The new E-2 Visa regulations about extension announced by the Korean Immigration Office on December 14, 2007 states that the Criminal Background Check will be required from March 15th 2008.
In order to extend an E-2 Visa (and Alien Registration Card), the following needs to be done.
When to apply
Your Alien Registrations Card must have less than two months left until the expiration date
What to do before extending
The teacher needs to apply for the Criminal Background Check Record in advance and have the document ready. The time requied in receiving a Criminal Background Check Record varies from country to country. The Criminal Record notarized by either the Korean Consulate (Canadian citizens) or the Apostille (all other citizens) needs to have obtained within the past 90 days. Therefore, too early application will not work.
How to get the Criminal Background Check done (teachers in Korea)
Apply through your Embassy.
USA Citizens
http://travel.state.gov/law/info/info_612.html
Canadian Citizens
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/security/police-cert/intro.asp
British Citizens
http://ukinkorea.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-korea/general-advice/teaching-english-in-korea
Irish Citizens
http://www.irelandhouse-korea.com/home/index.aspx?id=44483
Australian Citizens
http://www.southkorea.embassy.gov.au/seol/Clearance.html
New Zealand Citizens
http://www.nzembassy.com/home.cfm?c=8&l=39&CFID=535151&CFTOKEN=54180097
South African Citizens
http://www.southafrica-embassy.or.kr/eng/forsa/consular_8.php
