F2 visas are for people who intend to stay in Korea for a long time to obtain permanent residence status. The F-2-7 is a points-based resident visa. The applicant must reach at least 80 points in order to qualify.

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Benefits of having an F-2-7 visa:

• You own your visa; the visa is not tied to a sponsor (company, spouse or school) so you can quit your job or get divorced and not immediately lose your visa.
• You can engage in other economic activities; Freelancing.
• You can start a business in Korea.
• Your spouse and children are able to get F-2 visas as well.
• You can apply for F-5 visas after 3 years of maintaining the F-2-7 visa.
• F-2 visa holders can stay outside Korea for 1 year without losing their visa

 

 

Qualifications to apply for F-2-7:

• Must have maintained the same visa and resided in Korea for 3 consecutive years
• OR Graduated from a Master's or PhD program in Korea and are qualified for an E-type visa (E1, E2, E7, etc.)*
• OR Has a yearly salary of 40 million won or higher

*GKS Masters or PhD students have reported that they may apply for the F2 visa even without securing work.

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Points System:

Points Chart: Download Here

For the F-2-7 visa, points are based on several categories

• Age
• Education
• Korean Ability: TOPIK or KIIP are both accepted
• Tax Paid
• Additional Points: This could be from ministry recommendations, volunteering, or finishing KIIP

• View Points Chart

  

 

Steps for F-2 Visa Application

• Step 1: Gather all the necessary documents for the application and check if you have reached 80 points
• Step 2:  Make a reservation to visit the immigration office assigned to your district
• Step 3: Visit the immigration office at the appointed time and date
• Step 4: Wait for your number to be called
• Step 5: Once called, go to the assigned counter and submit the documents
• Step 6: The immigration officer will check your documents and points if you are qualified for the visa, questions may also be asked for verification.
• Step 7: If there are no additional documents necessary and the immigration officer accepts your application, pay for the visa stamps and other fees at the designated stall. 
  - Only cash is accepted for the visa stamp, and the payment for the Resident Card is done at the ATM.
  - Tell the immigration officer if you want the card to be delivered to a specific address.
• Step 8: You will receive an application confirmation document. You may be asked to go and get your finger prints scanned.
• Step 9: Usually, if you do not get a call from immigration, it means that there is no problem with your application. The officer will only call to ask for additional documents or ask follow up questions.
• Step 10: You can check if your visa has been processed at the HiKorea website
• Step 11: Once successful, you can call to verify if your application was successful and when you can pick up the Resident Card.
• Step 12: Visit the immigration office to pick up your Resident Card. OR if you chose to have the card delivered, it will be delivered to your chosen address, but you must be physically present to accept and sign for the card.

Visa Processing time:

It usually takes 4-8 weeks depending on the season and immigration office

Duration of Stay

The duration of stay or sojourn granted is dependent on the number of points the applicant has accumulated

D-2-7 visa holders that have changed their visas to F-2-7 may automatically be granted 3 years on their first application

Work Restrictions:

• F2 visa holders can work in most fields and industries, but it is unclear if they are allowed to work in simple or elementary jobs 단순노무(food service, construction, manufacturing, etc.).
• F-2-7 visa holders may not be allowed to apply for Permanent residency (F-5 visa) for 3 years if they have worked for elementary jobs 단순노무