E2 Visa Process for Teaching in Korea www.asknow.ca Part 1

[mbrown187]

Hello I'm wondering if I need to get multiple criminal background checks if I want to apply to multiple teaching recruiters, as I have been doing (applying to the various recruiters that is).

[mbrown187]

I have a question about the criminal background check, I've been posting my resume at Daves ESL Cafe and various other sites and have received replies from different recruiters, so if I want to apply with these recruiters, do I need to get multiple copies of the CBC, and should I have a CBC before I even apply? Thanks in advance for  your reply.

[yazin60]

Hello,

You only need one CBC and the earlier you get it, the better. For our company for example, we only start the job matching once all visa docs are in hand. But, you only need to have one and you can send the scan of the CBC to show the recruiters that you do in fact have the required documentation.

[yazin60]

Thanks for the interest in teaching in Korea. We place people in jobs from kindergarten through to adults. The majority of positions are in kindy/Elementary or Elementary/middle school. We'll walk you through all of that once you are ready to come over.

[Karilands]

can I ask about writting curriculum vitae? Is there a sit pattern I need fallow when wirting a CV?

[yazin60]

There are various styles you can use. We have a specific style that we suggest. We send out a sample.

[apaige22]

if you have any diseases or are found to have used drugs...fairly recently is that automatic cancellation of the contract? what if you didnt know you have a disease ....the information on the medical check doesnt have to be intentially wrong to be wrong...please advise.

[yazin60]

This is case by case. We've seen people test positive for certain things but then test again and it was ok. It depends on the school as well. For disease, if you find out you are HIV positive, likely the visa would be cancelled. But, if it's a non-transmittable disease, then it shouldn't be an issue.

[yazin60]

In Seoul, these days they are denying any background check with anything on it. Outlying areas can be more flexible, but it depends. Anything drug or sex related is a no for sure. We've had DUI's go through in some locations, but not all. Case by case.

[kinerry]

What on your background check will disqualify you?

[zimmerface]

Does anyone know where I can get info regarding the U.S.?

[yazin60]

Do you mean for info on getting a visa to work in the U.S. or for info on what is required for Americans to teach in Korea?

[yazin60]

No, the schools aren't even allowed to open your transcripts. They really don't know what your grades are even after the visa is processed.

[yazin60]

No, as long as you passed, that's all that matters.

[yazin60]

Right, well enough to graduate.

[cwadrian]

So I just graduated and the hard copy of my degree won't be available for some months. Does that mean I won't be able to apply for a visa until I can send the hard copy or will transcripts and verification from my university be enough?

[yazin60]

Hi...originally, it was only the hard copy of the degree that was accepted. However, I recently spoke to a colleague who advised she was able to get the visa approved with official verification from the uni. So, it may be possible but in the hundreds of times I've done it, we've always had to wait for the hard copy. Things change though and hopefully you can be on your way sooner than later. Feel free to contact us for any help with getting things moving.

[cwadrian]

Thanks for your quick reply. Do you know why the physical degree is required when my school can verify that I have received my diploma?

[yazin60]

There have been many, many people who have bought fake degrees and transcripts and taught in Korea. This is just one of the ways they are trying to use to prevent that kind of thing from happening. There are a lot of immigration rules that don't always make sense!

[larrydallas187]

Is it recommended to get a TESOL cert. I heard that you can make more money with one but if worth taking the course?

[yazin60]

The TESOL cert doesn't make too much of a difference in pay. For some public schools, it can increase your pay by about $100/month but the course must be at least 100 hours to qualify. It can help, but is definitely not necessary as far as the visa process goes or as far as getting a position goes. There are some good courses, but I don't like the ones that make it seem like you need to take their course in order to teach in Korea. Just not true.

[larrydallas187]

What do they want transcripts for? Does this mean that they would reject you for a certain GPA? Or is it just for assurances?

[yazin60]

No, they won't reject you based on the GPA. They want the sealed transcripts as another step to verify that the applicant has indeed graduated and that it is not a fake diploma that they are sending.

[tamagoten]

can we fold the documents that we send to the consulate, or should they be in legal sized envelopes?

[yazin60]

There shouldn't be a problem with folding, but usually it would be in a legal-sized envelope because you are going to be sending via fedex/DHL. So, in that case, no need to fold, especially if you are sending your original degree. May want to keep that in nice shape if possible in case you ever plan to hang it somewhere.

[chachee99]

All these checks are seriously going to hurt Korea big time.

It's a lot of BS for people to go through.

[yazin60]

Yes, in a way it is definitely making it more difficult to find people. As a company, we've seen it for sure. But, like any change, the hope is that after a while, people will get used to it and it will seem standard. There have been a lot of changes over the years with the rules. It used to be that you didn't need sealed transcripts. It used to be that if you had 2 years of college and a TESOL cert, you could get a position etc...It's a pain, but we're trying to make it understandable.

[marty5371]

It should still be the same: (2 years of college and a TESOL)

[Hero4250]

Exately how long does it take to get visa

[yazin60]

It depends on if the person is ready with the required documents or not. If all docs are prepared, it takes about 20-25 days on average. If the person doesn't have their background check, they have to add that processing time to the overall time too.

[marty5371]

It will, I agree with you.

My former boss has been looking for a teacher for the last six months, and still no teacher. It will get alot worse for all schools in Korea BIG TIME.