Last time, I mentioned that you needed to get your FBI background check done, and get it done asap. When I sent in my paperwork, I got it back eight weeks later. As soon as I got it back, I had to send it out again to get the FEDERAL APOSTILLE. The FEDERAL APOSTILE should not be confused with the APOSTILE FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE. But, even before I dive into the differences between the two, I will venture to explain what an APOSTILLE is.
In 1961, Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents decided that simply having your paperwork was too easy. That in order for a paper to be recognized among certain nations (Korea, North America, Canada, Australia, etc) you had to get an internationaly recognized notorization on your document. Enter the APOSTILLE. It's a rather lengthy process to get this very coveted stamp, but once you have it, you will have it on that document forever.
Now, I will venture forth to explain the two different types as best I can. When I sent in the form to get by FBI Background check, I made a note that: "Please authenticate my criminal background check results by placing the FBI seal and the signature of a division official on the results for the purpose of obtaining a Federal Apostille. Thank you." They did just that, and I was more than happy when I got it back. After I got my FBI Background check back, I knew that I had to send it out straight away, and get the bigger, badder, Apostile from the Federal Government. I admit that I took the quick way out and sent it to a service. I'm sorry. I'm not that great with paperwork, and I didn't want to go through all the other hastles of waiting three months to get it back. So, I waited one week, and got it done. There are several services that you can use out there. I used http://www.usauthentication.com/. It was worth the $55, plus the shipping to and from the company to get it all done. Trust me.
The State Apostille involved a lot more footwork to get done. But, here are the steps:
1. Make Photocopies of your degree. (free... they now know me at the copy shop around the corner)
2. Have the photocopies notorized at a local notory. I happen to have AAA, so I got it done there. (free, because my Mom's a member of one of the higher circles)
3. Take the notorized copies over to your local Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk so that the notorized copies are recognized by your county as being authentic. ($10)
4. Take that entire stack of papers, which should be stapled together, to your Secretary of State office, and have them put the apostile stamp on top of all the other papers. ($26)
If you live close enough to everything, you can get it done in a day. I am rather thankful that I live near Los Angeles, and was very much able to get it all done and still had time to do laundry that evening.
Meanwhile...
I was getting more and more interviews over the phone, and finally landed a job. They sent me a contract, ergo, more paperwork.
I read the contract, saw that it was good, and signed it. I got the FBI Background check back with the apostille, and already had my degree. I should also note the other paperwork that you will need...
1. 3 or 4 recently taken passport photos. Just get the extras when you get your passport photo taken. It's cheaper.
2. The original contract, signed.
3. Copy of your Passport Page.
4. The Apostile of your Bachelors Degree
5. Recent Resume
6. E2 Applicant Health Statement
7. Korean Consul's Checklist for E2 Visa
8. Criminal Background Check
Some jobs will ask for more than this, especially public schools. You might even need official copies of your transcrips, but that'll be phase 2 for getting the E2 Visa to work abroad.
If you have any questions or comments, just post them below. I'm hoping that this will help you get the job you want/need. Up next... Where On Earth is Okcheon?
In 1961, Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents decided that simply having your paperwork was too easy. That in order for a paper to be recognized among certain nations (Korea, North America, Canada, Australia, etc) you had to get an internationaly recognized notorization on your document. Enter the APOSTILLE. It's a rather lengthy process to get this very coveted stamp, but once you have it, you will have it on that document forever.
Now, I will venture forth to explain the two different types as best I can. When I sent in the form to get by FBI Background check, I made a note that: "Please authenticate my criminal background check results by placing the FBI seal and the signature of a division official on the results for the purpose of obtaining a Federal Apostille. Thank you." They did just that, and I was more than happy when I got it back. After I got my FBI Background check back, I knew that I had to send it out straight away, and get the bigger, badder, Apostile from the Federal Government. I admit that I took the quick way out and sent it to a service. I'm sorry. I'm not that great with paperwork, and I didn't want to go through all the other hastles of waiting three months to get it back. So, I waited one week, and got it done. There are several services that you can use out there. I used http://www.usauthentication.com/. It was worth the $55, plus the shipping to and from the company to get it all done. Trust me.
The State Apostille involved a lot more footwork to get done. But, here are the steps:
1. Make Photocopies of your degree. (free... they now know me at the copy shop around the corner)
2. Have the photocopies notorized at a local notory. I happen to have AAA, so I got it done there. (free, because my Mom's a member of one of the higher circles)
3. Take the notorized copies over to your local Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk so that the notorized copies are recognized by your county as being authentic. ($10)
4. Take that entire stack of papers, which should be stapled together, to your Secretary of State office, and have them put the apostile stamp on top of all the other papers. ($26)
If you live close enough to everything, you can get it done in a day. I am rather thankful that I live near Los Angeles, and was very much able to get it all done and still had time to do laundry that evening.
Meanwhile...
I was getting more and more interviews over the phone, and finally landed a job. They sent me a contract, ergo, more paperwork.
I read the contract, saw that it was good, and signed it. I got the FBI Background check back with the apostille, and already had my degree. I should also note the other paperwork that you will need...
1. 3 or 4 recently taken passport photos. Just get the extras when you get your passport photo taken. It's cheaper.
2. The original contract, signed.
3. Copy of your Passport Page.
4. The Apostile of your Bachelors Degree
5. Recent Resume
6. E2 Applicant Health Statement
7. Korean Consul's Checklist for E2 Visa
8. Criminal Background Check
Some jobs will ask for more than this, especially public schools. You might even need official copies of your transcrips, but that'll be phase 2 for getting the E2 Visa to work abroad.
If you have any questions or comments, just post them below. I'm hoping that this will help you get the job you want/need. Up next... Where On Earth is Okcheon?
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