Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Heejin23]

Hello everyone,

I have a question about the FBI background Check. I got my fingerprints done the other day and on the fingerprint card where it says 'Employer & Employer Address', does it have to be the address of an employer in Korea? The guy who did my fingerprints said it has to be an Employer in Korea but what if I dont exactly have one yet? Can I leave it blank without it stopping my background check from being processed or without it being slowed down? Or can I just put my current US employer and their address on it? I really want to get this done so that I dont need to worry about it since I want to start working in Korea as soon as possible.

Also, how long did it take for others to get their check processed? I know the form says it can be up to 5 weeks. Has anyone had their check processed quicker than that? I am just curious because I had an interview with a school and it went really well but the start date is in mid-July so if I get this job, I will definitely need this check done asap.

Would electronic fingerprints be quicker? If so, how would I send them? Do they just print them out for me or do they know where exactly to send them & they will just send them for me? I really have no idea about all this stuff.
Any advice or experience would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[nimrand]

It does not need to be an employer in Korea. Whoever said that is full of crap. I don't remember what I put in that box, but if anything I put mu current, US employer. I'm pretty sure you can leave it blank. To make sure, call the FBI. There's a background check support number where they can answer questions.

I just finished my background check, and I'm sorry to say it took a full 6 weeks. Also, send in more than one card in case they can't get a good enough read on the first one. I made the mistake of sending in only one card done by someone at the police station, and it was rejected when they processed it 5 weeks after I mailed it in. So, I had to start the process all over again (meaning it really took 11 weeks for me). The second time I went into he KBI (Kansas Bureau of Investigation), and had them do two cards for me. They were pros. Even I cold see that the fingerprints were clearer.

Sadly there is NO WAY to expedite the CRC check. You can't submit prints electronically because there's no way to get the response apostilled. It's frustrating as hell. I work on the IT systems involved with background checks in KS, so I know people at the KBI (and my boss knows a few at the FBI), and I'm pretty familiar with how the process works. By needing an apostille, you have to go through their antiquated process, which is why it takes 6 weeks. I had my CRC done electronically by the KBI to renew my clearance to work on a KBI project back in February and had the response back the next day. The FBI didn't even offer background checks with apostilled until a few years ago, so the process has kinda been hacked in to their existing business processes.

Also, when you send in the prints, be sure to include a letter explaining hat you will need the checks apostilled so that they will include the seal and signature needed for the US Department of State to apostille it. Without that, the CRC is useless.

[Heejin23]

Oh I didn't realize there was a number for the FBI that I could call. I will definately do that.

I may go ahead and have my print redone at the sheriffs department (I got them at the City police department the first time). & I'll see which set of prints look clearer since I don't really have time to spare here.

Also, I read that I could take my CRC to DC directly & have it apostilled that day (which I am thinking that this is the route I'm going to end up doing) or have a courier service take it for me which is said to take only about 2 days. Either of these ways sound good compared to the 5 weeks or more for it to be processed in the mail.

Thanks for replying & for all the information!! This is my first time posting on here & I wasn't sure if anyone would respond. haha [/quote]

[nimrand]

Send all the fingerprint cards you have in at once. They'll use whichever one they can read. I'd recommend sending three.

Just to be clear, you can take the background check to DC directly or pay a courrier service, and that will save you time. But, that is after you get the completed background check back from the FBI. It won't save you from that 5-6 week wait, just the 2-4 week wait afterwards that it usually takes to be appostilled.

[Heejin23]

If I send that many cards at once, do I have to pay the $18 to the FBI for each of them or just pay the $18 since they will only use one?

[nimrand]

Just pay the $18 for each copy you want, the number of cards is irrelevant to the cost. I went ahead and ordered multiple copies, in case when one got lost (heaven forbid) or if a job fell through and someone tried to withhold my documents (although this shouldn't happen I you have a signed contract first). That little piece of paper is worth more yuan its weight in gold if you want to teach abroad.

[toby99]

I got my background check back in 4 weeks, and then 1 more week for the apostille, so 5 weeks total. Note that I mailed it to DC. So while it takes some time it definitely doesn't doesn't always take forever. A lot less painful than I expected. I suppose it depends on the time of year, mailing locations, etc. too.

[Heejin23]

[Heejin23]

[nimrand]