Understanding the Korean Points-Based F-2 Visa
The F-2 points-based visa (거주 비자) is the most accessible route to long-term residency for skilled workers and educated professionals in South Korea. Unlike most Korean visas, it does not require employer sponsorship. Understanding the scoring system is the first step to knowing whether you already qualify.
What is the F-2-7 points system?
Korea's F-2-7 (points-based skilled worker residency) system evaluates foreign nationals across four main categories: age, education, Korean language ability, and annual income. Additional bonus points can be earned for government recommendations and program completion. You need a minimum of 80 points out of a possible 170 (common items max 130 + additional max 40). The scoring is published by the Ministry of Justice and can be calculated on the HiKorea portal.
Age scoring (max 25 points)
Age 25–29 = 25 points (maximum). Age 18–24 or 30–34 = 23 points. Age 35–39 = 20 points. Age 40–44 = 12 points. Age 45–50 = 8 points. Age 51 and above = 3 points. Age is fixed — calculate your other categories first to see whether age is your limiting factor.
Education scoring (max 25 points)
Doctoral degree in STEM or 2+ doctorates = 25 points; Doctoral degree (other) = 20 points. Master's in STEM or 2+ master's = 20 points; Master's (other) = 17 points. Bachelor's in STEM or 2+ bachelor's = 17 points; Bachelor's (other) = 15 points. Associate degree in STEM = 15 points; Associate (other) = 10 points. Only degrees confirmed by the issuing institution are accepted — Korean immigration may verify foreign degrees through KCUE.
Korean language scoring (max 20 points)
TOPIK Level 5 or 6 / KIIP Stage 5 = 20 points. TOPIK Level 4 / KIIP Stage 4 = 15 points. TOPIK Level 3 / KIIP Stage 3 = 10 points. TOPIK Level 2 / KIIP Stage 2 = 5 points. TOPIK Level 1 / KIIP Stage 1 = 3 points. The Social Integration Program (KIIP) stages are an equivalent path — completing Stage 5 gives the same 20 points as TOPIK 5-6.
Income scoring (max 60 points)
Annual income is weighted most heavily in the system. ₩100M or more = 60 points. ₩90–100M = 58. ₩80–90M = 56. ₩70–80M = 53. ₩60–70M = 50. ₩50–60M = 45. ₩40–50M = 40. ₩30–40M = 30. Minimum wage to ₩30M = 10 points. Below minimum wage or unemployed = 0 points. Income is verified through the most recent 소득금액증명 (income tax certificate) from the National Tax Service (Hometax).
Additional points and deductions
Bonus points (max 40) can be earned for: Korean War allied nation nationality (+20), central government agency recommendation (+20), KIIP Stage 5 completion (+20), holding a doctoral or master's degree beyond your primary qualification (varies). Deductions (up to -80) apply for immigration law violations, criminal convictions, and other compliance failures. Clean records benefit significantly from the absence of deductions.
Tips from immigration specialists
- Run your own score calculation on the HiKorea points calculator before consulting anyone — you need to know your baseline.
- KIIP (Korean Immigration Integration Program) Stage 5 adds 20 language points AND qualifies for a 20-point government bonus — it is the highest single point-gain action available and is free.
- Your income certificate must be from the most recent available tax year — use 소득금액증명 from Hometax, which shows your taxable income, not your gross salary.
- The income category has the highest maximum (60 points) — if your income is above ₩50M/year, you likely have a strong foundation to reach 80 points with moderate scores elsewhere.
- If you are borderline (75–79 points), consulting an immigration specialist is worthwhile — there may be additional points you are missing or deductions that can be addressed before applying.
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Find a SpecialistFrequently asked questions
Can I apply for F-2-7 directly from E-7?
Yes. You can apply for F-2-7 directly from most professional visa statuses (E-1 through E-7, D series) if you meet the 80-point threshold. You must be currently engaged in lawful employment and have been in Korea for 1 year or more on a valid status.
How long does it take to get F-2-7 once I apply?
F-2-7 applications are typically processed in 2–6 weeks at regional immigration offices. Seoul offices are generally slower; offices in smaller cities process faster.
Does F-2-7 require employer sponsorship?
No. The points-based F-2-7 is employer-independent. You apply on your own merits. After receiving F-2-7, you can change employers freely without a new status change.
Can I include my spouse's income in my score?
No. The income score is calculated based on your individual income only, not household income.
What is the renewal process for F-2-7?
F-2-7 is typically granted for 1–3 years and must be renewed. Points are re-evaluated at each renewal. If your score falls below 80 at renewal (e.g., due to a significant income drop or age change), immigration may not approve the renewal under F-2-7, and you would need to maintain status under your previous employment visa.