Immigration Specialists
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The 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.
Reviewed against
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). License No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Korean Administrative Agents Association). Reviewed against the HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 and cross-checked with Ministry of Justice issuances.
Last reviewed
April 22, 2026
Source references
Stay-manual sections covering points-based F-2 review, score-linked qualification factors, and domestic change-of-status filing conditions.
Filing caution
Requirements can change by nationality, local immigration office, and filing channel. Confirm exact requirements with HiKorea, the responsible Korean consulate, or a licensed immigration specialist before filing.
These points are drawn from Korea immigration manuals and recurring review patterns for higher-risk guide topics.
Ministry of Justice Immigration Policy Bureau: Stay-manual sections on F-2 points review, continuous-residence handling, and subtype qualification.
Korea's F-2-7 (점수제 우수인재 거주) evaluates foreign nationals across key categories: age, education, Korean language ability, annual income, and Korean work experience. Additional bonus points can be earned for qualifying employment sectors, government recommendations, and other factors. You need a minimum score — typically 80 points — to qualify. The exact scoring table and per-category maximums are updated periodically by the Ministry of Justice. Always verify the current scoring table directly on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or at your local immigration office before applying — the MOJ calculator gives your exact eligible score based on current criteria.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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 행정사 is worthwhile — there may be additional points you are missing or deductions that can be addressed before applying.
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Visa Process
Alien Registration Card (ARC)
The Alien Registration Card (ARC) is the official ID card issued to foreigners staying in South Korea for 91 days or longer. It is required to open a bank account, sign a phone contract, and access most public services.
Visa Process
HiKorea
How to use HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) — Korea's official immigration portal for visa extensions, status changes, and ARC renewal. Processing time: 3-10 business days.
Visa Process
Visa Extension (Stay Period Extension)
A visa extension — officially called a 'stay period extension' (체류기간 연장) in Korean immigration law — allows a foreigner to legally remain in Korea beyond the expiry date on their current visa or ARC without leaving the country.
Visa Process
Status of Sojourn Change (체류자격 변경)
A status of sojourn change allows a foreigner already in South Korea to switch from one visa category to another without leaving the country — for example, from a D-2 student visa to an E-7 skilled worker visa upon graduation and employment.
Can I apply for F-2-7 directly from E-7?
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.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed April 2026
