Criminal Background Check — Country Guide
The national-level Criminal Record Check required for every EPIK applicant and the Korean E-2 visa. Step-by-step instructions for the 7 EPIK-eligible countries — issuing authority, apostille path, processing time, and the 6-month validity window.
7
EPIK-Eligible Countries
6 Mo
CRC Validity
2–20 wk
CRC Processing Range
Apostille
Required (Hague)
A Criminal Background Check (also called a Criminal Record Check, or CRC) is a document used to prove you have not been convicted of a crime. Korean Immigration requires that expatriates coming to work in South Korea have no criminal background — applicants with felony or misdemeanor convictions are not eligible to teach English in South Korea. This guide covers the national-level CRC and apostille path for every EPIK-eligible country, along with the strict 6-month validity rule for the E-2 visa.Source: Korean Immigration (Ministry of Justice) + official EPIK 2026 document requirements. Last updated: 2026.
CRC + Apostille by Country
Each EPIK-eligible country has its own issuing authority and apostille path. Use the card for your country of citizenship — processing times assume standard service unless premium options are available.
United States
Hague ApostilleFBI Identity History Summary Check
Processing Time
2–6 weeks (Channeler) · 12–16 weeks (direct FBI)
Approximate Cost
USD $18 (FBI) + $8 (State Dept apostille) + $35–$85 (Channeler, optional)
How to Apply
- ✓Previously known as a criminal background check — now called the Identity History Summary Check
- ✓Korean Immigration does NOT accept state-level checks — a federal (FBI) check is required
- ✓Submit fingerprints via an FBI-approved Channeler for fastest turnaround (recommended)
- ✓US citizens living OUTSIDE the US must apply directly to the FBI, not through a separate agency
- ✓After receiving the FBI CRC, mail it to the US Department of State for federal apostille
Key Notes
- • Channelers (e.g., Accurate Biometrics) return digital + physical copies in ~1 week
- • Mailed requests to the FBI can take 12–16 weeks — plan accordingly
- • US citizens abroad: submit via the FBI international offices (see FBI official website)
Canada
Hague ApostilleRCMP Certified Criminal Record Check
Apostille Authority
Global Affairs Canada (Authentication) + Korean Consulate (Legalization)
Official site ›Processing Time
2–4 weeks (RCMP fingerprints) + 4–6 weeks (GAC authentication) + 1–2 weeks (Korean consulate)
Approximate Cost
CAD $25–$75 (RCMP/accredited agency) + Free (GAC) + CAD $10 (Korean consulate legalization)
How to Apply
- ✓As of January 11, 2024, Canada IS a member of the Hague Apostille Convention — apostilles now issued by Global Affairs Canada
- ✓Submit fingerprints to an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agency (e.g., Commissionaires)
- ✓Request the certified RCMP check with fingerprints — name-based checks are NOT accepted by Korean Immigration
- ✓Send the RCMP CRC to Global Affairs Canada (GAC) in Ottawa for apostille
- ✓Note: some older guidance still references consular legalization — the apostille path is now the standard post-2024
Key Notes
- • Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention in January 2024 — apostille replaced the old authentication + legalization process
- • Provincial police checks are NOT accepted — only the RCMP federal certified check
- • Allow 6–10 weeks total, but plan for 12+ weeks if applying from a remote area
United Kingdom
Hague ApostilleACRO Police Certificate (or Disclosure Scotland Basic Disclosure)
Issuing Authority
ACRO Criminal Records Office (England/Wales/NI) · Disclosure Scotland (Scotland)
Official site ›Processing Time
2 weeks (ACRO standard) + 2 working days (FCDO standard apostille, premium available)
Approximate Cost
GBP £55 (ACRO Police Certificate) + £30 (FCDO apostille)
How to Apply
- ✓Applicants from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland use ACRO (Police Certificate or Basic Disclosure)
- ✓Applicants from Scotland use Disclosure Scotland (Basic Disclosure)
- ✓Submit the application online via ACRO or Disclosure Scotland
- ✓Send the issued police certificate to the FCDO Legalisation Office for apostille
- ✓Use the premium FCDO service if you're tight on the 6-month validity window
Key Notes
- • ACRO Police Certificate is the most common route for EPIK applicants
- • Disclosure Scotland Basic Disclosure is the Scottish equivalent — accepted by Korean Immigration
- • FCDO premium next-day service costs more but can save weeks
Ireland
Hague ApostilleGarda Síochána Police Certificate
Processing Time
4–6 weeks (Garda Police Certificate) + 1–3 weeks (DFA apostille)
Approximate Cost
Free (Garda Police Certificate) + EUR €40 (DFA apostille)
How to Apply
- ✓Irish applicants request the Police Certificate directly from An Garda Síochána (vetting.garda.ie)
- ✓Allow 4–6 weeks for Garda processing — this is often the longest step for Irish applicants
- ✓Send the issued Police Certificate to the DFA Legalisation Office for apostille
- ✓Two options: walk-in (Dublin) or postal — postal adds 1–2 weeks
Key Notes
- • Irish Police Certificates are free to obtain — only the DFA apostille carries a fee
- • DFA also provides consular legalization for non-Hague destinations — but Korea only needs the apostille
Australia
Hague ApostilleAFP National Police Check
Processing Time
10–15 business days (AFP standard) + 1–2 weeks (DFAT apostille)
Approximate Cost
AUD $42 (AFP National Police Check) + AUD $93 (DFAT apostille)
How to Apply
- ✓Submit the AFP National Police Check online — select 'Employment, purpose, or licensing' code
- ✓State police checks are NOT accepted by Korean Immigration — a federal AFP check is required
- ✓Once issued, send the AFP check to DFAT for apostille (postal or in-person at a DFAT office)
- ✓DFAT offices operate in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth
Key Notes
- • AFP National Police Check is the federal equivalent — do not submit state-level checks
- • DFAT recommends in-person submission for fastest apostille turnaround
New Zealand
Hague ApostilleMinistry of Justice Criminal Record Check
Processing Time
20 working days (MoJ standard) + 3–5 working days (DIA apostille)
Approximate Cost
Free (MoJ Criminal Record Check) + NZD $45 (DIA apostille)
How to Apply
- ✓Apply online through the NZ Ministry of Justice portal
- ✓Request the 'own information' criminal record check — free of charge for personal use
- ✓Send the issued record to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) for apostille
- ✓DIA offers both postal and in-person apostille options — in-person is fastest
Key Notes
- • NZ MoJ criminal record checks are free to obtain — only the DIA apostille carries a fee
- • The 20 working day processing can be longer during peak seasons — apply early
South Africa
Hague ApostilleSAPS Police Clearance Certificate
Processing Time
14–20 weeks (SAPS standard — can be longer) + 4–6 weeks (DIRCO apostille)
Approximate Cost
ZAR R150 (SAPS) + Free (DIRCO apostille)
How to Apply
- ✓Submit fingerprints at a SAPS station or an accredited agency (e.g., IAS, EMPS)
- ✓Using an accredited agency can significantly shorten the wait (4–8 weeks vs. 14–20 weeks)
- ✓Once received, submit the Police Clearance Certificate to DIRCO for apostille
- ✓South African EPIK applicants must ALSO provide proof-of-English-schooling letters (Grades 7–12)
Key Notes
- • SAPS Police Clearance Certificates are the longest-running CRC globally — START EARLY
- • Accredited agencies like IAS (Integrated Applicant Services) can speed up processing significantly
- • South African applicants should also prepare proof-of-English-medium-education letters for EPIK
The 5-Step CRC Journey
From ordering the national-level check to shipping it with your EPIK final document packet.
Order Your National-Level CRC
Submit fingerprints (or an online request where applicable) to your country's national criminal records authority. State, provincial, or local checks are NOT accepted by Korean Immigration. For most applicants, this is the longest step — start the moment you pass your EPIK interview.
Receive the CRC
Delivery times range from 2 weeks (US Channeler, UK ACRO) to 14–20 weeks (South Africa SAPS). Double-check that every name field and date of birth exactly matches your passport before moving to the apostille step — mismatches will be rejected at the visa interview.
Apostille (or Authenticate + Legalize for Non-Hague)
Send the physical CRC to your country's apostille authority (US Dept of State, UK FCDO, Australia DFAT, etc.). For the small number of countries still outside the Hague Convention, the path is authentication by your country's foreign ministry + legalization at the Korean consulate.
Photocopy Before Submission
Once the apostilled CRC is back in your hands, make multiple photocopies. The Korean consulate may request a photocopy during your E-2 visa interview, and you'll want a backup copy at home for your own records.
Submit with EPIK Final Documents Packet
Ship the original apostilled CRC (plus the diploma apostille, sealed transcripts, letters of recommendation, and passport copy) to Korvia for review. Korvia pre-checks everything before forwarding the packet to EPIK Headquarters.
Apostille vs. Notarization — What Korea Accepts
An apostille is an international certification under the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention that verifies a public document (like your CRC or diploma) is authentic for use in another Hague signatory country. South Korea joined the Convention in 2007, so Korean Immigration accepts apostilles as proof of document authenticity for E-2 visa applications.
An apostille is NOT the same as notarization. A notary public confirms that a signature is real — but that's not enough for Korean Immigration. Only an apostille, issued by your country's designated apostille authority (listed in each country card above), is accepted.
Hague Countries
USA, Canada (as of Jan 2024), UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa — all 7 EPIK-eligible countries are now Hague signatories. The apostille is the correct path for every EPIK applicant.
Non-Hague Countries
For countries still outside the Convention, the process is authentication by the country's foreign ministry + legalization at the Korean consulate. This does not apply to current EPIK applicants.
6-Month Validity — Korea's Strictest Rule
Korean Immigration only accepts Criminal Record Checks dated within 6 months of your E-2 visa application. This is the most common reason EPIK placements get delayed by a full intake cycle.
- ✓The 6-month clock starts from the issue date printed on the CRC — not the apostille date.
- ✓Don't request the CRC too early — if it's over 6 months old at the visa interview, you'll need to re-order AND re-apostille.
- ✓Korvia's target: issue date 2–3 months before departure, apostille completed 1–2 months before departure.
Avoid These CRC Mistakes
6-Month Validity — Strict
Korean Immigration only accepts CRCs dated within 6 months of your E-2 visa application. Time the request so the apostille is completed 2–3 months before your departure — too early and it expires, too late and you miss EPIK's deadline.
National-Level Only
State, provincial, local, or city-level criminal record checks are automatically rejected. Use the FBI (US), RCMP (Canada), ACRO (UK), AFP (Australia), NZ MoJ, Garda (Ireland), or SAPS (South Africa) — the national-level issuer only.
Apostille, Not Notarization
A notary public's stamp is NOT a substitute for an apostille. The apostille must be issued by the official apostille authority of your country (US State Dept, UK FCDO, DFAT, DIRCO, etc.) — it's the only document authentication Korea accepts under the Hague Convention.
Keep Originals Paired
The original CRC certificate and its apostille must travel together — never staple, separate, or alter them. Korean consular officers check both documents side by side at the visa interview.
Photocopy After Apostille
Make a photocopy of the fully apostilled CRC before shipping it to Korvia. If the Korean consulate asks for a copy during your E-2 interview, you'll have one ready — without this, you may need to re-issue the whole CRC.
Felonies & Misdemeanors = Ineligible
Applicants with ANY conviction (felony or misdemeanor) are not eligible to teach English in South Korea. Minor driving offenses or spent convictions may be acceptable — consult with your Korvia recruiter before applying if you have concerns.
Expedited Service — FBI-Approved Channelers (US)
US applicants can significantly shorten the CRC wait by using an FBI-approved Channeler (a private company authorized to process fingerprints and return the FBI Identity History Summary Check in days instead of weeks). This does NOT replace the US Department of State apostille step — the apostille is still required afterward.
How to get an FBI background check in one week ›Criminal Background Check FAQ
Q.What is a Criminal Background Check, and why does EPIK require it?
A Criminal Background Check (also called a Criminal Record Check, or CRC) is a document issued by your country's national criminal records authority confirming that you have not been convicted of a crime. Korean Immigration requires this for every expatriate applying for an E-2 teaching visa. Applicants with felony or misdemeanor convictions are not eligible to teach English in South Korea.
Q.Can I submit a state or provincial background check instead of a national one?
No. Korean Immigration only accepts national-level checks. In the US, that means the FBI Identity History Summary Check — not a state-level check. In Canada, only the RCMP federal certified check is accepted, not provincial police. In Australia, only the AFP National Police Check is accepted, not state police.
Q.How long is a Criminal Background Check valid for my E-2 visa application?
Korean Immigration accepts CRCs dated within 6 months of your visa application. The clock starts from the issue date on the CRC itself — not the apostille date. Time your application so the apostille is completed roughly 2–3 months before your intended departure.
Q.What is an apostille, and why do I need one?
An apostille is an international certification under the 1961 Hague Convention that authenticates public documents for use in another Hague signatory country. Korea is a Hague signatory, so Korean Immigration requires apostilles on both your diploma and your national-level CRC. An apostille is issued by your country's designated apostille authority (e.g., US State Dept, UK FCDO, DFAT Australia, DFA Ireland, DIA New Zealand, DIRCO South Africa).
Q.How long does the full FBI CRC + apostille process take for US applicants?
Using an FBI-approved Channeler: roughly 2–6 weeks for the FBI check plus 6–12 weeks for the US Department of State apostille — a total of 8–18 weeks. Mailing directly to the FBI adds another 8–10 weeks on top of the Channeler option. Start as soon as you pass your EPIK interview.
Q.Is Canada now in the Hague Apostille Convention?
Yes — Canada became a member of the Hague Apostille Convention as of January 11, 2024. Apostilles are now issued by Global Affairs Canada (Ottawa) and provincial Competent Authorities, replacing the older authentication + Korean consular legalization process. If you see older guidance referencing consular legalization, that path was phased out in 2024.
Q.I'm a US citizen living outside the US — where do I apply?
US citizens currently living outside the US must apply directly to the FBI and NOT through a separate agency or Channeler inside the US. Check the FBI's official website for a list of FBI international offices — you can submit your application through them. Expect additional processing time for international shipping.
Q.What if I have a minor driving offense or spent conviction?
Korea's rule is strict — any felony or misdemeanor conviction on your national-level record is disqualifying. Minor traffic infractions (speeding tickets, parking fines) typically don't appear on federal-level checks and are not disqualifying. If you have a spent or expunged conviction, consult with your Korvia recruiter before applying — some convictions may still appear depending on the country's disclosure rules.
Q.My CRC expires before my intended EPIK start date — what do I do?
If the 6-month validity window expires before your E-2 visa application, you must re-order the CRC and re-apostille it. This is the #1 reason EPIK applicants miss their intake cycle. Korvia's recommended timing: start the CRC 3–4 months before departure, schedule apostille to complete 2 months before departure, so the document is fresh when you apply for the visa.
Q.Does the CRC need to be in my current name if I recently changed it?
Yes. The CRC must match the name on your current passport exactly. If you changed your name (marriage, legal change) after your diploma was issued, request the CRC in your current legal name. You may need to submit a supporting document (marriage certificate, court order) to link the two names for EPIK and the Korean consulate.
Q.What happens if I lose the original apostilled CRC?
You'll need to re-order the CRC from your country's national authority and re-apostille it — the process starts over from scratch. This is why we strongly recommend (1) photocopying the document before shipping, (2) using a tracked courier for every shipment, and (3) keeping the original in a safe place until it reaches the Korean consulate.
Q.Can I use the same CRC for a future E-2 renewal or a different visa?
Only if it is still within the 6-month validity window at the time of the new application. Most teachers renewing their E-2 visa in-country do NOT need a new CRC — Korean Immigration typically waives the CRC requirement for in-country renewals after the initial issuance. Check with your school's HR or your Korvia recruiter for the current rule.
Let Korvia Guide Your CRC Timing — Free
As EPIK's official recruiting partner since 2006, Korvia helps you time your CRC and apostille so they stay within the 6-month window — the single biggest cause of missed EPIK intakes.