Table of Contents
Open Table of Contents
- What is the F-2-7 Visa?
- Why the F-2-7 Visa Matters
- The Points System: How Scoring Works
- Category 1: Education (Maximum 35 Points)
- Category 2: Work Experience (Maximum 20 Points)
- Category 3: Korean Language Ability (Maximum 20 Points)
- Category 4: Age (Maximum 20 Points)
- Category 5: Additional Criteria (Maximum 30+ Points)
- 5.1 Income Level (Maximum 12 Points)
- 5.2 Professional Qualifications (Maximum 7 Points)
- 5.3 Patents and Intellectual Property (Maximum 5 Points)
- 5.4 Academic Achievements (Maximum 3 Points)
- 5.5 Social Integration Program (KIIP) Completion (Maximum 20 Points)
- 5.6 Volunteer Work in Korea (Maximum 5 Points)
- 5.7 Tax Payment Record (Maximum 3 Points)
- 5.8 Family Ties in Korea (Maximum 5 Points)
- Sample Point Calculations
- Application Process: Step-by-Step
- Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Strategic Optimization: Maximizing Your Points
- After Getting F-2-7: Next Steps
- F-2-7 for Specific Professions
- 2026 Policy Updates and Trends
- Conclusion: Is F-2-7 Right for You?
- Need Help with Your F-2-7 Application?
What is the F-2-7 Visa?
Overview
The F-2-7 visa, officially called “Residence (Outstanding Skilled Professionals)” or 포인트제 우수인재 체류자격, is a long-term residence visa granted to foreign professionals who accumulate sufficient points based on objective criteria.
Key characteristics:
- 5-year validity (vs. 1-2 years for most E-series work visas)
- No employer sponsorship required (you can change jobs freely)
- Pathway to F-5 permanent residency after 3-5 years
- Family members eligible for dependent F-3 visas
- Work authorization included (no need for separate work permits)
F-2-7 vs Other F-2 Visa Types
The F-2 visa category includes 18 different subtypes. Here’s how F-2-7 compares to the most common ones:
| Visa Type | Basis | Investment Required | Points Required | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F-2-7 | Skills/education | None | 80+ points | 2-4 months |
| F-2-1 | Marriage to Korean national | None | N/A | 3-6 months |
| F-2-2 | Child of F-5 holder | None | N/A | 1-2 months |
| F-2-5 | Post-study residence | None | 76+ points (modified) | 2-3 months |
| F-2-8 | Real estate investment | ₩500M+ | N/A | 4-6 months |
| F-2-12 | Public fund investment | ₩500M+ | N/A | 4-6 months |
| F-2-99 | Refugee, special cases | Varies | N/A | Varies |
For most skilled professionals without Korean family ties or large capital, F-2-7 is the most accessible option.
Why the F-2-7 Visa Matters
Freedom from Employer Dependency
Most foreign professionals in Korea work on E-series visas (E-1 professor, E-2 language instructor, E-7 specialized worker, etc.). These visas have significant limitations:
- Tied to specific employer: Changing jobs requires new visa application
- Limited validity: Typically 1-2 years, requiring frequent renewals
- Restricted activities: Can only perform work specified in visa
- Vulnerable position: Employer termination risks visa status
The F-2-7 visa eliminates these constraints. You can:
- Change jobs without immigration approval (just notify within 15 days)
- Start your own business or freelance
- Work for multiple employers simultaneously
- Take career breaks without visa expiration concerns
Path to Permanent Residency (F-5)
Perhaps most importantly, F-2-7 holders become eligible for F-5 permanent residence after:
- 3 years of F-2 residence OR
- 5 years of combined E-series + F-2 residence
Once you have F-5, you gain:
- Indefinite stay in Korea (no expiration)
- Complete work freedom
- Eligibility for government benefits (pension, insurance)
- Simplified re-entry procedures
- Near-citizen status (except voting rights)
For professionals planning long-term careers in Korea, F-2-7 is the essential intermediate step toward F-5.
The Points System: How Scoring Works
Minimum Score Requirements
To qualify for F-2-7, you need 80 points minimum out of a possible 120+ points across five categories:
- Education (maximum 35 points)
- Work Experience (maximum 20 points)
- Korean Language Ability (maximum 20 points)
- Age (maximum 20 points)
- Additional Criteria (maximum 30+ points)
Let’s break down each category in detail.
Category 1: Education (Maximum 35 Points)
Scoring Table
| Qualification | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PhD (Doctorate) | 35 | From accredited university |
| Master’s | 30 | From accredited university |
| Bachelor’s | 25 | 4-year degree from accredited university |
| Associate (2-year) | 0 | Not eligible for points |
2026 Updates and Clarifications
Korean university bonus: Degrees from Korean universities now receive +3 points (added in 2025 reforms). So a Master’s from a Korean university = 33 points instead of 30.
Accreditation requirement: Your degree must be from an institution recognized by the Ministry of Education in your home country. Diploma mills and unaccredited online programs are explicitly rejected.
Multiple degrees: Only your highest degree counts. You can’t stack points (e.g., Bachelor’s + Master’s = 55). It’s Master’s = 30 points maximum.
Field of study: As of 2026, there are no bonus points for STEM fields under the education category. All fields (humanities, arts, sciences, engineering) receive equal treatment. (However, STEM fields may help in Category 5: Additional Criteria.)
Verification Requirements
You must submit:
- Original diploma apostilled (or embassy-certified)
- Official transcript showing courses and grades
- Degree verification report from services like WES or CDGDC (Chinese degrees)
- English translation by certified translator if documents are in another language
Processing time: Apostille and verification can take 4-8 weeks. Start early.
Category 2: Work Experience (Maximum 20 Points)
Scoring Table
| Years of Experience | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10+ years | 20 | In same field as current Korean employment |
| 7-9 years | 15 | In same field |
| 5-6 years | 10 | In same field |
| 3-4 years | 5 | In same field |
| 0-2 years | 0 | No points awarded |
Key Rules for Work Experience
“Same field” requirement: Your prior work experience must be closely related to your current job in Korea. For example:
- ✅ Software engineer abroad → Software engineer in Korea
- ✅ Marketing manager abroad → Marketing director in Korea
- ✅ University professor abroad → University professor in Korea
- ❌ Teacher abroad → Software engineer in Korea
- ❌ Retail manager abroad → IT consultant in Korea
Evidence required:
- Employment certificates or reference letters from previous employers
- Pay stubs or tax documents proving employment duration
- Detailed job descriptions showing role similarity
Part-time and freelance: Generally doesn’t count unless you can prove full-time equivalent hours and continuous income.
PhD research years: If you worked as a research assistant during your PhD, those years may count if your PhD and current work are in the same field. Provide proof of employment (not just student stipend).
2026 Clarification: Korean Work Experience
Your Korean work experience does not count toward Category 2 points. Only foreign work experience before arriving in Korea is scored here.
However, Korean work experience does matter for eligibility—you must have held a valid work visa (E-1 through E-7) in Korea for at least 1 year before applying for F-2-7.
Category 3: Korean Language Ability (Maximum 20 Points)
Scoring Table
| TOPIK Level | Points | Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| TOPIK Level 6 | 20 | Native-level fluency |
| TOPIK Level 5 | 18 | Advanced fluency |
| TOPIK Level 4 | 16 | Upper intermediate |
| TOPIK Level 3 | 14 | Intermediate |
| TOPIK Level 2 | 10 | Basic conversation |
| TOPIK Level 1 | 5 | Elementary |
| No certification | 0 | Not eligible |
Understanding TOPIK
TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean / 한국어능력시험) is the standardized Korean language test administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED).
Two tiers:
- TOPIK I: Covers Levels 1-2 (basic Korean)
- TOPIK II: Covers Levels 3-6 (intermediate to advanced)
Test format (TOPIK II):
- Listening: 60 minutes, 50 questions
- Writing: 50 minutes, 4 questions (essay + short answers)
- Reading: 70 minutes, 50 questions
Scoring:
- Level 3: 120-149 points
- Level 4: 150-189 points
- Level 5: 190-229 points
- Level 6: 230-300 points
Test Availability and Strategy
Test frequency: TOPIK is offered 6 times per year in Korea (January, April, May, July, October, November). Registration opens about 2 months before each test.
Registration: Through www.topik.go.kr (Korean) or regional testing centers abroad. Fee: ₩40,000 in Korea.
Results validity: TOPIK scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. Plan accordingly—if your score expires before your F-2-7 application is approved, you’ll need to retake the test.
Study timeline:
- Beginner to Level 3: 6-12 months of consistent study (10+ hours/week)
- Level 3 to Level 4: Additional 6-9 months
- Level 4 to Level 5: Additional 9-12 months
- Level 5 to Level 6: Additional 12+ months (requires near-native proficiency)
Practical Strategy for Point Optimization
If you’re starting from zero: Focus on reaching Level 4 (16 points) within 18-24 months. This is achievable with consistent effort and provides good ROI.
If you’re already intermediate: Push for Level 5 (18 points). The jump from 16 to 18 points can be the difference between qualifying (80 points) or not.
Level 6 vs. Level 5: Level 6 is extremely difficult and only adds 2 points over Level 5. Unless you’re already near-native level, don’t stress about Level 6.
Alternative: Social Integration Program (see Category 5) can provide points without TOPIK, but TOPIK is generally more efficient.
Category 4: Age (Maximum 20 Points)
Scoring Table
| Age Range | Points | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 25-29 years old | 20 | Prime career-building years |
| 30-34 years old | 18 | Peak productivity years |
| 35-39 years old | 16 | Experienced professionals |
| 40-44 years old | 14 | Senior professionals |
| 45-49 years old | 12 | Late-career professionals |
| 50-54 years old | 10 | Approaching retirement age |
| 24 or younger | 0 | Too early in career |
| 55 or older | 0 | Near or past retirement age |
Key Points
Age at application: Points are based on your age at the time of F-2-7 application submission, not approval.
Strategic timing: If you’re on the cusp of an age bracket (e.g., turning 35 soon), consider applying before your birthday to preserve higher points.
No control: Unlike education or language, you can’t change your age. Focus on maximizing other categories.
Peak advantage: Applicants in their late 20s to mid-30s have a natural advantage in this category, earning 18-20 points without effort.
Category 5: Additional Criteria (Maximum 30+ Points)
This category includes various bonus points for special achievements, qualifications, and contributions. Here’s where you can differentiate yourself.
5.1 Income Level (Maximum 12 Points)
Points awarded based on your annual salary in Korea:
| Income Level | Points | Approximate Salary (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 200% of Korean GNI per capita | 12 | ≥₩93 million/year |
| 150% of GNI per capita | 10 | ≥₩70 million/year |
| 100% of GNI per capita | 8 | ≥₩46.5 million/year |
| Below 100% of GNI | 0 | <₩46.5 million/year |
GNI per capita definition: Korea’s Gross National Income per capita, updated annually. For 2026, it’s approximately ₩46.5 million.
Evidence required:
- Employment contract showing annual salary
- Recent pay stubs (last 3-6 months)
- Tax withholding statements
Stock options and bonuses: Only base salary counts. Stock grants, performance bonuses, and equity compensation are excluded.
5.2 Professional Qualifications (Maximum 7 Points)
If you hold professional licenses or certifications recognized in Korea:
| Qualification Type | Points | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Korean national certification | 7 | CPA, attorney, medical license, etc. |
| Foreign certification (Korea-recognized) | 5 | CPA (US), PMP, CFA, etc. |
| International certification | 3 | Six Sigma, CISSP, etc. |
Key requirement: Certification must be relevant to your current work in Korea.
Examples of recognized certifications:
- Accounting: Korean CPA, US CPA, ACCA
- Finance: CFA, FRM
- IT: PMP, CISSP, AWS/GCP certifications
- Engineering: Professional Engineer (PE) license
- Legal: Bar admission (if practicing in Korea with special permission)
Not eligible: General certifications unrelated to your field (e.g., yoga instructor certification when you work in IT).
5.3 Patents and Intellectual Property (Maximum 5 Points)
| IP Type | Points | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Patent holder (Korea or abroad) | 5 per patent | Max 2 patents = 10 points total |
| Patent application pending | 2 per application | Max 1 application = 2 points |
Requirements:
- You must be listed as inventor/co-inventor
- Patent must be in your professional field
- Provide patent certificate or application receipt
5.4 Academic Achievements (Maximum 3 Points)
| Achievement | Points | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Published papers in SCI/SSCI journals | 3 | Per paper, max 2 papers = 6 points |
| Published papers in Korean academic journals | 2 | Per paper, max 1 paper = 2 points |
| Published books | 2 | Academic or professional books |
Requirements:
- You must be primary or co-author
- Publications must be in your field
- Provide copies of published papers/books
5.5 Social Integration Program (KIIP) Completion (Maximum 20 Points)
The Korea Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP) is a government-run program for foreign residents. Completing it can provide up to 20 points, partially substituting for TOPIK.
| KIIP Level Completed | Points Awarded | Korean Level Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 5 (advanced) | 20 | Similar to TOPIK Level 4-5 |
| Stage 4 (intermediate-high) | 16 | Similar to TOPIK Level 3-4 |
| Stage 3 (intermediate) | 12 | Similar to TOPIK Level 2-3 |
KIIP vs. TOPIK strategy:
- If you’re busy/working full-time: TOPIK is faster—6-12 months of self-study can get you to Level 4.
- If you have time and want structured learning: KIIP provides free classes and gradual progression.
- You can do both: KIIP points replace Korean language points (Category 3), but you can still take TOPIK for higher scores.
5.6 Volunteer Work in Korea (Maximum 5 Points)
| Volunteer Hours | Points | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 100+ hours | 5 | Over past 2 years |
| 50-99 hours | 3 | Over past 2 years |
| 20-49 hours | 2 | Over past 2 years |
Requirements:
- Must be with officially registered charities/NGOs
- Obtain volunteer certificates from organizations
- Cannot be paid work or internships
Pro tip: Many F-2-7 applicants overlook this easy category. Volunteering 2 hours per week for a year gets you 5 points.
5.7 Tax Payment Record (Maximum 3 Points)
| Tax Contribution | Points | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Paid ≥₩10 million in taxes over past 3 years | 3 | National Tax Service records |
| No tax delinquencies | Mandatory | Negative record disqualifies you |
What counts:
- Income tax (소득세)
- Residence tax (주민세)
- Health insurance premiums
What doesn’t count:
- VAT paid as consumer
- Taxes paid abroad
5.8 Family Ties in Korea (Maximum 5 Points)
| Family Situation | Points | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse is Korean citizen | 5 | Married and cohabiting |
| Parent is F-5 permanent resident | 5 | Biological or legally adopted parent |
| Sibling is Korean citizen | 3 | Biological or legally adopted sibling |
Note: If your spouse is Korean, you’d typically apply for F-2-1 (marriage visa) instead of F-2-7, unless you prefer the points-based route.
Sample Point Calculations
Let’s look at realistic scenarios for 2026 applicants:
Scenario 1: Young Software Engineer
Background:
- Age: 28
- Education: Bachelor’s in Computer Science (US university)
- Work experience: 6 years as software engineer (4 years in US, 2 years in Korea)
- Korean language: TOPIK Level 4
- Income: ₩75 million/year
- No patents or publications
- 80 hours of volunteer work
Point Calculation:
- Education: 25 points (Bachelor’s)
- Work experience: 10 points (5-6 years in same field)
- Korean language: 16 points (TOPIK Level 4)
- Age: 20 points (25-29 range)
- Income: 10 points (150% of GNI)
- Volunteer: 3 points (50-99 hours)
Total: 84 points ✅ Qualified
Scenario 2: Mid-Career Marketing Manager
Background:
- Age: 37
- Education: Master’s in Marketing (Korean university)
- Work experience: 10 years in marketing (8 years abroad, 2 years in Korea)
- Korean language: TOPIK Level 5
- Income: ₩90 million/year
- CFA certification
- No volunteer work
Point Calculation:
- Education: 33 points (Master’s from Korean university = 30 + 3 bonus)
- Work experience: 20 points (10+ years)
- Korean language: 18 points (TOPIK Level 5)
- Age: 16 points (35-39 range)
- Income: 10 points (150% of GNI)
- Certification: 5 points (CFA, recognized foreign cert)
Total: 102 points ✅ Highly Qualified
Scenario 3: English Teacher (Challenging Case)
Background:
- Age: 35
- Education: Bachelor’s in English Literature
- Work experience: 7 years teaching English (5 years in home country, 2 years in Korea on E-2)
- Korean language: TOPIK Level 3
- Income: ₩40 million/year (below GNI per capita)
- No certifications, patents, or publications
- 120 hours volunteer work
Point Calculation:
- Education: 25 points (Bachelor’s)
- Work experience: 15 points (7-9 years in same field)
- Korean language: 14 points (TOPIK Level 3)
- Age: 16 points (35-39 range)
- Income: 0 points (below 100% GNI)
- Volunteer: 5 points (100+ hours)
Total: 75 points ❌ Does not qualify
What this applicant needs:
- Improve Korean to Level 4 (+2 points) = 77 points (still short)
- OR Improve Korean to Level 5 (+4 points) = 79 points (still short)
- OR Get income above ₩46.5M (+8 points) = 83 points ✅
- OR Pursue Master’s degree (+5 points from Bachelor’s to Master’s) + Level 4 Korean = 82 points ✅
Scenario 4: Senior Researcher with PhD
Background:
- Age: 42
- Education: PhD in Biotechnology (Korean university)
- Work experience: 12 years research (8 years abroad, 4 years in Korea)
- Korean language: TOPIK Level 4
- Income: ₩68 million/year
- 2 SCI journal publications
- 1 patent
- KIIP Stage 4 completed
Point Calculation:
- Education: 38 points (PhD from Korean university = 35 + 3)
- Work experience: 20 points (10+ years)
- Korean language: 16 points (TOPIK Level 4)
- Age: 14 points (40-44 range)
- Income: 10 points (150% of GNI)
- Publications: 6 points (2 SCI papers)
- Patent: 5 points (1 patent)
Total: 109 points ✅ Extremely Qualified
Note: This applicant doesn’t need KIIP completion (which would replace Korean language points, not add to them).
Application Process: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Self-Assessment (1-2 weeks)
Calculate your current points honestly:
- Gather documentation for education, work experience, language
- Tally your points across all categories
- Identify gaps if you’re below 80 points
Step 2: Bridge the Gap (Varies)
If you’re short of 80 points, prioritize:
Quick wins (3-6 months):
- Take TOPIK test to increase language points
- Accumulate volunteer hours
- Negotiate salary increase with employer
- Complete KIIP program stages
Longer-term strategies (1-2 years):
- Pursue Master’s degree (+5 points)
- Build work experience (+5-10 points as you cross year thresholds)
- File patent applications (+2 points per application)
- Publish academic papers (+2-3 points per paper)
Step 3: Gather Documents (1-2 months)
Required documents include:
Core documents:
- Application form (출입국관리법 시행규칙 [별지 제34호서식])
- Passport copy
- Current visa status document (alien registration card)
- Recent photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background)
- Criminal background check from home country apostilled
- Korean criminal background check (경찰청 범죄경력회보서)
- Health examination certificate from designated hospital
Education: 8. Diploma (original + apostille) 9. Official transcript (original + apostille) 10. Degree verification report (WES, CDGDC, etc.)
Work experience: 11. Employment certificates from all previous employers 12. Job description letters 13. Pay stubs or tax documents proving employment periods
Korean language: 14. TOPIK certificate (or KIIP completion certificate)
Income: 15. Current employment contract 16. Recent pay stubs (last 6 months) 17. Tax withholding statements
Additional qualifications (if applicable): 18. Professional certification copies 19. Patent certificates or applications 20. Published paper copies with journal information 21. Volunteer certificates from organizations 22. Tax payment records from National Tax Service
Step 4: Application Submission (1 day)
Where to apply:
- Seoul Immigration Office (서울출입국·외국인청): Mokdong, Yangcheon-gu
- Regional immigration offices in other cities
Appointment required: Book online at hikorea.go.kr at least 1-2 weeks in advance.
Application fee: ₩100,000 (non-refundable)
In-person submission: You must appear in person with all original documents. Immigration officers will review and may ask clarifying questions.
Step 5: Document Review (2-4 months)
Immigration authorities will:
- Verify your point calculation
- Contact previous employers for reference checks
- Validate certifications and academic credentials
- Cross-check tax and income records with National Tax Service
- Review your criminal background
Additional documents: Be prepared to submit supplementary evidence if requested. Respond promptly to avoid delays.
Step 6: Decision Notification (Email/Text)
You’ll receive notification via:
- Text message to registered phone number
- Email (if provided)
- Check application status online at hikorea.go.kr
Possible outcomes:
- Approved: Proceed to Step 7
- Additional documents required: Submit within specified deadline
- Denied: Receive explanation; can reapply after addressing deficiencies
Step 7: Visa Issuance (1 week)
If approved:
- Visit immigration office to receive new alien registration card
- F-2-7 visa is stamped in your passport
- Validity: 5 years from issuance date
Cost: ₩200,000 for new alien registration card
Total Timeline
Realistic timeline from decision to start to F-2-7 approval:
- Current points ≥80: 3-5 months
- Need TOPIK Level 4: 12-18 months (study + application)
- Need Master’s degree: 2-3 years (degree + application)
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Pitfall #1: Overestimating Work Experience Points
Many applicants assume all their work experience counts, but only experience in the same field as your current Korean job qualifies.
Fix: Be conservative. If your prior role wasn’t clearly related, don’t count it. Immigration is strict about this.
Pitfall #2: Expired TOPIK Scores
TOPIK scores are only valid for 2 years. If your application isn’t approved before expiration, you’ll need to retake the test.
Fix: Take TOPIK as late as possible in your application timeline. If your score is near expiration, retake the test before applying.
Pitfall #3: Insufficient Income Documentation
Some applicants provide only employment contracts without pay stubs or tax records, which immigration rejects.
Fix: Gather 6-12 months of pay stubs and official tax withholding statements from your employer.
Pitfall #4: Incomplete Apostille for Foreign Documents
Korean immigration requires Apostille certification for all foreign documents (diplomas, criminal checks). Embassy certification is not sufficient for Hague Convention countries.
Fix: Use official Apostille services in your home country. Budget 4-8 weeks for processing.
Pitfall #5: Claiming Points for Irrelevant Certifications
Holding a CPA license doesn’t help if you work as a software engineer. Immigration requires relevance.
Fix: Only claim certifications directly related to your current job in Korea.
Pitfall #6: Neglecting Volunteer Work
Many applicants miss easy 3-5 points by not tracking volunteer hours.
Fix: Start volunteering early (2 hours/week for 50 weeks = 100 hours = 5 points). Popular organizations:
- Seoul Global Center volunteer programs
- University tutoring programs
- Environmental cleanup groups
Strategic Optimization: Maximizing Your Points
If You’re at 75-79 Points (Close but Short)
Priority actions:
- Retake TOPIK for one level higher (+2-4 points)
- Volunteer 100+ hours (+5 points)
- Negotiate salary increase to cross GNI threshold (+8 points)
- File patent application in your field (+2 points)
Timeframe: 3-12 months
If You’re at 65-74 Points (Significant Gap)
Priority actions:
- Pursue TOPIK Level 5 if currently Level 3 (+4 points)
- Complete KIIP program (potentially +16-20 points if not using TOPIK)
- Change to higher-paying job (+8-10 points if income increases)
- Enroll in Master’s program (+5 points, but 2-year commitment)
Timeframe: 1-2 years
If You’re Below 65 Points
Hard truth: F-2-7 may not be realistic in the short term. Consider:
- Alternative visa paths (F-2-1 marriage, F-2-8 investment)
- Building qualifications over 2-3 years before applying
- Focusing on career advancement (higher income, certifications, publications)
Timeframe: 2-3+ years
After Getting F-2-7: Next Steps
Updating Your Visa Status
Once approved:
- Notify employer within 15 days (immigration requires this even though F-2-7 isn’t employer-dependent)
- Update health insurance to National Health Insurance (mandatory for F-2 holders)
- Register family members for F-3 dependent visas if applicable
Path to F-5 Permanent Residency
F-2-7 holders become eligible for F-5 permanent residence after:
- 3 years of continuous F-2 residence, OR
- 5 years of combined E-series + F-2 residence
F-5 requirements beyond time:
- Korean language (TOPIK Level 4 or KIIP Level 5)
- Income above minimum threshold (typically ≥₩30 million/year)
- No criminal record or tax delinquencies
- Stable residence address
For detailed F-5 guidance, see our article: F-2 to F-5 Visa: Path to Permanent Residency for Foreign Investors in Korea.
Career Flexibility with F-2-7
With F-2-7, you can:
- Change employers freely: No visa sponsorship required. Just notify immigration within 15 days.
- Start a business: Register as sole proprietor or incorporate a company.
- Freelance or consult: Work for multiple clients simultaneously.
- Take career breaks: Your visa remains valid even if unemployed (though income affects F-5 eligibility later).
F-2-7 for Specific Professions
University Professors (E-1 Visa Holders)
Advantages for F-2-7:
- High education points (PhD = 35 points)
- Usually 10+ years experience (20 points)
- Academic publications (+3-6 points)
- Stable income above GNI threshold (+8-10 points)
Typical total: 90-100+ points (very strong candidates)
Strategy: Focus on TOPIK Level 4+ (16-18 points) to ensure qualification. Many professors struggle with Korean language—prioritize study.
Software Engineers (E-7 Visa Holders)
Challenges for F-2-7:
- Often younger (lower age points)
- Bachelor’s only (25 points, not Master’s 30)
- Fewer publications/patents than academics
- Competitive with academic job market in Korea
Typical range: 75-90 points (on the edge)
Strategy:
- Increase income (negotiate salary or switch to higher-paying company)
- Pursue certifications (AWS, GCP, PMP) for +3-5 points
- Contribute to open-source projects or file patents
- Prioritize TOPIK Level 4-5
English Teachers (E-2 Visa Holders)
Significant challenges for F-2-7:
- Lower income (often below GNI per capita = 0 income points)
- Bachelor’s only (25 points)
- Limited work experience recognition (teaching abroad may not be considered “same field” as teaching in Korea)
- Fewer opportunities for certifications/patents
Typical range: 60-75 points (usually insufficient)
Reality check: F-2-7 is very difficult for E-2 teachers unless you:
- Pursue Master’s in Education/TESOL (+5 points)
- Increase income significantly (switch to university position or international school)
- Reach TOPIK Level 5 (18 points)
- Accumulate extensive volunteer work (+5 points)
Alternative path: Consider switching to E-7 visa (specialized worker) in education-related field, or pursue F-2-1 (marriage) if applicable.
Corporate Employees (E-7 Visa Holders)
Advantages for F-2-7:
- Often higher income (Korean corporations pay competitive salaries)
- Professional certifications available (CPA, CFA, PMP, etc.)
- Structured career paths (promotions increase experience points over time)
- Employer support for Korean language training
Typical range: 80-95 points (solid candidates)
Strategy:
- Stay with employer long enough to build experience points (crossing from 5-6 years to 7-9 years adds +5 points)
- Pursue industry certifications
- Negotiate salary increases to maximize income points
- Participate in company-sponsored TOPIK or KIIP programs
2026 Policy Updates and Trends
Recent Changes
Korean university bonus (2025): Degrees from Korean universities now receive +3 points. This encourages foreign students to stay in Korea after graduation.
Income thresholds updated (2026): GNI per capita increased to ₩46.5 million (up from ₩44.2 million in 2025), raising the bar slightly for income points.
Apostille enforcement (2025-2026): Immigration has become stricter about apostille vs. embassy certification. Ensure your documents have proper Apostille stamps.
KIIP expansion (2026): More KIIP classes now offered in English, making it more accessible to foreign professionals who struggle with full Korean-language programs.
What’s Coming
Potential reforms in late 2026-2027:
- STEM field bonuses: Discussion in parliament about adding +5 points for STEM PhDs to attract more technical talent
- Startup founder pathway: Possible new category giving bonus points to founders of registered startups in Korea
- Regional residence bonuses: Potential +3-5 points for residing outside Seoul to encourage regional development
Immigration policy direction: Korea is actively trying to attract skilled foreign workers to address demographic decline and labor shortages. F-2-7 is likely to become more accessible, not more restrictive, in coming years.
Conclusion: Is F-2-7 Right for You?
The F-2-7 points-based visa is an excellent pathway to Korean residency for skilled professionals who:
- ✅ Have advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD)
- ✅ Have significant professional experience (5+ years)
- ✅ Can achieve at least TOPIK Level 4 with dedicated study
- ✅ Earn competitive salaries (above Korean GNI per capita)
- ✅ Plan to stay in Korea long-term (3-5+ years)
It’s challenging but achievable. Unlike investment-based visas requiring ₩500 million+, or marriage-based visas requiring Korean family ties, F-2-7 rewards education, skills, and integration effort.
Timeline reality: Most successful F-2-7 applicants spend 2-3 years in Korea on E-series visas before qualifying. Use that time strategically:
- Study Korean consistently (even 30 minutes daily compounds)
- Volunteer regularly (2 hours/month = 24 hours/year)
- Pursue professional development (certifications, publications)
- Negotiate salary increases as your market value grows
The F-2-7 advantage: Once you have it, you gain career flexibility, long-term stability, and a clear path to permanent residency. For professionals committed to building careers in Korea, F-2-7 is one of the best long-term investments you can make.
Need Help with Your F-2-7 Application?
At SMA Lawfirm, we provide comprehensive immigration advisory services for foreign professionals in Korea:
✅ Points assessment and strategic planning: We calculate your current score and identify optimal paths to 80+ points ✅ Document preparation and translation: We handle apostille requirements, translations, and application compilation ✅ Application representation: We accompany you to immigration appointments and handle communications with authorities ✅ Career strategy consultation: We advise on job changes, salary negotiations, and qualification building to maximize your points ✅ Family visa coordination: We assist with F-3 dependent visas for your spouse and children
We’ve helped dozens of foreign professionals successfully obtain F-2-7 visas and transition to F-5 permanent residency. Let us help you navigate the process efficiently.
📩 Contact us at sma@saemunan.com to schedule a consultation.
About SMA Lawfirm: We specialize in cross-border business law and immigration, helping foreign investors and professionals navigate Korean visa regulations, corporate formation, and long-term residency planning. Our Seoul-based team provides English-language legal services for work visas, residence visas, and permanent residency applications.