Guide
FBI Background Check for Korea’s F-4 Visa
The Korean consulate is explicit: federal apostille only, and no older than 6 months.
Quick answer
Yes. The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York requires an FBI criminal record check for the F-4 (overseas Korean) visa. It must receive the federal apostille — a state apostille is not accepted — and must be issued within 6 months.
Key takeaways
- An FBI criminal record check is required.
- Federal apostille only; a state apostille is not accepted.
- Issued within 6 months.
What the Korean consulate asks for
| Document | FBI criminal record check |
|---|---|
| Authentication | Federal apostille; a state apostille is not accepted |
| Age | Issued within 6 months |
The FBI report needs the federal apostille from the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC. A state apostille on a notarized copy or on a state police check won’t work. See what an FBI report needs before it can be apostilled.
Other Korean consulates in the U.S. publish their own lists. Check the one for your jurisdiction.
Getting the FBI report ready
We handle the federal side. If you already have your FBI report, mail it to us for the FBI background check apostille — $299, about 10–12 business days. If you still need the report, the FBI check + apostille bundle is $399, about 12–14 business days, starting with an in-person appointment at our West Palm Beach or Miami office. You get back the original FBI report, issued by the FBI with its seal and signature, with the U.S. Department of State apostille attached. We review every document before we submit it.
Our bundle takes about 12–14 business days, leaving most of the 6-month window for your appointment. Check your dates with the processing time estimator.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Korea F-4 visa need an FBI background check?
Yes. The Korean consulate in New York requires an FBI check with the federal apostille, issued within 6 months.
Can I use a state apostille for the F-4?
No. The consulate says the FBI check must receive the federal apostille; a state apostille is not accepted.
Official sources: Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York — F-4 visa · U.S. Department of State — Criminal Record Checks. Federal Apostille USA is a private service, not a government agency.
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