean immigration law a criminal background check from the Korean Ambassador of your country will not be accepted.(But, if the document is issued by the verification of your own government and it is proved, the document will be exceptionally accepted.)
- Until 2010.12.31 the criminal background check from either central government, local government or the Ambassador in other country except Korea will be accepted. But, when the time applying for alien registration or the next sojourn related application is made, you will have to hand in the criminal back ground check which is nationwide version.
- Foreign conversation teacher(E-2) who came into Korea before 2010.7.15 and does not fit in the required condition of the changed regulation of handing in the Criminal Background Check document, which covers the whole country's information. Foreigner must hand in the sufficient document the immigration office requires. After 2011.1.1 if foreigner makes an application related to sojourn(extension, workplace transfer, visa status transfer, activities beyond the limits of current status) should hand in the sufficient document. The Criminal Background Check document is required once during the foreigner's Korea sojourn period.
*caution: Although the sojourn related application is made before 2011.1.1, and the expiration date of the foreigner's visa status is after 2011.1.1 should also hand in the sufficient document to the foreigner's local immigration office by the time the application is made.


○ The change of 'self verification of the original diploma' system
- Starting from 2010.9.1 applying for the visa issuance number and sojourn related work(extension, workplace transfer, visa status transfer, activities beyond the limits of current status)should hand in a diploma copy or a obtained degree certificate or a graduation certificate, which has gotten a apostille stamp or a verification from the Korean consulate of the foreigner's own country or a verification from the Korean Council for University Education to the immigration office. The document is required once during the foreigner's Korea sojourn period.
*caution: Although the sojourn related application is made before 2010.9.1, and the expiration date of the foreigner's visa status is after 2010.9.1 should also hand in the sufficient document to the foreigner's local immigration office by the time the application is made.

* The original rule for submitting the original diploma and sealed transcript system will be abolished.(from 2010.9.1)
* Submitting the sealed transcript will be omitted.(from 2010.9.1)

○ The simplification of required documents of re-applying for a certificate of visa issuance approval
- Criminal background check
� Those who had stayed overseas under 3months to issue a visa status can omit the document.(If staying over 3month overseas, the document should be submitted when the foreigner applies alien registration.)
- Certificate of obtain degree
� Those who submitted a verified document can omit it.

○ An additional sojourn period when applying for a certificate of visa issuance approval.
- When the visa status is issued, additional 1month (term of contract+ 1month) will be added to the term of a contract.(within maximum 2 years)
* Example) When applying for a certificate of visa issuance approval. after making 1year contract between a teacher and the employer, teacher will get additional 1month from the ending date of the contract.

○ Marijuana test is added to the drug test list.
- Since the crime related to Marijuana is happening again and again, Cannabinoid test has been added to the drug test list.
* List of medical check : To check the fact of taking drugs such as Philopon, Heroin, Meta Amphetamine, Amphetamine, Marijuana etc. TBPE test and Cannabinoid test should be taken.


○ Medical check can only be done in specific hospitals.
- For the reliance of the result of the drug test the headquarters of immigration is going to select a specific hospital which has a perfect system for the drug test.
- To select a specific hospital the headquarters of immigration will get help from the Ministry of Public Welfare of Korea. Hospitals which have perfect check system will get the priority of the selection. And to give less difficulty for those who live far the selection will be made near every local immigration offices. Also official announcement will be made.
* In the closest future medical check document will be accepted when they are from the selected hospitals.

○ A revision of HIV infected people regulations.
- By the regulation, just because of the reason infected to HIV, no rejection will happen when applying for a certificate of visa issuance approval or get their visa status canceled or will not be forced to leave Korea.(from 2010.7.15)

For further information contact the immigration call center (1345 without district number)

[ttompatz]

[Binch Lover]

Thank you for the info. I guess it was fairly obvious that I'd need the original to get the copy verified but it just didn't cross my mind. I still have a verified copy that I used 5 years ago. I might just go down and ask them if that will still work for this process.

[Hope]

[Ralphie]

Thanks ttompatz and Ramen for the info!

Hope, when you get your degree verified, can you let us know whether you went through the KCUE or the K-consulate at home?

[schwa]

[hogwonguy1979]

friend told me that immig told her you can get your degrees verified through the korean council on univ education. think your employer has to do it. immig will take it. sounds like its a much easier route for folks here

[ttompatz]