The process, cost, and length of time to obtain a criminal background check varies depending on your home country. Please plan to do this as soon as possible to avoid delays in the visa application process. Because the process can be rather tedious and complicated, please contact us so we can help you complete this as efficiently with as little stress as possible.

U.S.A. applicants:

Depending on which state you are a resident of, you may be able to go to your local police station and request a criminal background check.

However, if this is not possible, then the U.S. Department of Justice permits each individual access to his or her own criminal background check for personal or visa/immigration use. To receive a copy, you must first have your fingerprints taken (LiveScan is a common method) and then submit a form to the D.O.J.

If you request a criminal background check from the D.O.J. and it is printed and signed by a state official, it is not necessary to notarize the document—you can have it apostilled at the Secretary of State, Federal Court, or local State Office directly.

If you request a criminal background check from the D.O.J. and it is not signed by an official, then you must first get it notarized, verified, and then apostilled at the Secretary of State, Federal Court, or local State Office directly.

If you receive a criminal background check from a private company, then you must get it notarized, verified, and then apostilled at the Secretary of State, Federal Court, or local State Office directly.

Canadian applicants:

You can obtain a police background check which must  include vulnerable sector screening from your local police station; afterward, it must be notarized by notary public first and then notarized again at your local Korean consulate. (Please follow the order as specified)

U.K. applicants:

You need to obtain either the Basic Disclosure Check or the Subject Access Check, have it notarized, and then get it apostilled at the Home Office.