Do I need to get a criminal record report in South Korea?
why you need a criminal record report and how you can obtain it.
As a native speaker instructor with experience working in Korea
when you need to obtain a criminal record report from a police station in Korea and where you can apply.
You will need to obtain a criminal record report from a Korean police station if you are applying for certain types of visas or engaging in specific activities that require it. Here are some common situations where you may need to provide a criminal record report:
E-2 Visa Application: If you are applying for an E-2 visa to work as an English teacher in Korea, you will typically need to submit a criminal record report. This report is required to ensure the safety of students.
Change of Employment: If you are already working in Korea on an E-2 visa and you plan to change your employer, you may be required to provide a new criminal record report as part of the visa transfer process.
Other Visa Types: Some other visa types, such as the E-1 (Professor), E-3 (Researcher), and E-4 (Professional) visas, may also require a criminal record report. The specific requirements can vary depending on the visa type and the circumstances.
To obtain a criminal record report from a police station in Korea, you can follow these steps:
Visit the Local Police Station: Go to the local police station that has jurisdiction over your area of residence in Korea.
Request a Criminal Record Report: Inform the police officer that you need a criminal record report for visa or employment purposes. They will provide you with the necessary application form.
Submit Required Documents: Fill out the application form and submit any supporting documents that may be required. This can include your passport, Alien Registration Card (ARC), a document from a company that you will work with, and any other identification documents specified by the police station.
Pay the Fee: There may be a fee associated with obtaining the criminal record report. The fee amount can vary depending on the police station.
Processing Time: The processing time for the criminal record report can vary, but it typically takes a few days to a week. The police station will provide you with the expected timeline.
Once your criminal record report is ready, you can collect it from the police station. Make sure to keep the original document as you may need to submit it to the immigration office or your employer.
It's important to note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary, so it's advisable to contact the Korean immigration office or consult with a legal professional for the most accurate and up-to-date information based on your individual circumstances.