Confusing situation, documents asked for

[andersonglk]

I have applied for PR through the office in Seoul, South Korea. We were eligible to apply there because my common-law partner and I had lived there for many years. After applying, we left Korea. She is now in Canada, and I am in the US, awaiting my PR.

Yesterday I was contacted by the Seoul office. They asked for a Korean Police Certificate, a state police background check, and "evidence of updated status in Korea" for me.

I am no longer in Korea. Therefore I have no evidence of an updated status. However, I was eligible when I applied, and subsequently left, knowing full well that I may have to return for an interview if need be. But as for evidence of status, what is this all about?

I don't want to reply just yet until I understand exactly what is being asked of me. Of course I submitted a Korean police check with my application, but perhaps it has expired? I am more worried about the evidence of updated status.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[CharlieD10]

Did you hold some kind of business or visitor's visa or residency permit that allowed you to live in South Korea? Has this permit expired or been relinquished or does it still have a validity period on it? They are asking you to establish your status in Korea, basically. Are you still able to go there, are you able to send your passport there for your visa to be issued, if they call you to attend an interview, will you be able to travel there? All of these are relevant considerations to the embassy.

Your previous police check would have been valid for a year, unless they generally give these a shorter validity period in that country.

 

[andersonglk]

I was an English teacher, as was my common law partner. I lived there for 7 years, my partner for 10.

We have left Korea, and have no status there anymore. When we applied, we had been there for many years and therefore were eligible.

As for the police certificate, it was issued far less than one year ago. However, I can get another one. I don't care.

I am just really nervous about this status issue. I have NO status in Korea anymore. I DID have a status there when I applied. I have since moved, awaiting my PR.

Thanks for your reply, and any help would be appreciated.

 

[CharlieD10]

Would you be able to go there as a visitor? I think if you are at least able to enter the country if required (such as for an interview), then there should be no issue with you having no resident status there anymore. You definitely need to advise them that whatever status you had there no longer applies though, and that you are only able to enter the country as a visitor if this is the case.

 

[andersonglk]

Yes, I am able to enter as a visitor.

So my next question is, should I simply email them back and explain that I no longer have any status in Korea? Since I was asked for proof of such, it makes me think that for some reason the person reviewing my case thinks I need to have a status.

Would your advice be to simply email them back and explain that I no longer live in Korea?

Thanks so much.

 

[CharlieD10]

Answer them in writing, like attaching a letter explaining you no longer have status. I would also scan the pages of your passport demonstrating your exit, and whatever (if any) paperwork exists to show your previous status is no longer valid.

I am not certain it should matter much if you no longer have resident status. You had it when you applied, as required, and you are still able to enter the country if necessary. Also, probably the worst that would happen is they decide to transfer your file to Buffalo for processing, as you are a US citizen (I'm assuming).

P.S. Did you advise the visa office of your change of address, is that why all this came about?