Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Brobert2]

I ask because I just recently graduated, and earned my CELTA, but my painfully slow college says to expect 3-4 months after graduation before actually receiving the diploma. I've been reading the new visa requirement changes and the wording seems to indicate any sort of proof of graduation is now acceptable:

From 2010.9.1 when you get visa status invitation, apply for extension, apply for the permission to move into a new workplace and all kinds of sojourn related applications you will have to submit a copy of your diploma or graduation certificate or certificate of obtain degree which has a Apostille stamp or verification from the Korean Embassy in your own country or a verification from the Korean Council For University Education.

(From http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/NtcCotnDetailR_en.pt?bbsGbCd=BS10&bbsSeq=2&ntccttSeq=31&langCd=EN)

The Word document found on that same page states something similar, albeit vague:

- Certificate of obtain degree
� Those who submitted a verified document can omit it.

Am I reading this correctly? And if so, are the recruiters likely to pick up on it? From what I've seen and read it seems like the recruiters themselves are often in the dark on the formalities, and I'm already seeing ads requesting an FBI CBC even though that's not supposed to be required until 2011. Help a brother out!

[Xylox]

I think that if you can't get your hands on a degree, a letter from your university saying that you have graduated / will graduate will suffice.

[elltotheoh]

I was in the same boat you are. I got a notarized letter certifying that I had graduated from my university, had it apostilled, and then sent that to my recruiter in order for them to obtain my VIN for my E-2. It was fine. My diploma arrived at my parents' house in the U.S. two weeks after I arrived in Korea.

[Brobert2]

I'm (pleasantly) surprised to hear that, elltotheoh, because from what I've read in the past, only the original degree was acceptable to immigration. I'm going to give this route a shot, as I'm not happy at all with having to sit around for months because my college can't print a piece of paper. I'll report back to the board if the certificate of graduation satisfies immigration.

[oldtactics]

Consulate in Toronto still only accepts original degrees, not letters of graduation. Might be worthwhile to call ahead and ask.

[sparklypink]