Applying to teach in Korea requires certain official documents, such as your apostilled FBI Criminal Background Check 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, whether you are in the U.S. or overseas.
Steps to Get an Apostilled FBI Criminal Record Check
FBI criminal background checks require a national-level apostille issued by the U.S. Department of State.
To obtain an apostilled FBI background check, there are four main steps:
- Request Your FBI Criminal Record Check
- Complete a Fingerprint Card
- Obtain Your FBI Criminal Background Check
- Apostille Your FBI Background Check
1. Request for Your FBI Criminal Record Check
Option 1. Apply Directly through the FBI
- Complete a request for "Obtaining Your Identity History Summary" in the FBI website
Option 2. Use an FBI-Approved Channeler (RECOMMENDED)
- Channelers, such as Monument Visa, can process your request faster
- Complete an order form
2. Get your Fingerprints Card (In-Country)
1. See the nearest USPS office that offers "Fingerprint Services"
2. Call or mail the office to schedule a time for you to get your fingerprints scanned
| Note: Your fingerprints should be placed on a standard fingerprint form (FD-1164) and MUST BE LEGIBLE. |
Get your Fingerprints Card (Overseas)
If you are in a foreign country, most local police stations provide fingerprinting services.
- Your fingerprints must be taken on the official FBI fingerprint card titled “Identity History Summary Request (FD-1164)
| Note: Your fingerprints should be placed on a standard fingerprint form (FD-1164) and MUST BE LEGIBLE. |
3. Obtain Your FBI Criminal Background Check
Once you have your fingerprints, you can proceed with payment.
Option 1. Directly through the FBI
- In-country: Send your fingerprint card
- Overseas: Send your fingerprint card, along with a copy of the confirmation e-mail that you received when you submitted your request
- Cost: 18 USD
- Processing Time (Online): Approximately 15 days
Option 2. Using an FBI-Approved Channeler (RECOMMENDED)
- Mail the inked fingerprint card to channelers, such as Monument Visa, and they can process your request and email a digital copy (PDF) to you
- Cost: 100 USD
- Processing Time (Online): 2 days
4. Apostille Your FBI Background Check
Once you receive your FBI Criminal Record Check, you must get a federal or national-level apositlle.
Option 1. Directly through the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications
- Cost: 20 USD
- Processing Time (Online): 5+ weeks
Option 2. Using an FBI-Approved Channeler (RECOMMENDED)
Channelers, such as Monument Visa, can process your request and email an FBI Apostille faster.
- Cost: 75 - 125 USD
- Processing Time (Online): 10 business days (Expedited)
Steps to Get a Notarized and Apostilled Bachelor's Degree
Unlike the FBI Background Check. Your university diploma does not have to have a national-level apostille and can be apostilled by your state's Secretary of State (state and national-level apostilles are both accepted).
To obtain a notarized and apostilled Bachelor's degree, there are two main steps:
- Get a Certified Copy of Your Original Diploma
- Notarized by the State or National-Level
- 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 the state. Your diploma should have a notary stamp or seal if it's properly notarized.
Option 2: Notarize a Photocopy through a Channeler
Some universities may refuse to issue duplicate diplomas and may only offer a replacement diploma. In this case, you must photocopy your diploma and get it notarized either at the state or federal level through a channeler, such as Monument Visa.
National-level Notary 
2. Apostille a Copy of Your Diploma
Option 1: Get a State Apostille through Your University
Some universities may provide an apostille service. See if your school can forward the notarized copy of your diploma to get it apostilled by the state.
Option 2: Get a National or State Apostille through a Channeler
Send a notarized copy of your diploma and get a state or national-level apostille through a channeler, such as Monument Visa.
State-level Apostille 
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 channeler, such as Monument Visa, 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.S. university but am not a U.S. citizen. Do I need to apostille or notarize my diploma in the States?
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Yes. Even if you are not a U.S. citizen, documents issued by a U.S. school must be notarized and apostilled in the state or at the national level in the U.S. 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 (Foreign Language Instructor) visa, a teaching certificate is not required. |
Not from the U.S.? 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.