How does the F-2-7 points calculation work?

The F-2-7 uses a 135-point scoring system across five categories. Age (max 25 pts): peaks at 25–29 years old (25 pts), decreases with age. Education (max 25 pts): PhD in science/engineering scores highest (25 pts). Korean Language (max 20 pts): TOPIK Level 5–6 or KIIP Level 5 earns 20 pts. Annual Income (max 60 pts): ≥₩100M earns the maximum. Bonus Points (max 40 pts): KIIP completion, Korean university degrees, QS Top 500 graduation, community service, and government recommendations. You need a combined score of at least 80 to apply.

Income seems heavily weighted — how can I maximize income points?

Income is the single largest category at 60 out of 135 total points. Annual income of ≥₩100M earns 60 points, ₩90–100M earns 58, ₩80–90M earns 56, and so on down to minimum wage–₩30M at 10 points. According to published guidelines, income is calculated from your National Tax Service records (근로소득증명서). Negotiate your total compensation to appear on your tax return — housing allowances and bonuses that show on your payslip count toward your reported income.

KIIP vs TOPIK — which is more valuable for F-2-7 points?

For the Korean Language category (max 20 pts), KIIP and TOPIK score identically at each level. However, KIIP has a significant bonus advantage: completing KIIP Level 5 grants an additional 10 bonus points on top of the 20 language points, for a potential total of 30 points from Korean language alone. KIIP is also free and government-run, while TOPIK has exam fees. For F-2-7 applicants, KIIP is generally the more valuable path.

Is there a 75-point exception for existing F-2-7 holders?

According to published guidelines, holders who obtained F-2-7 status before December 1, 2020 were allowed to renew with a minimum of 75 points instead of 80. This transitional provision had a limited validity period. Check with your local immigration office for the current renewal threshold, as policies may have been updated since.

What is the K-STAR visa track (32 universities)?

The K-STAR (Korean Skilled Talent Attraction and Retention) track provides a streamlined pathway for graduates of 32 designated Korean universities. Published guidelines indicate that graduates from these institutions may receive additional bonus points and simplified documentation requirements. The program aims to retain foreign talent educated in Korea. Check the Korea Immigration Service website for the current list of designated universities.

Can my spouse and children also get work authorization through F-2-71?

According to published immigration guidelines, spouses and unmarried children under 18 of F-2-7 holders can apply for F-2-71 (accompanying family) status. F-2-71 holders are permitted to engage in employment activities in Korea without a separate work permit. This is a significant advantage over other dependent visa types that restrict work authorization.

How does the F-2-7 lead to F-5 permanent residency?

Published immigration guidelines indicate that F-2-7 holders can apply for F-5 (permanent residency) after maintaining F-2-7 status for 3 consecutive years. Additional F-5 requirements typically include a minimum income threshold, no criminal record, and basic Korean language ability. The F-2-7 is widely considered the most reliable pathway to permanent residency for non-ethnic-Korean professionals: E-7 → F-2-7 → F-5.

Should I negotiate my salary specifically to maximize F-2-7 points?

Income documentation is based on your official tax records (원천징수영수증 or 근로소득증명서). Published guidelines use gross annual income as reported to the National Tax Service. If your employer provides separate housing allowances, meal stipends, or other non-taxable benefits, these may not appear on your income certificate. Consider negotiating a higher base salary that includes these benefits, so your tax records reflect a higher total income.

Do volunteering hours and blood donation count toward bonus points?

According to published guidelines, domestic community service activities can earn 1–7 bonus points depending on duration: 1 year of activity earns 1 point, 2 years earns 3 points, and 3+ years earns 7 points. Blood donation at Korean Red Cross facilities is recognized as community service hours. You need documentation (봉사활동 확인서) from 1365 Volunteer Portal or the organization where you volunteered.

Is the Korean language requirement mandatory for F-2-7?

Korean language proficiency (TOPIK/KIIP) is not a mandatory requirement for F-2-7 — it is one of five scoring categories contributing up to 20 points. You can reach 80 points without any Korean language score if you accumulate sufficient points from income, education, age, and bonus categories. However, KIIP Level 5 completion adds a valuable 10 bonus points. For applicants with high income (≥₩50M) and a relevant degree, the language category may not be necessary to reach the threshold.

Can I apply for F-2-7 from outside Korea?

No. According to published immigration procedures, F-2-7 is a change-of-status visa that must be applied for in person at a Korean immigration office (출입국·외국인청). You must already be residing in Korea on a qualifying visa (E-1–E-7, D-5–D-9) when you apply. The application cannot be submitted at Korean embassies or consulates abroad.

What happens if my score drops below 80 at renewal?

At each renewal, immigration officers re-evaluate your total score based on current circumstances. If your score falls below 80 — for example, due to aging out of a higher age bracket, job loss, or income decrease — published guidelines indicate your F-2-7 renewal may be denied. You would need to revert to your previous visa type or find another qualifying status. Plan ahead: track your projected score at renewal time, and consider increasing points in categories you can control (income, language, community service).

Korea Points-Based Resident Visa (F-2-7)

Long-term residence through the points system

At a Glance

Duration

1–5 years

Fees

₩85,000

Processing Time

2–4 weeks

Max Stay

Renewable indefinitely

Hold a qualifying visa (E-1~E-7, D-5~D-9) for 3+ consecutive years
Score ≥80 points out of 135 total
Higher income may allow expedited processing

Key Requirements

Score ≥80 points (out of 135) in age, education, income, Korean language

Visa Status Requirements

RequiredHold a qualifying visa (E-1~E-7, D-5~D-9) for 3+ consecutive years
Must have legally resided in Korea on an eligible visa status for at least 3 consecutive years. Higher income may allow expedited processing (confirm with immigration office 1345). Korean university graduates may also qualify for expedited processing.
Points are strictly verified — immigration officers may request additional documentation for each claim

OptionalKorean master's/doctoral graduate employed within 5 years of degree
Graduates of Korean universities with a master's or doctoral degree who are employed or have a confirmed job offer may apply without the 3-year consecutive stay requirement, provided application is within 5 years of graduation.

See 1 additional requirements

No criminal record or immigration violations during stay
Criminal acts, immigration violations, or negligent traffic offenses may result in point deductions or disqualification from F-2-7 eligibility.
Criminal record or immigration violations during stay can result in point deductions or visa revocation

Points System

RequiredScore ≥80 points out of 135 total
Points are evaluated across five categories: Age (max 25), Education (max 25), Korean Language TOPIK/KIIP (max 20), Annual Income (max 60), and Bonus Points (max 40). Immigration officers verify each claimed point with supporting documents.
- Use koreaprcalculator.com to estimate your score before applying — it follows the official scoring table
- Track your projected score at renewal time — aging and job changes can affect your total
Score must remain ≥80 at each renewal — losing a job, salary decrease, or aging can drop your score below the threshold

Income Requirement

OptionalHigher income may allow expedited processing
Some immigration offices reportedly allow expedited applications for higher-income earners. Confirm eligibility and income thresholds with your local immigration office (1345).
- Income is the highest-weighted category (60 points) — focus on salary growth and ensure all compensation appears on tax records

Work Permission

Allowed (with restrictions)

F-2-7 holders have unrestricted work authorization in Korea. This includes changing employers freely, starting a business, and holding multiple jobs simultaneously. No separate work permit is required.

Income scores make up 60 out of 135 total points. Higher income may allow expedited processing — confirm with your local immigration office (1345). Focus on getting your salary as high as possible on paper.
Instead of accepting a split like '2.5M salary + 0.5M housing allowance,' negotiate a flat 3M salary. Your tax return reflects higher income, which translates directly to more F-2-7 points. The income certificate from Hometax only shows taxable income.
KIIP (사회통합프로그램) Level 5 completion gives you 10 extra bonus points on top of the 20 language points — a total of 30 points from Korean language alone. It is free, government-run, and the most point-efficient investment of your time.
Blood donation at Korean Red Cross counts as community service hours toward the volunteering bonus points. You need documented activity over multiple occasions to build up credit. Register your volunteer hours on the 1365 portal.

Process

2-4 months

Estimated total timeline

2-4 months

Processing times vary by immigration office and application volume. Immigration officers may request additional documents to verify point claims, which can extend the timeline. According to published guidelines, apply well in advance of your current visa expiration date.

Calculate Your Points

Use the official scoring table or an online calculator (such as koreaprcalculator.com) to estimate your total score. You need at least 80 points across all categories to apply.

Be conservative — immigration officers verify every point claim
Focus on income (60 pts max) as the highest-weighted category

Gather Supporting Documents

2–8 weeks

Collect all documents that prove your claimed points: degree certificates (apostilled), TOPIK/KIIP certificates, income certificates from Hometax, employment contract, and criminal background check.

Foreign degrees must be apostilled — this can take weeks
Request your income certificate from Hometax (홈택스) online
Criminal background checks from some countries take months — start this first

Book Immigration Office Appointment

1–2 weeks for appointment availability

Schedule an appointment at your local immigration office (출입국·외국인청) through the HiKorea portal. F-2-7 applications must be submitted in person.

Appointments fill up quickly — book 2–3 weeks in advance
Bring all original documents plus one set of copies

Submit Application at Immigration Office

1–2 hours

Attend your appointment and submit the complete application with all supporting documents. The immigration officer will review your point claims and may ask clarifying questions.

Must apply in person at a Korean immigration office — applications cannot be submitted from abroad

Arrive early — offices can be crowded
Have all documents organized by category (age, education, income, language, bonus)

Wait for Processing and Review

2–4 weeks

Immigration reviews your application, verifies point claims, and may request additional documentation. Processing times vary by office and application volume.

Receive F-2-7 Status

1–2 weeks for ARC update

Once approved, your Alien Registration Card (ARC) is updated to F-2-7 status. The visa duration (1–5 years) depends on your total score.

Check the expiration date on your new ARC carefully
Your work authorization is now unrestricted — no need for separate work permits

Start preparing 2–3 years before you need the F-2-7. TOPIK study, KIIP enrollment, salary negotiations, and community service hours all take time. Many professionals realize too late that they are short on points and cannot catch up quickly.

FAQ

Show all 12 questions

Sources & Related Visas

Official Sources

Last updated: 2026-02-27

Visa Status Change

Looking to change your visa status?

See 1 available path from F-2

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized immigration guidance, consult a licensed immigration consultant (행정사) or attorney (변호사). Final decisions on visa issuance rest solely with the Korean Ministry of Justice and immigration authorities.

Based on published requirements. Not legal advice.

Korea Points-Based Resident Visa (F-2-7)

At a Glance

Key Requirements

Visa Status Requirements

Points System

Income Requirement

Work Permission

Documents

Required Documents (0 of 12 completed)

Prepare Yourself

Optional Documents

Process

Calculate Your Points

Gather Supporting Documents

Book Immigration Office Appointment

Submit Application at Immigration Office

Wait for Processing and Review

Receive F-2-7 Status

FAQ

Sources & Related Visas

Official Sources

Related Visas

Visa Status Requirements

Points System

Income Requirement

Work Permission

Required Documents (0 of 12 completed)

Prepare Yourself

Optional Documents

Calculate Your Points

Gather Supporting Documents

Book Immigration Office Appointment

Submit Application at Immigration Office

Wait for Processing and Review

Receive F-2-7 Status

Official Sources

Related Visas