Skip to main content
Law4Kor
Back to post grad visa

Question

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

As of · sources retrieved from official Korean authorities

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.

The rule this rests on

[9]Foreign Exchange Transactions RegulationsArticle 2

Article 2 (Transitional Measures) | (1) | With respect to subparagraph 6 of Article 1-2, the previous provisions shall apply until July 31, 2002. | | (2) | After May 31, 2002, the 30 largest affiliated companies may report their 2001 export performance to the Governor of the Bank of Korea for adjustment of the limit on guarantees, etc. | | (3) | The limit for guarantees, etc. and other guarantees of the 30 largest affiliated companies based on export performance shall not be reduced even in the

[10]출입국관리법Article 2

Article 2 (Transitional Measures concerning Visa Issuance Certificate, etc.) | (1) | Any visa issuance certificate issued as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed that issued under this Act. | | (2) | Any person who has reported a change of a place of work under the previous provisions of Article 29 as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed to have obtained permission to change or add a place of work under this Act. |

  • 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.

  • Have a confirmed employment contract with a Korean company.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Education (science/tech vs. humanities): Master’s = 32 pts (ST) / 30 pts (H).

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Bonus points such as income‑tax payment ≥ 5 M KRW may add extra points.

  • 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.
  2. Submit the packet at the local immigration office as soon as you meet the 80‑point threshold.
  3. Immigration reviews your points; if you have ≥ 80 points, the F‑2‑7 residency is granted.

  • 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.

  • Important notes

  • Changing employers after approval requires prior permission from the immigration office.

  • Working without the proper visa is punishable under the Immigration Act.

  • Hotlines for assistance

  • Immigration inquiries: 1345

  • Labor/visa issues: 1350

  • Legal aid for foreigners: 132

Was this helpful?

Sources fetched 2026-09-19 · Korean laws change — verify with the issuing authority before acting.

Ask a follow-up