Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cari83]

Hi, I'm new to this. I've wanted to teach English in Korea for a long time and I'm finally graduating June 12th.

But next year I want to apply for a program in France and I need to be in the USA all of August 2012 if I get accepted.

Since Korean contracts are a year long, I need to start working in Korea in late July/early August, which is only 2 months away. I haven't gotten my FBI background check started yet but I can go Monday and get the fingerprints and send for it (I'm wondering if I should send for just one or two, since I've heard that the fingerprints might not be good and then they can't use them?).

My question is, is this enough time (about 2 months) to get my FBI background check back, send it to the DOJ for apostille, and get to Korea? Getting my B.A. degree apostilled shouldn't take much time because I live in the state capital and can go right to the office in person. Oh, and one more question - I did my first 2 years at a community college; do you think I need my Associate's apostilled too, or just the B.A.?

Sorry for this long question(s), thanks to anyone who responds.

Carla

[sing81]

If you're graduating on June 12th, you don't have your diploma yet, right? Normally, American universities take a few months after graduation to issue a diploma. Are you American? Most likely you won't have your documentation done for August. Maybe September.

Also, you have to go to the consulate or embassy for an interview.

[cari83]

Thanks for your advice. I will be able to pick up my diploma immediately on June 12th, so I can start the diploma apostille process right away. I guess I'm more worried about the time frame for the FBI check.

Carla

[sincerely]

degree apositlle process? you really just need to go in a bank and get a copy of the degree notarized and then bring it to the secretary of state office and have them slap the apostille on it. it took me 10 minutes tops in chicago-hardly a process.

as far as the fingerprints go-get it done asap and send it in and be prepared to wait 2 months.

[sing81]

That's the first time I have heard of a degree pick-up. Most American unis send you your degree a few months after graduation.

As far as the CBC you answered your own question. It's the FBI, so the process can't be streamlined. You know it will take 2 months, so prepare to wait 2 months. It's already early June. After you have all your paper work, there is the consulate interview and processing at Korean immigration so that could be another month. So I would say late September early October.

I sent off my CBC about 3 weeks ago and I'm still waiting. Even after I get it I need to get it apostilled, which will take another 2-3 weeks. I could drive to D.C. but that's 8 hours one way and gas and hotel is not cheap, so I don't expect my paperwork to be finished until a few months from now. It stinks but you just have to be patient and wait or maybe change your plans.

[cari83]

That's the first time I've heard an American say "uni." I told my Russian friend that it was British slang for "university." As for the diploma, they're allowing me to either get it at the ceremony or pick it up so I'm picking it up on commencement day.

I didn't really answer my own question because I didn't know it took 2 months, I just said that I had only 2 months. You're right, I might have to change my plans. I'll try to get it done fast anyway though and see what happens.


If anyone has already gotten back their background check recently and could tell me how long it took them, I would appreciate it.

[cert43]

Don't you mean BD ( british council) on June 10?

[cari83]

I don't know if you're talking to me or not but, I have no idea what you mean by BD. June 12th I graduate from my university in the US, and I have to begin the background check process.

[marsavalanche]

You wont make it. Which state are you in? Check with your state and see if they can apostille your cbc. CA does, others do too. That will speed up the process. But you obviously didnt know that it takes about 10 days for you to get the visa in your passport. So assuming you got your cbc back in 6 weeks, then got the apostille done in a day by your state, you still would need about 10 days to spare to make it. You also need to find a recruiter willing to work with you given your situation. Not impossible, but my money is on no. Submit that cbc application asap and pray that thing comes in quickly.

[marsavalanche]

[cari83]

Thanks marsavalanche You're right, I probably won't make it. I might either look at 9 month contracts in Korea or give up on going to France. I didn't know it would take 10 days for the Korean Consulate to mail me the Visa. I probably should've guessed that because I've gotten a French visa before and it took at least 2 weeks, but I wasn't thinking.

[sing81]

I am American and graduated from an American university. Most don't allow you to pick it up. It's possible that some do. Honestly, I think something strange is going on. People are asking weird questions and saying strange things. There are a lot of newbies but something seems off. Their questions don't make any sense even for a newbie. Quite frankly I believe there are Koreans posing as Native speakers. I think one or two of them is from my old job.