Questions for S. Korean Dreamers

Hello everyone! First off, happy lunar new year!

I had a quick question for those who are Korean here. I just married my USC wife and we are in the process of starting my AoS. The lawyer (Korean) asked us to collect some documents as part of the process including a certificate of family relationship (가족관계증명서 in Korean). They told me that I have to go into the Consulate General of The Republic of Korea in Seattle to get it. However, I am a bit worried since my passport has expired (I’m 28yo) and I’ve been “dodging” the military draft being in this country.

My questions are:
1. Do I need to worry about going into the office to request for the 가족관계증명서? I’m worried that they may tell me my passport has expired or mention the mandatory military and they’ll arrest me or something. I’m so close to getting AoS and so I guess I’m trying to be a bit more careful. I assume the lawyer wouldn’t tell me to go there unless they know I’ll be fine since he knows my situation already. I’ve tried researching it myself but I don’t know enough Korean and the Korean government websites have too many words I don’t know haha.

2. What do I need to bring to the consulate to get this certificate? Do I need to bring my ID, passport, etc?

Thanks so much in advance!

the question I'd be asking is if u have Korean criminal history for dodging the military draft and if USCIS will run the criminal background check on u

I don't know the answer & I'm curious as well

1. I don't think you need to worry about it. I saw a post that you can now renew passport for 5 years without fulfilling military requirement since Jan 2021.

2. It seems quite complicated. You need your id like driver's license but also need a delegate (probably in Korea) and need either Korean SSN or your address in Korea to look up the information. Try call the consulate to find out more.

1. I think you need unexpired passport to get the 가족관계증명서. I needed one for my mom's 가족관계증명서 for the AP, and her passport happened to be expired. The consulate said that she need to get her passport renew first to get the 가족관계증명서. You can always call the consulate before making a visit also.
I think it's until you reach age 25. After that, you need apply for military exemption and be approved before you turn 25 to renew the passport. If you have not extended the military exemption, then they won't renew the passport. My brother is in this situation.

2. Here's the link to the Houston Consulate which shows the list of documents you need.
It says you can apply by mail as well.
<https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-houston-ko/brd/m_5635/view.do?seq=948714>

Hope this helps.

Well, mine is expired, and I’m over 28… is there a solution to this? Also, do you mind translating the documents I need from the website? My Korean is not very good anymore so I don’t recognize most of the words on there… thanks!

A Korean Consulate cannot arrest you and deport you back to Korea so it would be safe to go in. I recommend going with a family member or friend who is more fluent in Korean. By the way, was there a reason why you did not apply for military service deferral before turning 25? I did mine and got deferred until age 38. Also, I do have a friend who was in the boat as you (didn’t apply for a deferral before 25) and he got his GC just fine via AOS. Now whether or not he can visit Korea without getting arrested at the ICN airport is another story…

I'll summarize few important stuff.
Who can apply: Self, Spouse, direct family (parents and grandparents)
Documents needed: applicant's ID, representative's ID (if family member is applying for you) (ID means passport, driver's license, 주민등록증)
fee: $1.50 per document (only cash or money order is accepted)
How to apply: visit Consular office or by mail (if you want to receive the document back in mail, please provide return envelope)
Note: you must know your Korean social number (주민등록번호) & registration base location (등록기준지 aka 본적). If you don't know this, you have to apply in Korea.
If the ID is expired, it will not be accepted.

Also, I'm not sure what you need to show on the family relation document, but if you can get either your father's or mother's, it'll have your info as well. Since your passport expired, try applying one for your parents if they have valid passport.

Let me know if you need help with anything.

Whoa TX you’re Korean? Never knew that

It may be a new law or policy that applies to anyone between 18 and 37. You'll get 5 years passport if you don't have extended the military exemption.

https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-losan...any_nm=&page=1

haha I am.

way they worded sounds like it. I looked into little bit and looks like one of the required document is basically military exemption (see attached image). I'll look into it further as my brother is in same situation.