How do I qualify for F-2-7 points-based long-term residency?

Question

Accepted Answer

You need a master’s degree or higher from a Korean university, a Korean‑company job offer, at least **1 year** of legal stay, and **80 points or more** on the F‑2‑7 points table (out of 120); submit Form 34 and required documents at your local immigration office before starting work. Full details below.

**Details**

- **Core eligibility** 
 - Hold a **master’s degree or higher** from a Korean university (or expect to obtain one) while on D‑2 (Study) or D‑10 (Job‑search) status【1†L9-L13】. 
 - Have a confirmed **employment contract with a Korean company**【1†L9-L13】. 
 - Have **legally resided in Korea for ≥ 1 year** on the current status; a status change from D‑2/D‑10 to another eligible status counts as fulfilling this year【1†L15-L19】.

- **Points system (total 120, need ≥ 80)** 
 - **Age:** 18‑24 yrs = 20 pts; 25‑29 = 23 pts; 30‑34 = 25 pts; 35‑39 = 23 pts; 40‑44 = 20 pts; 45‑50 = 18 pts; 51+ = 15 pts【1†L22-L30】. 
 - **Education (science/tech vs. humanities):** Master’s = 32 pts (ST) / 30 pts (H)【1†L31-L39】. 
 - **Korean language (TOPIK):** Level 6 = 20 pts; Level 5 = 18 pts; Level 4 = 16 pts; Level 3 = 14 pts; Level 2 = 12 pts; Level 1 = 10 pts【1†L41-L49】. 
 - **Annual income (verified by withholding‑tax certificate):** ≥ 100 million KRW = 10 pts; 90‑100 M = 9 pts; 80‑90 M = 8 pts; …; < 20 M = 1 pt【1†L51-L61】. 
 - **Bonus points** such as income‑tax payment ≥ 5 M KRW may add extra points【1†L63-L64】.

- **Application procedure** 
 1. Gather documents: **Form 34**, passport, alien registration card, proof of degree, employment contract, TOPIK certificate (if any), income proof, and any bonus‑point documents【1†L1-L5】. 
 2. Submit the packet **at the local immigration office** as soon as you meet the 80‑point threshold【1†L7-L9】. 
 3. Immigration reviews your points; if you have **≥ 80 points**, the F‑2‑7 residency is granted【1†L7-L9】.

- **After obtaining F‑2‑7** 
 - Hold the F‑2 status for typically **2 years** with stable income and no criminal record before applying for **F‑5 permanent residency**【3†L21-L33】.

- **Important notes** 
 - Changing employers after approval requires prior permission from the immigration office【3†L13-L15】. 
 - Working without the proper visa is punishable under the Immigration Act【5†L13-L15】.

- **Hotlines for assistance** 
 - Immigration inquiries: **1345** 
 - Labor/visa issues: **1350** 
 - Legal aid for foreigners: **132**