Korean Job Discussion Forums

[plato's republic]

Does anyone know if the FCO accepts photocopies of degree certificates notarised by a university official rather than a public notary/solicitor? I'm having a hard time trying to contact someone at the FCO by phone and just sent off an email asking this very question. However, I might have to wait up to 20 days for a reply. Any Brits currently going through this process? Does Korean immigration care whether it's notarised by a public notary or a university official?

Thanks.

[sara210]

If you go to the FCO, there is a solicitors just before there. They will sign your degree on the spot (or a copy) for �5.

I can't remember the name of the place, but if you go to the FCO office they will be able to direct you there.

[Junior]

I've had mine notarised by my university (for free). Because someone posted on here that they are demanding university notarisation now..
i'll get them noarised by a public notary as well just to be sure.

[plato's republic]

Well the reason I asked is because I'm not currently resident in the UK or the ROK and was hoping to avoid a costly trip to the FCO just to get a notary public to stamp my degree copy. I'll try again to contact the FCO and see what they say.

Junior, who exactly notarised your copy at the university and what did they write on the copy?

[Forest]

[plato's republic]

I second what Forest said regarding someone from the UK who has gone through the visa process within the last two weeks (post-Sept 1st) and can confirm the exact process and what paperwork is acceptable/unacceptable for immigration.

Anyone out there?

[Junior]

[plato's republic]

Thanks for the info Junior.

I just received an email from the FCO stating that they cannot legalise/apostille a degree copy notarised by a University official. They're only able to accept documents notarised by a public notary/solicitor practicing in the UK. However, I'll be able to get it notarised by the British Council here in Italy, and then post it to the FCO to be legalised. I guess Korean immigration are unaware of this fact. Or maybe having it signed by a University official first, and then notarised by a public notary would do the trick? Seems like a time-consuming process however.

[morrisonhotel]

For future reference for Brits in Korea (copied from an email I received from the British Council):

First of all, on our understanding the �authenticated� required from the Immigration Office of Korea is a certain type of legalisation called �Apostille�.

British Council has no right to issue the apostille and it is the responsibility of the (Foreign & Commonwealth Office) in the UK.

(Please check the web page http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/what-we-do/services-we-deliver/legal-services/legalisation/ )



And to get an apostille of your degree while you are in Korea, you can apply with a verified copy (signed photocopy of the degree by BC Director) from the British Council Korea.

To apply for this service please check link below and fill the online application and attach a scanned file of your degree as well.

http://www.britishcouncil.org/korea-studyuk-verification.htm

Among the types of document, please check �Official Stamp� (not �Confirmation Letter�) and note your visa reason in the application.

You can also get about general information of the service from the page such as the duration, fee and so on.

[dizzyl]

Hi guys, I recently got a copy of my degree apostilled. Luckily I have a solicitor to hand so had him sign it and posted it off. The FCO did call him though to confirm he had signed it and knew who I was, which must seems odd because if I had walked into a solicitors office he wouldn't have remembered surely?!
But I got it back 2 days later with the apostille attached.

I sent my paperwork to Korea today so can't say if it's been accepted but will let you know in due course!

[plato's republic]

Keep us posted. If the FCO are happy to apostille the document then I really don't see why it would matter to immigration whether it's notarised by a notary public, solicitor, British Council official etc...

[plato's republic]

*Bump*

[jodavid]

Hey guys,
I am in the U.K and have just gone through the process,

I was asked for:

2 sets of University Transcripts (with University stamp over seal)
Original Degree Certificate
A CRB check which i then had apostiled at the FCO (in person)
Passport details
Pictures
Completed medical form
Signed C.V
Signed contract

I sent them to Korea and my visa number came back to me a week later, my passport is now at the embassy in London, who have told me my visa will be with me by Thursday.

PM if u have any questions

[morrisonhotel]

[jodavid]

Sorry folks, i realised i did just get my documents sent off in the nick of time before 1st sept.