Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ssavage4]

Hi all,
I'm running into some issues with my criminal record check. I had the background check done using the local police, which runs the background check through the national database, CPIC. I had it notarized by the Korean Consulate in Toronto. It specifies CPIC on the CRC, but it does not say "national" or "RCMP" on it.
Turns out that immigration in Korea has a problem with it. They do not think that it is actually national. I've been trying to look into whether there have been any changes, as I've the same CRC process 3 times previously with no issues. I called immigration and they kept asking if it was RCMP. Well... I didn't go through RCMP directly, but it is the RCMP database. Also, another friend told me that she had heard some people discussing a new requirement for Canadians to go through the RCMP directly for their CRC.
Does anyone have any further information on this?!

[cheolsu]

Lots of people on this board have used local checks without issue. I think this might be an unfortunate combination of the sort of check you have and an unsympathetic immigration officer.

[Chet Wautlands]

I just went through this process with a local police check. There were no issues. Seems you got unlucky. Wish you luck!

[ssavage4]

If my visa is denied.. do I need to go through the process all over again? Meaning... do I need all new documents?

[littlelisa]

Two coworkers and I went to immigration on different days. All three of us had national health checks certified by the Korean consulate in Montreal. All three of them said RCMP on them. I got my visa extended, they were told (separately, and from different people) that they needed the RCMP one. Who knows with immigration? I wish they'd be more clear. One told them that the consulate said that these were the requirements, that a local check was fine, and they told them that the consulate was wrong, it was their job to check with immigration, not with the consulate, and it was not immigration's job to update the consulates either.

If you are in Korea, they can give you a 3 month extension until the RCMP check gets here, and if you are in Canada, go to the RCMP and get electronic fingerprints done (it's much faster, but can only be one from in Canada).

[ssavage4]

I just called the RCMP to see how long it would take for a new background check.. and they told me that they cannot do it for me, and that I have to go to my local OPP office as they use the same database. Which... is what I had done in the first place.
This is ridiculous.

[Xylox]

I recently went through this, I used these guys http://www.fingerscan.ca/ and my RCMP check arrived in like 4 days. I was in Toronto at that time.

Total cost was $70, pricey but worth it imo.

[ssavage4]

Interesting... thus far immigration has said that they have a problem, but need to investigate further... that was 5 days ago and I haven't heard anything since... not sure what is taking so long, but I'm hoping I don't have to go through that hassle.

[schwa]

Aware of all the shortcuts & success stories on various threads here, I still opted for the long-haul RCMP fingerprint check as the safest option. I'm glad I did. I have it in hand all completed just this week & I dont have to worry about grumpy immi agents.

[yellowdove]

I used Commissionaires, the one at Markham and Progress, I got my background check back in 2 days, and it was okay. I think I paid like $40 for it.

http://www.commissionaires.ca/national/en/about/great-lakes-division/

This shows all the Commissionaires locations around Toronto. I'm sure if you call the one closest to you, they'll be able to help you.

[Skippy]

[ssavage4]

A week after finding out about this problem... I haven't been updated by the recruiter on what is happening. I received one email late last week saying now we must just wait. Now,when I call he does not answer, when I email he does not respond. Does it really take a week for immigration to decide whether or not to accept a background check? ( Immigration has already had my application since Feb 6th or so I;ve been told... despite the fact that I was supposed to start Feb 1st)
I would be happy to get another background check down through the RCMP is that's whats necessary.. but when the RCMP tell me that it is impossible to do that... it certainly makes me wonder how that could be the requirement, especially when I know the Vancouver consulate won't take background checks from 3rd parties. And without a response from the recruiter, I still don't know if they have approved my background check, or not, or are still deciding.
It makes me not really sure if there really IS an issue with my background check, if the recruiter is just trying to delay matters, or if they just don't want to hire me anymore and are not telling me. If this background check were the only delay I wouldn't question things so much, but considering I was supposed to start 3 weeks ago things are looking sketchy to say the least. There just keeps being delays.
To top it off, my bf was also supposed to start at this school a few weeks after me. He has not yet received his contract (c-4), apparently because of the problems with mine. The recruiter has threatened not to hire him because he thought that he was being rude when he was questioning the delays.
It is not so easy for him to just find another school, as this is one of the English Villages, and his contract is 3 months, and mine 6, as we are both going back to grad school. Him this summer, and me this fall. It makes me nervous to push the recruiter too much, as he is already close to losing the job (if he even has a chance now).
The recruiter works full time at the school, and I believe receives salary as opposed to commission. I worked at this school last summer, and my position has been arranged since October. I know the recruiter, and would not have expected him to give me such a run-around. In fact, I considered him a friend and even can see him on FB chat as my phone calls and emails go unanswered... He is known for being a bit slow and bad at responding to people.. but I would hope he'd at least tell me if he's not going to hire me anymore.
I have actually been offered another 6 month position. The 1st position is still the most ideal as it would give both myself and my bf jobs, but I need to start work asap to make money for school. I understand that I am now tied to this initial school if they approve my visa, at least for 3 months. Considering I have been waiting since Jan for the visa confirmation number... do I really have no options but to wait for a recruiter who is seemingly ignoring me? Should I assume this job will not happen and stop waiting?
If I were to tell the recruiter I'm not taking the job, would he cancel my visa application at immigration? Or would there be the possibility that it would be approved, and then I couldn't take the 2nd job, and also lose out on the 1st?
I would really like to just be able to contact immigration to see what is happening with my visa, but thus far they have told me that only my recruiter or school can receive any information, and I must ask them.
I'm very grateful to anyone who might be able to give any suggestions.
Hope that was enough detail for you Skippy! haha

[kitchenquiet]

From the Vancouver consulate (best of the bunch)
http://can-vancouver.mofat.go.kr/eng/am/can-vancouver/visiting/criminal/index.jsp

Quote:
A certificate from third party agencies (i.e. Commissionaires or Trueheck.ca) is NOT acceptable.


Be careful of "well my cousins friend was able to" situations.
- - - -
I don't know how to properly quote in this forum, I apologize -- so just be aware that my original content is now following:

I agree that one has to be careful with third degree success stories, however, you really CAN go through the Commissionaires; believe me. The reason for this: The Consulate will never know that the Commissionaires were ever involved in the first place! They submit your fingerprints to the RCmP, and the document you receive in the mail has their seal/stamp on it, with no visible trace of any sort of third party company. I just finished the process of obtaining my visa, and can absolutely confirm that the Vancouver consulate will indeed accept this record check. I spoke with the consulate on the phone many times, so I am aware they refuse to deal with anything that the Commissionaires were involved in. I've heard it many, many times. However, when I saw what the document would look like, and it did not mention the Commissionaires in any way, I went through with it -- and of course it successfully passed the Consulate's inspection after all.

I'm sorry, this is unnecessarily longwinded ... I am tired and typing on a telephone. I just really felt like clarifying this point, in the hopes that it might help somebody, because I myself was so incredibly confused and frustrated just a few weeks back.

[kitchenquiet]

Perhaps this is more to the point:

You can safely go through the Commissionaires for your record check, because the document you will receive will be issued by the rcmp, with no visible trace of the Commissionaires. You basically have to think of them as a mere intermediary -- their job ends once your fingerprints reach the rcmp office for processing. All they do is submit your data. They hold no authority beyond that.

[Skippy]

I suspected that's what you where talking about with Commissionaires. So you used them for taking and submitting your fingerprints electronically. Ya that I would think is fine. BUT doing a name check which sometimes is the only option for people overseas is ano-no. In the end using a third party might work, yet prepare yourself for rejection.

Good to here that worked so well for you.