From the archives – a sign of the incompetence of KNUE
What a day! I’m beyond fed up.
I drove to Springfield to get my diplomas and the criminal background checks apostilled (i.e. certified for my Korean visa). I rented a car and had all my forms, the directions, snacks, CDs, everything I figured I’d need.
The drive took about 4 hours. I hoped to spend 30 minutes in the Index Department of the Illinois Secretary of State. Then I’d go on to the Lincoln Museum.
I was pleased, prematurely, to see no line at the Index Department. I soon was told that they couldn’t apostille my background checks as they weren’t properly done, that they were no good because all they had was a few lines identifying me and the Notary’s seal and signature. I explained that that’s how I got them from the State’s Attorney’s office and that wouldn’t a lawyer know, wouldn’t the notary?
The woman who helped me was so nice and when my brother gave me my background checks I did say I was surprised that they weren’t more explicit. A layperson wouldn’t know that NCI meant National Criminal Index, for example. He assured me that this was kosher.
I kind of lost it as I wanted to mail these off today or tomorrow before I leave for a 10 days in Colorado. I explained that I needed them to get a visa to get a job in South Korea. I asked about getting new checks in Springfield and this woman kindly got me the address of the local FBI office and State Police office. By now it’s 1:15. She promised to try to “stay open” a bit after 3:30 if need be. She said if I had to come back, I could *get this* just go to their State St. office in Chicago.
Their what? I called both the Korean consulate and this Springfield Index office last week to see if I could do this closer to Chicago. Neither mentioned a State St. Office. The consulate just seemed to read some vague information from a paper. I don’t think they’ve figured out their own new system. Sorry, but I think they should. It’s part of their job and that it’s new, is not an excuse.
So I got my diplomas apostilled, but still needed more.
I first headed to the FBI, which is outside of town sort of in the cornfields. I thought for sure I’d missed the street since it was so far. Nope. Eventually I found this gorgeous new building. It’s surrounded by fencing and as I drove up, a guard came out to see what I wanted. I explained the situation and he said they don’t issue background checks there. He asked to see what I had and I showed him. He did say, those were the right forms and it all looked fine to him. Yet he’s not the one I needed to satisfy. The first woman and her associate were very nice, but not going to deviate from their first pronouncement.
Now it’s 3 o’clock. I wound up walking around town a bit and then heading home. I was in no mood for sightseeing, though the museum looks fantastic and the city has a lot to offer in the way of history and charm.
I figured I’d have my brother write a sentence on the form saying what they are and then signing them. That’s what the clerk said should have been done. I could then go to State St. in time to get them apostilled and mailed.
I drove back home some of the time sitting in bad traffic or crawling past construction. Not a real fun day.
smkelly8
