Korean Job Discussion Forums

Kenny Kimchee · Joined: 12 May 2003

Hi guys,

Quick transcript question:

I attended two schools in undergrad; did my first two years at Georgia State and then transferred and graduated from the University of Washington. Do I need transcripts from both schools or just the one I graduated from? Thanks.

NearlyKorean · Joined: 15 Mar 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

I've always gotten by with just the school I graduated from. (I don't think anyone really looks at the contents of the transcript, especially since people were getting by with phoney diplomas.)

jlb · Joined: 18 Sep 2003

I just got a new visa and I'm in the same situation. You only need the transcripts of the school you graduated from. I'd assume immi. wouldn't even look that closely anyway to see if you have transfer credits or not.

heydelores · Joined: 24 Apr 2006

I've received two visas now and only needed a transcript from my final school that issued the diploma.

Kenny Kimchee · Joined: 12 May 2003

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the helpful replies. I have one more question (this one is a little more complicated):

I just graduated with a Master's TESOL from Indiana University (yay for me). My degree will be conferred on June 30th, but I won't receive the actual physical diploma until August or September of this year (the Wheels of Bureaucracy - oh how slowly they turn!). However, on June 30th I can get an official transcript showing that I have completed my degree program and have graduated.

My question:

Should I even bother with getting my graduate school transcripts if I don't have the physical diploma yet? Will immigration reject graduate school transcripts if I don't have the diploma? My guess is yes.

I think my best course of action is to get my undergraduate transcripts and certified diploma for immigration purposes and get my graduate school transcripts for negotiation purposes with potential employers. What do you think? I welcome all comments and suggestions.

dzeisons · Joined: 14 Oct 2004

I was in the same boat as you a few years ago. I had graduated, received transcripts for my Master's but still hadn't received my actual degree i.e. piece of paper. I just used my Bachelor's to get my visa and didn't have any problems (after I had signed a contract).

A lot of the jobs I applied for were really anal about me not having my actual Master's degree although I had explained the situation clearly in the cover letter. I'm sure a few places didn't look at me because I didn't have MAster's in hand and I even got a few emails from prospective employers (Korean 'professors') asking over and over why I didn't have the piece of paper. This was around the time that bloke got busted for having a fake Ph.D so employers may not be so suspicious now.

So basically you'll be fine getting your E-2 but you may encounter some sceptical empoyers. You should get your Master's transcripts and send them along with your job applications and just explain the situation clearly in the cover letter. I ended up getting a pretty good job and I have a feeling the employers who couldn't grasp the fact that I hadn't actually received my degree probably wouldn't be the most understanding to work for.

Cheers.