Korean Job Discussion Forums

Halcyon Chimera · Joined: 01 May 2011

Hello all! I plan on teaching English in South Korea between June-August of 2012. When should I apply for my CBC? I know I need to apply far in advance to allow for the EXTENSIVE processing time as well as time for it to be apostilled, but I don't want to apply TOO early in lieu of the fact that the CBC has a six-month shelf life. Is that correct? Is the CBC only valid for 6 months? I've heard 6, 12, etc.

Also, is there a definite need to get a copy of my degree apostilled? Is that a gov't requirement or just certain schools require it? I was srewed over once when I sent my original degree (they said it could not be a copy) and due to unforeseen events, I didn't get the job, and they never sent my degree back.....

I just want to make sure I am doing everything I can to prepare for this. I want all paperwork to be in hand on a timely basis. I already have my passport.

young_clinton · Joined: 09 Sep 2009

You are correct on the 6 months. It's 6 months from the date it was issued by the Agency. Soooo look after your CBC say 3.5 months before you start contacting recruiters or if you are using EPIK or GEPIK, probably 4 months before the date that EPIK or GEPIK says you have to submit it by. That should be sufficient time to recieve the notarized CBC and send it off for an Apostille and recieve it back. Make sure you tell the FBI to notarize the CBC (You have to tell them to do it for they won't for some reason).

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

If you are NOT American AND in your home country they apply for your CBC about 6 weeks before you begin your job search. You should be able to get the check done and get an apostille (K-consulate certification for Canadians) on it in less than 6 weeks.

If you are American you will need to plan on 2-3 months to get the check done and another month or 2 for the apostille (if you are doing it by mail).

In all cases he CBC has a shelf life of 6 months from date of issue (not date of application or date of apostille) - meaning it must be 6 calendar months or less when it lands on the desk at immigration. 6-months + 1-day means start again.

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