A Criminal Background Check also referred to as a Criminal Record Check, is a document used to prove that you have not been convicted of a crime in the past. Korean Immigration requires that expatriates coming to work in South Korea have no criminal background. Those with criminal backgrounds of either felonies or misdemeanors are not eligible to teach English in South Korea.
United States – FBI Identity History Summary Check
In the United States the Identity History Summary Check (previously known as a criminal background check) is handled by the FBI. Korean Immigration does not accept criminal record checks issued by individual states, therefore a federal level check is needed.
Process for US Applicants
Applicants applying for an FBI Criminal Record Check must first go to their local police station and get their fingerprints taken on official finger print paper. After that, applicants will need to submit those fingerprints to the FBI Headquarters in Clarksburg West Virginia along with an application form, payment, and a cover letter explaining that they are applying to teach in South Korea and need the criminal record check for international purposes. The cover letter will allow the section chief that issues the criminal record check to notarize it with their signature.
Applicants will then need to send their CRC for Apostille. Please head over to the Apostille page for more information.
Expedited Service for US Applicants
Applicants applying for an FBI Identity History Summary Check also have the option of using a FBI-approved channeler to obtain their results.
For those applying outside of the US
US citizens who are currently living outside of the US must apply directly to the FBI and not through a separate agency. Please check the FBI official website for a list of FBI international offices where you can apply.
Other Applicants
Applicants applying for an FBI Identity History Summary Check also have the option of using a FBI-approved channeler to obtain their results.
Background Check
Disclosure Scotland or APCS
(Basic Disclosure)
Apostille Agency
Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO)
Background Check
Garda Síochána
Apostille Agency
Department of Foreign Affairs
Background Check
The Australian Federal Police (AFP)
Apostille Agency
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Background Check
Ministry of Justice
Apostille Agency
Department of Internal Affairs
Background Check
South African Police Service (SAPS)
Apostille Agency
Department of International Relations & Cooperation (DIRCO)
This article updated on 1st February 2020
Can the FBI-approved channelers do the live-scan fingerprinting for you or can they only receive the fingerprint sheet from you and forward it to the FBI CJIS Division?
Hi Jia! Some FBI-approved channelers have live-scan locations you can use, but they’re only available in certain areas. Please check with the channeler for more information.
Okay, thanks for answering! I just wanted to make sure the live-scan didn’t HAVE to be done at a police station since mine won’t allow you to simply walk in and get them done.
Hi, Can anyone tell me where to apply for a CRC in England please? I will then send it off to be apostilled. Many thanks!
Hi Charlotte,
In the United Kingdom, the CRC is referred to as a basic disclosure and you can obtain one from Disclosure Scotland. For more information please visit the official site https://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk
I’m a US citizen residing in Canada at the moment now and it seems like FBI approved channelers won’t mail the results to an international address, just US addresses. How can I remedy this problem? Thanks!
Hi Mike,
From what we have heard, is that the FBI has strict requirements for channelers, and one of them is that channeled results cannot be sent to a company or internationally, but must be sent to a residential address. Do you perhaps still have a family member or acquaintance living in the states that could forward you the results?
Hi Stephen,
Unfortunately, my family has moved backed to Korea and don’t know a reliable source in the states that can forward me the results. I was able to get a background check 3 years ago mailed to me in Canada but now it seems rules have changed. Would really like to participate in the teaching program and get over this hurdle. Thanks again!
Hi,
For this portion of the August 2016 application, when would it be recommended to begin the FBI background check done, due to getting a visa issued and such?
Thank you!
Hi Irene,
As a background check is only valid for 6 months, it is best to have one issued no earlier than in April (for a Fall term). Please note that is a recommendation for the “issuance” and not for when to send it off. As the FBI can take 3-4 months to process a background check, we recommend using an channeler service as they are able to issue a background check in about 1 week, making it easier to time correctly.
For more information about a channeling service that Korvia is partnered with, please see this link: https://www.korvia.com/how-to-get-an-fbi-background-check-in-one-week/
Hello,
Do I need to have a criminal background check completed before I do the initial application for the Korvia program?
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Kim
Hi Kimberly,
Korvia is a recruiting agency that helps applicants apply to teaching programs in Korea, and is not itself an employer. To apply to use Korvia as a recruiter, you do not need to have completed a background check at the time of application.
Hey,
What is the benefit of live-scan fingerprinting vs.getting fingerprints done at a police station?
Hi Qianna,
Live-scanning can be sent electronically to certain channelers, whereas getting fingerprints done at a police station is subject to shipping to the channeler or FBI.
Please note that currently the FBI does not accept live-scan printing, and only a few FBI-channelers accept them for FBI background checks.
Hello,
Do I need to have another background check done if I am already in Korea teaching with an E2 visa? I want to apply through Korvia to get an academy job at the end of my current contract, but the application asks me if I have a background check ready. I am under the impression that I would just need to renew my visa and not provide a background check if I switch employers, but I could always be wrong!
Thank you,
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
E2 working visa has two types and you may need another copy of background check if your current E2 visa status is E2-2 however we suggest you to discuss with one of our in-house recruiter who may able to give you better consultation on this delicate matter.
We wish you all the best for your next employment in South Korea.
Hello,
I am having trouble finding a location for live scan fingerprinting in the state of Georgia, I found a location in another state 2hours away. Has anyone submitted the background check from Georgia? I was also asked to bring an ORI number from the agency, are you familiar with this?
Thanks,
Brittney.
Hi Brittney,
Your process can be easier if you will use a channeler service. Please take a look at this.
https://www.korvia.com/faq-items/can-i-use-a-channeler-to-obtain-my-fbi-identity-history-summary-check/
Regards,
As stated on Korvia’s website regarding criminal background checks. South Korean immigration does not accept applicants with criminal backgrounds of either felonies or misdemeanors. My question is what if an applicant from the United States has a misdemeanor that has been dismissed by the court. In other words the applicant was never charged with a crime? Will Korean immigration allow that applicant to teach English in South Korea?
Did anyone ever answer your question? I am wondering the same thing.
Hi Michael and Mina,
Usually, public school program only accepts a criminal background check with clean records only. However, private sector application may result positive if you can submit additional documents to supporting the facts. You can contact the authority and request to remove the record if it is an old misdemeanor.
Hello,
I am currently finishing my Bachelors in Elementary Teaching and will be an official graduate by December. I would like to apply for the GEPIK Spring 2017 Term. Is it too early to apply? and should I begin the process of getting my background check done?
Thank You
Hi Karen,
If you are looking to apply for the Spring 2017 intake, we recommend that you get in touch with us in August 2016. Until then though, we recommend doing all the research you can about teaching English in Korea as well as join Korvia’s EPIK & GEPIK Facebook groups. There, you can ask questions to current teachers as well as those also going through the same process as you. You will also receive the latest updates from Korvia in real-time!
Please do not apply your background check yet because it only valid for 6 month after issuance date.
Regards,
Hi There,
Has the appearance of the Authenticated FBI CRC (The Stamp and Seal from a Division officer) changed in the past two years? I just received my FBI CBC and there is a Seal on the backdrop of the page, not next to the signature at the bottom like it used to be, is this normal? Could you post an example of what the current Stamp and Seal should look like?
Hello, I was just wondering what the procedure is for Australians? Do we simpy apply for a national name and fingerprint check through the Australian/Victoria Federal Police (if you live in Victoria)? https://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=274
Hi Allan,
Please apply your background check at Australia Federal Police (https://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/services/criminal-records/national-police-checks). Hope this information is useful.
Hi, do I need to get a CBC if I have an F visa? specifically, an F-2-7 visa? Thanks
Hi JP,
CBC is required for public school teaching program regardless of visa type. EPIK, GEPIK, GOE and SMOE will request you a CBC.
Hi there, I’m a New Zealander,
Is this the record I need to obtain? https://www.justice.govt.nz/criminal-records/get-your-own/
Cheers
Yes, you need to obtain a background check from the ministry of justice in New Zealand.
Have a great day.
Can’t seem to see the answer, but how would a South African go about getting this?
Hi Hlye,
South African can apply background check at SAPS
Also you need to obtain Apostille stamp on your background check by Department of International Relations & Cooperation (DIRCO)
Have a great day.
Hello,
Would it please be possible to update this page to include the process for Australian, British, New Zealand applicants? It really only seems tailor made for US citizens and many of us are from other countries. It would save you the hassle of having to repeat yourself!
What would the process be for Australia?
Hi Edward,
We are working that and soon we will update your pages for other countries background check. You need to get a background check from AFP (https://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/services/criminal-records/national-police-checks) and you can obtain your apostille from department of foreign affairs and trade (https://smartraveller.gov.au/services/legalising-documents/pages/default.aspx).
Hi, I’m from Australia and I was wondering if the criminal check has to involve finger prints??
You may require having fingerprints for national level of criminal background check.
https://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/services/criminal-records/national-police-checks
Hey Em, I’m from Australia two. I can see on the AFP website for national police checks there’s just the basic National Police Check application and then there’s the fingerprint and National Police Check application, Did you figure out if we required the fingerprint police check? Please and thank you
Hi I was wondering on how to do the apostille process in Tennessee do I just send my background check to a place and then turn it in
Hello, I’m from Georgia and I already sent too the FBI my online request for an Identity History Summary Check, and I had to pay online for that. They’re only waiting for me to send them the fingerprint cards.
Last time I sent ink prints and they were rejected, this time around I would prefer to send electronic copies but cannot seem to find a place to get my fingerprints done digitally. The online request I submitted includes a mailed copy and they said the average wait is 1 to 2 weeks.
What should I do moving forward?
Hello! I was curious about whether there was an expiration or required maximum time frame allowed for background checks. Do they need to be current within a certain number of months?
Hello Audra,
Your background check is only valid for six months. You have to get another background check if you have not applied a working visa within six months after the issuance date.
Regards,
Hello!
If a background check comes back on an applicant and shows that the applicant has an expungment, would that result in a rejected application and no chance of coming to teach English in South Korea?
I just wanted to know if showing that, although, the applicant had made a mistake in their past [during their younger days] but made no more mistakes since the infraction and had done all that they needed to do to try and make their record as clean as they could, are they just dismissed and not considered or given a chance at all?
Any insights whether from Korvia or other applicants, would be greatly appreciated!
Thank You
Hello Deborah,
The public sector in South Korea will not allow any teacher with any history of a background check. However, we can’t get you a better answer until we will review your application.
Thank you.
Hello, I was just wondering if I don’t have a U.S. address anymore, can the Monument Visa Services send it back to me in Seoul? I understand, that I will have to pay extra for the express courier like Fedex or DHL and how much approximately would it cost? On their website it is stated that outside the USA there will be an extra cost, but I guess it depends on the destination country they will be sending it to?
Hello, you don’t need US address if you will obtain FBI PDF result.
1. Apply FBI PDF result
2. Email your PDF to Monument Visa
3. Monument Visa will obtain Apostille and send it to your Korea address
*You need to confirm with Monument visa for the final service fees
Hello,
I am temporarily residing in Korea but need an apostilled FBI criminal background check for a work visa in China. Can I still use this Korvia / Accurate Biometrics / Monument Visa services to get my document to me ASAP in Korea?
You can use Accurate Biometrics and Monument Visa services to obtain your documents. Monument Visa provides China Authentification services too.
You can use Accurate Biometrics and Monument Visa services to get your documents ASAP in Korea.|
Monument Visa is providing Authentification services for Chineses immigration.
https://www.monumentvisa.com/korvia%20china/
[…] You must get a national level criminal record check which shows that you do not have any charges / convictions. To see the specific criminal background check you must get for your country, check this useful guide from Korvia.com. […]
I am currently living in Korea. I have submitted my original copy of notarized police check and diploma to the previous hagwon. After I finished my contract, I asked for those documents back, but they told me that they could not find them. Also because of COVID-19, my university is not fully opened, so they cannot provide me with a physcial copy of diploma. Is there any way that I can retrieve those documents?
Also, is there any way I can apply for EPIK or apply for other hagwons in this situation?
I have been living in the UK for over 5 years now. I know I will need a criminal check for that but I am Australian and I have lived in Korea and Indonesia in the last 10 years. I have criminal checks for the times I was there. Are they okay or will I need updated ones even though I haven’t been back to those places since the original checks?
I recently did the “Korea Police Certificate” and background check for the Canadian Residency Visa. I can help anyone who is outside Korea. Email me on [email protected]
I was arrested for a DUII but the charges were later dropped.. the arrest however still shows up on my background check.. because of the state I live in, I’m not eligible to get the arrest itself removed.. will immigrations deny my application for a work visa for teaching English?
I had an arrest for not paying a speeding ticket on time and after getting arrested paid it the next day. Would this make it impossible to get a e2 visa since I have a misdemeanor for failing to appear.
Hi There!
I have a question about Criminal Record Checks. A lot of topics discuss your own countries CRC, but I am a New Zealander, currently in New Zealand, but I have spent time in the past living in other countries? I have spent 6 months living in the USA and recently finished a 2 year working visa in Canada. Do I need to provide CRCs for these countries as well? In my previous Visa experience this has been the case. Would love to know as these take a long time to coordinate.
Hi! Will I be wasting my time to apply to EPIK if my GPA is much less than 2.5? My overall GPA is around 64%, but my GPA last year and this year is around 70% so I’ve improved my academics by a lot!
For US FBI CBC do they need to be apostilled at the state level or federal level?
Hi!will a non native speaker apply for this and will a final year degree student in this subject apply for this program
Hi,
How long is the criminal record check valid for from the date of issue? Is it three or six months?
The CRC is only valid for up to 6 months for the visa process.
6 months.
I have an arrest on my record but I was not convicted. The allegations were dismissed but the arrest is still on my record. Can I still teach in Korea?
Hi Bee, you must get the arrest cleared from your record if it or you will not be able to get a teaching position in Korea, even if there was no conviction, etc.
Hello – I previously worked in Korea from 2021-2023. I live in the US and am applying for the 2025 Spring semester. Do I need to get a background check for the time I lived in Korea or do I only need the FBI CRC?
Hi Vilma,
The Korean background check is not necessary! You will just need the Apostilled FBI background. Please make sure it has a Federal apostille, not State.
Hello, I had an infraction on my FBI record but it was dismissed. Does this need to be removed?
`Doc
Hello Doc; yes, even if your infraction was dismissed, if it is on the FBI check record, it must be removed or EPIK/hagwons/Korean immigration will not accept you.