Korea F-2 Visa Explained: Points System and How to Qualify

The F-2 visa is one of the most useful long-term residency statuses in Korea. It lets you stay for years, change jobs more freely, and move one step closer to permanent residency (F-5). The Korea Immigration Service, part of the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), runs the program. This guide explains the points system, the documents you need, and how to apply.

Most readers ask about the F-2-7 sub-category. This is the jeomsuje (point-based residence) track. It rewards people who already work or study in Korea and meet a minimum score. Below, we break the rules into plain steps using official sources.

Korea F visa types overview

What is the F-2 visa and who manages it?

The F-2 is a long-term residency visa issued by the Korea Immigration Service under the Ministry of Justice. It covers several sub-types, but F-2-7 is the points-based track for skilled foreign residents. Holders can stay multiple years, switch employers, and later apply for permanent residency. The legal basis is the Immigration Act, published in English on MOLEG.

F-2 sub-categories at a glance

The letter F-2 hides several routes. Knowing yours saves time at the counter:

• F-2-7: the points-based residence visa for skilled workers and graduates
• F-2-1: spouse or minor child of certain long-term residents
• F-2-99: discretionary long-term residence in special cases

This guide focuses on F-2-7, the route most D-2, D-10, and E-7 holders use. The Korea Immigration Service sets the rules, and the Hi Korea portal handles bookings and forms.

“Foreigners who meet the points criteria set by the Minister of Justice may be granted the Residence (F-2) status.” - Korea Immigration Service guidance, via Hi Korea

How does the F-2-7 points-based eligibility criteria work?

The F-2-7 points-based eligibility criteria award up to 120 points. You need at least 80 points to qualify. Points come from essential items (age, education, Korean language, income) and optional bonus items. The Ministry of Justice updates the table periodically, so always confirm the current version on the Korea Immigration Service site before you apply.

The main scoring blocks

The F-2 points calculation method combines fixed and bonus categories. The biggest blocks are:

• Age: younger applicants in their late 20s to early 30s score highest
• Education: a Korean or foreign degree adds points; higher degrees add more
• Korean ability: TOPIK level or KIIP completion adds strong points
• Income: annual income above a set threshold adds points
• Bonus items: work experience, volunteer activity, or study in a regional area

Finishing the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP), run through the Social Integration Program, is one of the fastest ways to raise a weak score. A strong TOPIK result does the same.

KIIP program points residency

A worked points example (illustration only)

Imagine a 30-year-old with a Korean master’s degree, TOPIK Level 4, and steady E-7 income. Age, education, language, and income together can clear 80 points. The exact totals depend on the current table, so treat this as a model, not a guarantee. Officers verify every line item against your documents.

What are the required documents for F-2 application?

The core required documents for F-2 application include the application form, your passport, your ARC (Alien Registration Card), proof of income, proof of education, and a completed points self-assessment. You submit them at your local immigration office. The Hi Korea portal lists the latest checklist, since requirements change with each policy update.

Standard document checklist

Most F-2-7 applicants prepare the following. Originals plus copies are safest:

1. Application form (integrated application for foreigners)
2. Passport and current Alien Registration Card (ARC)
3. Points self-assessment sheet signed by you
4. Proof of education: diploma plus, if needed, an apostille
5. Proof of income: withholding tax receipt or income certificate from the National Tax Service
6. Proof of Korean ability: TOPIK certificate or KIIP completion record
7. Employment contract or business registration, if relevant

One color photo and the application fee complete the set. Keep a personal copy of everything you submit. Officers may request extra papers based on your situation.

How to apply for F-2 long-term residency step by step?

To learn how to apply for F-2 long-term residency, book an appointment on Hi Korea, gather your documents, submit them in person at your immigration office, pay the fee, and wait for the decision. Processing usually takes a few weeks. The officer holds final discretion, so a high score helps but does not guarantee approval.

Step-by-step application

Follow this order to avoid a wasted trip:

1. Check your score using the current points table on the Korea Immigration Service site.
2. Book an appointment through the Hi Korea reservation system. Slots fill fast in Seoul.
3. Prepare documents from the checklist above, including the points self-assessment.
4. Visit your local immigration office on the booked date with originals and copies.
5. Submit and pay the change-of-status fee at the counter.
6. Track the result online and collect your new ARC once approved.

Hi Korea appointment booking

If you switch from a student (D-2) or job-seeker (D-10) status, you apply as a change of status, not a new entry visa. Marriage migrants on F-6 and overseas Koreans on F-4 follow different tracks and may not need F-2-7 at all.

How much is the F-2 visa processing fee?

The F-2 visa processing fee for a change of status is generally 130,000 KRW, paid at the immigration office when you submit. A simple extension of an existing F-2 usually costs less. Fees can change, so confirm the exact amount on Hi Korea or Government24 before your appointment to avoid surprises at the counter.

Fee notes

A few practical points on payment:

• The change-of-status fee differs from a visa extension fee, which is lower.
• Pay by card or cash as your office allows; rules vary by location.
• Keep the receipt; you may need it if you later apply for F-5 permanent residency.
• The fee is non-refundable even if the application is refused.

Budget for document costs too. TOPIK exam fees, apostille services, and certified translations add up, so plan ahead.

After approval: health insurance and next steps

Once you hold F-2, you keep mandatory enrollment in the National Health Insurance Service. Long-term residents are covered like Korean nationals for most care. Check your premium and coverage details on the NHIS English pages. F-2 is also a common stepping stone toward F-5 permanent residency after you meet the residence period and income conditions set by the Ministry of Justice.