The following are the procedures for obtaining the required criminal background check needed for applying for an E2 visa in Korea. Please read the instructions carefully and thoroughly. In any case, we recommend calling your local Korean Embassy or consulate to double check on the current procedure for this. This requirement is new and is subject to change without notice. If you happen to find new information on the subject, we would appreciate it if you'd let us know so we can confirm the information and update our files. To notify us of any changes, send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Revised: As of January 1, 2011

A Criminal background check can be done only through the FBI (National Clearance). This check MUST be notarised by a notary public, and then authenticated with an apostille. Criminal background checks can NOT be performed at an embassy. We've placed a link to find your State Department Apostille Locations at the bottom.

* NOTE - The processing times can vary, depending on how busy the Bureau is, to process a criminal background check. We highly recommend that even if you are still job searching, you should get started on this right away. Korean Immigration accepts the CBC for up to 6 months from the date of issue so having it, and your other documents, ready in advance is a definite advantage to you. The entire process for obtaining an E2 visa takes about a month to complete and any delays could result in lost job opportunities and extra expenses for both you and your potential employer.

FBI: Certified Criminal History Record (CCHR - National Clearance Only) - You must request the they include a "Name Background and Fingerprint Search" in the check.

* This check doesn't have to be done in person and can be done from Korea. The FBI recommends contacting them directly before proceeding to make sure the procedure is followed correctly. We also recommend that you contact the U.S. Embassy in Korea to ensure that this procedure is still available from abroad. The links to their sites are provided below.

1. Go to a police department near you to have your fingerprints done (call first to be sure they are equipped to do the fingerprinting. Bring photo ID and the $18 fee. *If applying from Korea, you can obtain the fingerprint card from the U.S. Embassy in Seoul or download the fingerprint card here. You can get your fingerprints done at a local police department in Korea. It is advised to take someone with you that speaks fluent Korean! Knowing how to say "Hello", "Thank you", and "One beer, please" just won't cut it.
2. Express mail  your cover letter and fingerprint card to: FBI CJIS Division - Record Request, 1000 Custer Hollow Rd., Clarksburd, West Virginia 26306, along with photocopies of 2 pieces of ID. The process can take up to 8 weeks!
3. Once you've received the CHR, you must then send it to the state department (the U.S. state where the criminal report took place) to have it certified with an apostille. See the link at the bottom of the page for state department info and locations. (approx. time to complete this procedure is 5-7 days)

* You must provide a self-addressed, return envelope with postage prepaid, included with your documents when sending them, so that once the procedure is completed, your documents can be mailed back to you using the envelope you've provided (Registered mail, Fed Ex, DHL, UPS, etc.). Otherwise the documents will be sent to you by regular post which could add 3-4 weeks to the mailing time (more when mailing from Korea - to/from Korea send via FedEx/DHL only).

Resources/Links

American Embassy - Seoul, South Korea: seoul.usembassy.gov/ (From Korea - outside of Seoul or from a mobile phone) 02-397-4114  (From Seoul) 397-4114  (From the U.S.) 011-(82) 2-397-4114

Click here for a list of Korean Embassies in the U.S.

FBI: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/background-checks

State Dept. Apostille locations and contact information for U.S. citizens:  http://www.apostilleinfo.com/usa.htm