Korean Job Discussion Forums

zachmcleod · Joined: 18 Oct 2010

I know this has been touched on in a few threads already, but I haven't exactly found the answer I'm looking for. I'm starting the process to teach beginning in August and was initially told that I needed a state background check, which I proceeded to get last week. When I took it to get apostillized by the secretary of state, they informed me that Korea was requiring federal checks, so I quickly sent out for one. Thing is, I forgot to request an authentication.

My question is whether or not I should call to try to get it authenticated or send in new documents with the request. In looking around, I've found that without the authentication you can still get it notarized and apostilled by the secretary of state. I called them and was told they will apostille FBI checks. This actually seems like a quicker process than sending it to DC, since I live in the capitol of my state. Are there any downsides to doing that? The FBI should get my prints tomorrow, so I'd like to know if it's necessary to start hounding them about the authentication.

Thanks much.

Riker · Joined: 28 Dec 2010

If you "just" sent it in, call the FBI number for background checks and ask the lady on the phone to attach a note to your application.

zachmcleod · Joined: 18 Oct 2010

I realize I can do that. I guess my real question is if there is any difference between getting it apostillized in DC or by just taking it to the secretary of state five blocks away. Has a background check apostillized at the state level been rejected before?

melirae1976 · Joined: 07 Dec 2008 Location: the 'burbs

Try to get the authentication. If you don't get it, then you have to take your FBI check with an affidavit to be notarized, then you can take it to your state capital for the apostille...which if it's only 5 blocks might be easier.

If the FBI provides authentication, then California can't apostille it because the FBI authentication is the equivalent of a federal notary and only the Department of State can issue an apostille on that- California can only apostille documents notarized in California.

Not sure about the status of state apostilles being rejected by immigration- don't see why they would be though.

zachmcleod · Joined: 18 Oct 2010

Interesting answer from the secretary of state for anyone living in Wisconsin. I called in and they told me that authentication or not, they will apostille a federal background check. They also told me not to have it notarized if there is no authentication and that they will take care of everything. Sounds too good to be true...

lahoang · Joined: 29 Sep 2010 Location: Orlando, FL

I had the FBI authenticate my CRC with the FBI seal but I then had it notarized in my state and apostilled at my Secretary of State. It's an easier and faster process. Immigration should not have a problem with that. I have been placed in Seoul so everything went through fine. My friend who has been teaching in Korea for two years also did her CRC the same so it shouldn't be a problem.

Mr.B · Joined: 12 Jul 2010

zachmcleod · Joined: 18 Oct 2010

I'm applying to GEPIK through the UW. I think I'll be starting in August but I won't know location for a while.

rdevorse · Joined: 18 Feb 2011 Location: Orlando, FL

Wanted to dig this up because my CRC will be coming back soon (FL) with an authentication stamp from the FBI.

Just to clarify: Once I receive the CRC back in the mail from the FBI, I have to send it to DC to have it Apostiled? Or can I send it to my Department of State in Tallahassee to be apostiled?

Also, do I have to have my CRC notarized? If so, would it be after I get my results back from the FBI and before I send it out to be apostilled? Or before I mail out my results for the Apostille?

Mr.B · Joined: 12 Jul 2010

rdevorse, with the CBC all you need to do is send it to my Department of State in Tallahassee to be apostiled. Don't get it notarized. Once I got my CBC returned to me in Wisconsin, I just filled out the apostille form for the state department and sent it to them. They told me to make sure I didn't get it notarized.

Hope this helps!

rdevorse · Joined: 18 Feb 2011 Location: Orlando, FL

Er I just called DOS in Tally, and they said it must be notarized. I'm sure it's different in every state.

I'm going to be doing 2 sets of prints, 2 CRC and 2 Apostilles, in the event that one gets lost by my future employer. Anyone else do this or have advice on it?

DonMegawatt · Joined: 01 Nov 2010

The Ohio Sec. of State apostilled my FBI check. I sent it to Korean immigration, they accepted it, I got my visa in the mail today.

englishsenorita · Joined: 11 Jan 2011 Location: Latin America

I wrote a letter of declaration and got an apostille from the State of California. I attached it to my FBI CBC and it was accepted by the Korean govn't.

fadedgirl · Joined: 26 Nov 2006

so...
I forgot to ask the FBI to authenticate my CBC when I sent my fingerprints in. Am I going to have to send my CBC back to them? and how exactly can I get my CBC apostilled?
(I emailed the Texas Secretary of State and they told me I had to send my FBI CBC to the DC Secretary of State to get it apostilled...but beyond the actual CBC, I don't know what else I'm supposed to send with it...)

gah! help!

fadedgirl · Joined: 26 Nov 2006

maybe it's the wine...
but I literally feel like a retard trying to figure this out.
(Diploma apostille I got...FBI CBC...no idea)