Work Visas
Definition
Korea's points-based system awards immigration points for factors like age, education, Korean language proficiency, income, and Korean social integration to determine eligibility for the F-2-7 Long-Term Residency visa — a major stepping stone toward permanent residency.
Korea operates a points-based immigration system for the F-2-7 (거주자격 점수제) visa, which allows skilled foreigners who accumulate sufficient points to apply for a long-term residency status not tied to a specific employer. Points are awarded for: age (younger applicants score higher), education level (PhD, Master's, Bachelor's), Korean language ability (TOPIK score), annual income, employment in a preferred field, and social integration scores (KIIP completion, community contribution). The minimum threshold is typically 80 out of 120 points, though competition is high. A similar points mechanism applies to certain E-7 categories. The F-2-7 visa is valid for 3 years and renewable, and holders can apply for F-5 permanent residency after a continuous residence requirement is met.
The F-2-7 is one of the most valuable visa upgrades for long-term foreign workers in Korea — it removes employer dependency, allows broad work activities, and sets the stage for F-5 permanent residency. However, the points calculation is complex and many applicants miscount their scores. An immigration consultant can audit your actual point total before you apply, which can save a rejected application fee and months of wait time.