Updated May 3rd 2012
All Americans will need to get these documents ready.
* It will take about 3 months to get these documents ready. Please remember the visa process takes 3-4 weeks after you have all of these documents ready.
1. Notarized photocopy of your Bachelor degree with apostille (Do not send a photocopy of either documents. Send originals).
First you will take your original diploma to a notary public or a lawyer. They will give you a notarized photocopy of your original diploma. (This way you don’t have to send your original diploma to Korea in the mail).
Then you will need to get an apostille for your notarized photocopy of your original diploma.
What is an apostille? An apostille allows a documents to be used internationally.
You will need to get an apostille from your STATE. (For the FBI check, you will need a federal apostille. It is not the same place.)
To find your nearest apostille location, click here.
To see a sample of the notarized photocopy of original diploma, click here.
To see a sample of the state apostille, click here.
The state apostill takes about 3 weeks to get.
2. Original FBI criminal record check with apostille (Do not send photocopies of either documents. Send originals).
Step 1. First you will order an FBI criminal record check. To go to the FBI website, click here. You will have to print out these forms: Applicant Information Form, FD-258 Fingerprint Card, Record Request Checklist and any other necessary documents
Step 2. You will need to get your fingerprints done so you will have to find a finger printing agency in your area. Please make sure you get 2 separate cards printed. Sometimes the FBI rejects the prints if they are not clear. It is best to get 2 done and send them both to the FBI.
Step 3. Send all necessary documents to the FBI for the Federal Criminal Background Check by FEDEX. In addition to the necessary documents, please include a memo to the FBI stating: “Please authenticate my criminal background check results by placing the FBI seal and signature of a division official on the results for the purpose of obtaining a Federal Apostille. Thank you.” This memo is very important, without a signature from an FBI official you cannot fulfill Step 4 below.
Once you receive your FBI criminal record check, please make sure there is an there is a signature of an FBI official.
Now you will have to send your FBI criminal record check away to get the apostille.
If you can travel to Washington D.C., go to the U.S. Department of State Authentication Office to have your FBI check apostilled, it can be done the same day.
If you can’t go in person, please contact this company and they will get the apostille for you:
To see a sample of the FBI check, click here.
To see a sample of the FEDERAL apostille, click here.
The federal apostille takes about 3-5 days to get.
3. 2 sets of university transcripts (sealed and stamped in an envelope. Do not open!)
You will order these from your university. What are they? They are your university grades for each course.
4. Health form
Please print and fill out the health form.
5. Consul’s checklist
Please print and fill out the consul’s checklist.
6. Passport photos
Please get 6 passport photos taken professionally.
7. Signed contract
Please have a copy of your signed contract
8. Photocopy of your passport I.D page
Please make a copy of your passport I.D page. It has to be very clear and it is best to do it in colour.