Applying to teach in Korea requires certain official documents, such as your apostilled DBS Criminal Record Check (CRC) and your notarized and apostilled Bachelor’s Degree. These processes verify that your documents are authentic and accepted by Korean schools and immigration authorities.
In this guide, we break down the process to get your documents in the U.K. or Northern Ireland.
Steps to Get an Apostilled DBS Criminal Record Check (CRC)
DBS criminal background check by the Disclosure and Barring Service requires a national-level apostille from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). ACRO background checks will NOT be accepted.
To obtain an apostilled DBS Criminal Record Check, there are two main steps:
- Request Your DBS Criminal Record Check
- Apostille Your DBS Criminal Record Check
1. Request for Your DBS Criminal Record Check
Request a basic DBS check (for "unspent convictions and conditional cautions") from the UK Home Office (GOV.UK).
Cost: £21.50
Service Hours: 8:00 AM - 11:30 PM (GMT)
Processing Time: 3 days (mailed to your UK address)
2. Apostille Your DBS Criminal Record Check
Once you receive your DBS Criminal Record Check, you must get your document legalized (apostilled).
Option 1. Directly through the Legalisation Office
Price for standard (paper-based)
- Cost: £45 (plus courier or postage costs)
- Processing Time: 15 working days, plus courier postage time
Option 2. Use a Notary Public
Notary publics can process your request and send your apostille DBS Criminal Record Check faster, but it may be more expensive.
Steps to Get a Notarized and Apostilled Bachelor's Degree
You must submit a notarized copy of your Bachelor’s degree before it can be apostilled by the Legalisation Office or through a Notary Public.
To obtain a notarized and apostilled Bachelor's degree, there are two main steps:
- Get a Certified Copy of Your Degree Certificate
- Certified by an FCDO-registered solicitor or notary
- Apostille a Copy of Your Diploma
1. Get a Certified Copy of Your Original Diploma
Option 1: Get a Certified Copy from the University
You can ask for a certified copy of your degree from your university, which means the university will notarize a copy of your diploma through a UK practicing solicitor or notary public. Check to see if your copy is signed, dated, and certified by a notary public.
Option 2: Notarize a Photocopy through a Notary Public
Notary publics can process your request and verify and certify your document through an FCDO-registered solicitor or notary.
2. Apostille a Copy of Your Diploma
Option 1. Get an Apostille Directly through the Legalisation Office
Price for standard (paper-based)
- Cost: £45 (plus courier or postage costs)
- Processing Time: 15 working days, plus courier postage time
Option 2. Use a Notary Public
Notary publics can process your request and send your apostille DBS Criminal Record Check faster, but it may be more expensive.
FAQ
Q: How long does the entire process take?
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It depends on which methods you choose to notarize and apostille your documents. Although it is more expensive, we recommend using a notary public to expedite the process.
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Q: Can I send the original diploma?
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In theory, you can, but we do not recommend it. You will not receive the diploma back once you send it to your school. Always use a copy of your Bachelor's degree. |
Q: I graduated from a U.K. university but am not a U.K. citizen. Do I need to apostille or notarize my diploma in the U.K.?
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Yes. Even if you are not a U.K. citizen, documents issued by a U.K. school must be notarized and apostilled in the U.K. to be recognized abroad. |
Q: I have a Master's degree. Do I also need to get it notarized and apostilled?
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Unless requested by the school, you do not have to get your Master's degree notarized and apostilled. A Bachelor's degree will suffice if it was issued within one of the seven designated native English-speaking countries (the U.S., U.K., Canada, South Africa, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand). |
Q: I have a teaching certificate (TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, etc.). Do I also need to get it notarized and apostilled?
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Unless requested by the school, you do not. For an E-2-1 visa, a teaching certificate is not required. |
Not from the U.K.? Find out how to apostille and notarize your documents
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As former native English teachers in Korea, we know exactly what it’s like to navigate teaching abroad. That’s why we’re committed to increasing transparency in schools and improving Korea’s ESL teaching industry. At Embark Recruiting, we provide full support to help you succeed. Our blogs offer guidance, tips, and insider knowledge for teaching in Korea.