constitute legal or immigration advice. Korean visa regulations and requirements change frequently. Always verify the latest information with the official Korea Immigration Service or consult a licensed immigration attorney before making any decisions. Last Updated: May 2026
You graduated. You built a life here. And then someone told you your D-2 visa expires in 30 days. The path to staying permanently is longer than anyone mentioned when you first enrolled.
The D-2 visa does not lead directly to long-term residency. The standard path is D-2 → D-10 → E-7 → F-2-7, and each step requires documentation that the previous one builds. Korean university graduates get specific exemptions, but those exemptions cover stay duration requirements—not income thresholds. The 80-point minimum for F-2-7 remains the same for everyone.
This guide maps the full pathway from student visa to points-based residency. It explains where master’s degree holders can skip requirements, what happens when your job doesn’t match an E-7 code, and how D-10 job-seeking periods count toward your total stay. You’ll see the actual timeline, the documents you need at each stage, and the income threshold that trips up most applicants. If you’re within two years of graduation, start here.
Quick Summary
What This Guide Covers
The D-2 to F-2-7 Standard Pathway: Why Direct Conversion Isn’t Possible
The D-2 student visa does not convert directly to F-2-7 residency. As of May 2026, the standard pathway remains D-2 → D-10 → E-7 → F-2-7, according to the Ministry of Justice’s integrated stay qualification manual. Each visa serves a specific function that builds toward the next.
Why the Multi-Step Path Exists
The D-2 visa is strictly for academic purposes. It doesn’t grant work authorization beyond limited part-time employment. The F-2-7 points-based residency visa requires professional employment history, income verification, and language certification. The intermediate steps—D-10 and E-7—create the documentation trail that F-2-7 applications require.
The D-10 job seeker visa gives you up to 2 years total (an initial 6 months plus extensions) to find employment. During this period, you can register for internships and attend interviews. The E-7 specialized employment visa then provides the work history and income records needed for F-2-7 qualification.
The 30-Day D-10 Application Window
Your D-2 visa status ends when your university reports your graduation to immigration. You have 30 days from your official graduation date to apply for a D-10 status change. This is not 30 days from when you receive your diploma—the clock starts from the graduation date recorded in your school’s system.
If your ARC (Alien Registration Card) expires before that 30-day window ends, the ARC expiration date becomes your deadline. Check both dates and use whichever comes first.
Apply through HiKorea → 민원신청 (Civil Application) → 체류허가 (Stay Permit) → 체류자격변경 (Status Change). Book your appointment at least 3 weeks ahead. Seoul immigration offices fill up quickly during graduation seasons (February and August).
D-Series Stay Accumulation
Time spent on D-2 and D-10 visas counts toward your total Korea stay for F-2-7 purposes. A verified community pattern shows successful F-2-7 applications with D-2 (2 years) plus D-10 (1.5 years) totaling 3.5 years, without completing the full E-7 period. The 80+ points requirement still applies, but the stay duration builds from your first D-2 entry.
This matters because F-2-7 typically requires 3 years of continuous stay for applicants without a master’s degree. Your D-series time counts toward this requirement, even though you cannot apply directly from D-10 to F-2-7 in most cases.
For details on the D-10 application process and document requirements, see our Korea D-2 Student Visa 2026: Complete Application Guide.
Master’s Degree Exemptions: What’s Actually Waived
Korean university master’s degree holders receive one specific exemption for F-2-7: the 3-year continuous stay requirement is waived. This exemption is documented in the Ministry of Justice’s F-2-7 application guidelines. However, it does not extend to income requirements or point thresholds.
What the Exemption Covers
Standard F-2-7 applicants must demonstrate 3 years of continuous stay in Korea on an eligible visa. Master’s degree holders from Korean universities can skip this requirement entirely. You can apply for F-2-7 as soon as you meet the 80-point threshold, even if you’ve been in Korea for less than 3 years.
What the Exemption Does Not Cover
The income requirement remains fully applicable. As of May 2026, the minimum annual income for F-2-7 qualification is ₩40,000,000, based on your 소득금액증명원 (sogeumgeumaek jeungmyeongwon, or income certificate) from the National Tax Service. This is not your contract salary—it’s your taxable income as reported to Korean tax authorities.
The 80-point minimum also applies to all applicants regardless of education level. A master’s degree from a Korean university contributes 20 points (or 22 points for STEM fields), but you still need to accumulate the remaining points through income, age, and Korean language certification.
IST Graduate Alternative: F-2-7S
Graduates from designated science and technology universities (ISTs) have access to a separate F-2-7S pathway. This includes graduates from KAIST, POSTECH, UNIST, and similar institutions designated by the Ministry of Science and ICT.
The F-2-7S route has modified requirements specific to technology sector employment. If you graduated from an IST institution, contact your university’s international office to confirm your eligibility for this alternative pathway before applying through the standard F-2-7 route.
K-STAR Track (2026 Update)
The K-STAR visa track, which launched in February 2026, provides another route for outstanding talent. Under this track, applicants with a university president’s recommendation can receive F-2 status, then transition to F-5 permanent residency after 3 years of stay. The K-STAR track is part of the Ministry of Justice’s 2030 Immigration Policy Future Strategy.
K-STAR eligibility requires specific qualifications beyond standard academic credentials. Check directly with your university’s international affairs office to determine if you qualify for a president’s recommendation.
E-7 Job Code Matching: When Your Job Doesn’t Fit
E-7 visa applications require matching your job to one of approximately 85 designated occupation codes. The 2026 employment visa system simplification includes mandatory online job information reporting (직종/jikjong for job type, 업종/eopjong for industry type, and 연간소득/yeongan sodeuk for annual income), which has reduced some matching confusion. However, the fundamental problem remains: your actual job duties may not align neatly with any single code.
Standard Matching Process
Each E-7 occupation code specifies required qualifications, typical job duties, and educational requirements. Your employer must confirm that your position matches the selected code, and the immigration officer reviews this match during application processing.
Common codes for Korean university graduates include:
- E-7-1: Professional skills (engineering, research)
- E-7-4: Specialized employment (general professional work)
- E-7-91: Foreign language instruction
When No Code Matches Your Job
If your actual job duties don’t fit any existing code, you have two options according to the Ministry of Justice’s Immigration Policy Division:
Option 1: Select the closest matching code. Work with your employer to identify the code that most closely matches your primary job responsibilities. Prepare documentation showing how your duties align with that code’s description. There’s some flexibility in how these codes are interpreted.
Option 2: Request an individual review. Contact the Ministry of Justice’s Immigration Policy Division directly at 02-2110-4218 or 02-2110-4067 and request an individual case review for code assignment. This process takes longer but may be necessary for truly unique positions.
If Your Application Is Rejected for Code Mismatch
The standard recovery path is extending your D-10 status and reapplying with a different code or position. D-10 extensions require you to demonstrate active job search activity, so document all interviews and applications during this period.
Some applicants report success by having their employer revise the job description to better match an available code. This requires your employer’s cooperation and must still reflect your actual job duties. Immigration officers may request additional documentation to verify the match.
2026 Online Employment Information Reporting
Starting January 2, 2026, the expanded online employment information reporting system requires all E-7 employers to register job category, industry classification, and annual salary through HiKorea. This creates a clearer paper trail for visa renewals and F-2-7 transitions. Make sure your employer completes this registration within 14 days of your employment start date.
F-2-7 Points Calculation for Korean University Graduates
The F-2-7 residency visa requires a minimum of 80 points across five categories: age, education, Korean language ability, income, and bonus points. Your score also determines your initial stay duration—80-109 points grants 1 year, 110-119 points grants 2 years, 120-129 points grants 3 years, and 130+ points grants 5 years.
F-2-7 Score Calculator
| Category | Your Situation | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | ||
| 18-24 years old | ☐ Check if applies | 23 pts |
| 25-29 years old | ☐ Check if applies | 25 pts |
| 30-34 years old | ☐ Check if applies | 23 pts |
| 35-39 years old | ☐ Check if applies | 20 pts |
| 40-44 years old | ☐ Check if applies | 12 pts |
| Education (highest degree) | ||
| PhD — STEM field | ☐ Check if applies | 25 pts |
| PhD — other fields | ☐ Check if applies | 20 pts |
| Master’s (STEM field) | ☐ Check if applies | 22 pts |
| Master’s (other fields) | ☐ Check if applies | 20 pts |
| Bachelor’s (STEM field) | ☐ Check if applies | 17 pts |
| Bachelor’s (other fields) | ☐ Check if applies | 15 pts |
| Korean Language | ||
| TOPIK 5-6 or KIIP Level 5-6 | ☐ Check if applies | 20 pts |
| TOPIK 4 or KIIP Level 4 | ☐ Check if applies | 15 pts |
| TOPIK 3 or KIIP Level 3 | ☐ Check if applies | 10 pts |
| TOPIK 2 or KIIP Level 2 | ☐ Check if applies | 5 pts |
| Annual Income (소득금액증명원 basis) | ||
| ₩100M or more | ☐ Check if applies | 60 pts |
| ₩70M–₩80M | ☐ Check if applies | 53 pts |
| ₩50M–₩60M | ☐ Check if applies | 45 pts |
| ₩40M–₩50M | ☐ Check if applies | 40 pts |
| ₩30M–₩40M | ☐ Check if applies | 30 pts |
| Bonus Points | ||
| Master’s degree from a Korean university | ☐ Check if applies | +7 pts |
| Bachelor’s degree from a Korean university | ☐ Check if applies | +5 pts |
| KIIP Level 5 completion | ☐ Check if applies | +10 pts |
| QS/Times Top500 — PhD | ☐ Check if applies | +30 pts |
| QS/Times Top500 — Master’s | ☐ Check if applies | +20 pts |
| QS/Times Top500 — Bachelor’s | ☐ Check if applies | +15 pts |
| Volunteer work in Korea 3+ years | ☐ Check if applies | +7 pts |
| YOUR TOTAL | ___ pts | |
Score Thresholds and Stay Duration
| Total Points | Initial Stay Duration |
|---|---|
| 80–109 points | 1 year |
| 110–119 points | 2 years |
| 120–129 points | 3 years |
| 130+ points | 5 years |
Can You Reach 80 Points Without GKS?
Yes. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS, formerly known as KGSP) is not required to qualify for F-2-7. Community members have reported successful applications with combinations like the following:
Example: Bachelor’s graduate, age 27, TOPIK 4, ₩45M income
- Age 25-29: 25 pts
- Bachelor’s degree: 15 pts
- TOPIK 4: 15 pts
- Income ₩40–50M: 40 pts
- Korean university bonus: +5 pts
- Total: 100 pts
This score qualifies for a 1-year F-2-7 visa without any scholarship, government recommendation, or volunteer points.
D-10 Period: Does Your Job-Seeking Income Count?
D-10 visa holders can register internships with immigration and earn income during the job-seeking period. Whether this income counts toward F-2-7 requirements depends on several factors.
D-10 Income and Tax Records
Income earned during D-10 internships appears on your 소득금액증명원 (income certificate) if your employer properly reported it to the National Tax Service. This is the same document used for F-2-7 income verification. In principle, properly reported D-10 income contributes to your annual taxable income total.
The practical limitation is duration. D-10 internships are capped at 6 months total. Even at a reasonable salary, 6 months of internship income alone rarely reaches the ₩40M annual threshold.
Transitioning from D-10 to E-7 Income
Most successful F-2-7 applicants build their income record during E-7 employment, not D-10. The D-10 period is meant for finding employment, while E-7 provides the sustained income history needed to meet F-2-7 thresholds.
If you transition from D-10 to E-7 mid-year, your annual income for that tax year combines both periods. Your 소득금액증명원 for that year will show total taxable income from all sources.
The ₩40M Income Requirement
The minimum income for F-2-7 qualification is ₩40,000,000, based on your 소득금액증명원. This document is different from:
- Your employment contract (계약서, gyeyakseo): shows agreed salary, not actual payment
- Withholding tax certificate (원천징수영수증, woncheonjingsu yeongsujeung): shows tax withheld, not total income
- Bank statements: show deposits, not taxable income
Get your 소득금액증명원 from HomeTax (홈택스, the National Tax Service’s online portal) or at any tax office. The document must be issued within 3 months of your F-2-7 application. Online issuance takes about 5 minutes; tax office visits take 30–45 minutes depending on wait times.
Timeline and Document Checklist
Standard D-2 to F-2-7 Timeline
| Stage | Duration | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| D-2 (Student) | 2–6 years | Complete degree, keep up with TOPIK study |
| D-10 Application | Within 30 days of graduation | Submit via HiKorea before the deadline |
| D-10 (Job Seeker) | 6–24 months | Find an employer, register internships |
| E-7 Application | 2–4 weeks processing | Employer sponsorship required |
| E-7 (Employment) | 1–3 years | Build income record, complete KIIP |
| F-2-7 Application | 4–8 weeks processing | Submit when you’ve confirmed 80+ points |
Master’s Degree Holder Exemptions
| Requirement | Standard Applicant | Korean Master’s Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| 3-year continuous stay | Required | Waived |
| 80+ points | Required | Required |
| ₩40M+ income | Required | Required |
| D-10 → E-7 pathway | Required | Required |
Document Checklist for D-10 Application
□ Passport (original + copy of photo page)
□ ARC card (Alien Registration Card, original)
□ Standard application form (통합신청서, tonghap sincheongseo) from HiKorea
□ Graduation certificate (졸업증명서, joreop jeungmyeongseo) or Certificate of Expected Graduation (졸업예정증명서, joreop yejeong jeungmyeongseo)
→ If your official graduation certificate isn’t available yet, 졸업예정증명서 is accepted
□ Transcript (성적증명서, seongjeok jeungmyeongseo)
□ Job-seeking plan (구직계획서, gujik gyehoekseo)
→ Template available on the HiKorea forms page
□ Bank statement showing ₩7,000,000+ balance (for 6-month stay)
→ Exemption available for Korean university graduates with TOPIK 4+ or top-tier university graduates
□ Fee: ₩130,000
For complete D-10 application details and bank balance exemption conditions, see our separate D-10 guide.
Case Study: What Went Wrong
The following profile is a fictional composite based on recurring questions in
r/korea, r/seoul, and r/teachinginkorea. Names and details are invented. The situation reflects patterns seen repeatedly in these communities.
Linh’s KIIP Miscalculation
Linh, a 33-year-old Vietnamese nurse, had been working in Gyeonggi Province on an E-7-4 visa for 3.5 years. She completed KIIP Level 4 and assumed this would satisfy the Korean language requirement for F-2-7.
The mistake: KIIP Level 4 provides 15 points for Korean language ability. However, Linh missed the KIIP Level 5 completion bonus, which adds 10 additional points. She calculated her total score at 82 points—just above the threshold—but she could have reached 92 points with Level 5 completion.
The consequence: With 82 points, Linh qualified for only 1-year F-2-7 status. Had she completed KIIP Level 5 (adding 10 bonus points for a total of 92), she would still receive 1-year status. However, she later realized that F-5 permanent residency requires KIIP Level 5 completion OR a comprehensive evaluation score of 60+ points. Her F-2-7 approval did not count toward F-5 language requirements. KIIP Level 4 and Level 5 completion are separate scoring items. Level 4 gives language points (15 pts for TOPIK 4 equivalent). Level 5 completion adds a bonus (10 pts) AND satisfies F-5 language requirements. If permanent residency is your goal, complete KIIP Level 5 before your F-2-7 application. This gives you both the bonus points now and the language qualification for F-5 later.
Linh registered for the next KIIP Level 5 session and completed it during her first F-2-7 year. Her renewal application showed 92 points, and she began counting her 3 years toward F-5-16 eligibility.
Details That Matter
1345 answers vary by operator. Immigration hotline responses depend on which operator you reach. If you receive unclear or contradictory information, visit your local immigration office in person or submit a written inquiry through HiKorea. Document the response with a screenshot or written confirmation.
졸업예정증명서 (Certificate of Expected Graduation) works for D-10 applications. If your official graduation certificate won’t be issued until September but your ARC expires in August, submit a 졸업예정증명서 instead. Most immigration offices accept this document, though some local offices have refused it. Check with your specific office in advance.
D-10 internships must be registered. If you work an internship during D-10 and don’t register it with immigration, your renewal application may show “no job-seeking activity” and be rejected. Register all internships through HiKorea within 14 days of starting.
KIIP Level 4 ≠ KIIP Level 5 for F-5. Level 4 completion gives you language points for F-2-7. Only Level 5 completion satisfies the language requirement for F-5 permanent residency. These are separate qualifications with different purposes.
F-2-7 renewal requires 80+ points again. Since January 2020, F-2-7 renewals require re-verification of the 80-point threshold. Your income and other scoring factors must still meet requirements at renewal time, not just at initial application.
Common Mistakes
❌ Missing the 30-day D-10 deadline. The deadline runs from your graduation date, not from when you receive your diploma. If your ARC expires before the 30-day mark, the ARC date becomes your deadline. Check both dates.
❌ Assuming the master’s exemption covers income. The 3-year stay requirement is waived for Korean master’s graduates. The ₩40M income requirement is not. Prepare your 소득금액증명원 (Income Amount Certificate) regardless of your degree level.
❌ Using contract salary instead of 소득금액증명원. Your employment contract shows your agreed salary. The 소득금액증명원 shows your actual taxable income. These numbers may differ. Immigration uses the 소득금액증명원.
❌ Expecting D-2 → F-2-7 direct conversion. No pathway exists for converting D-2 directly to F-2-7. The D-10 and E-7 steps are required to build the employment and income documentation that F-2-7 requires.
❌ Not registering D-10 internships. D-10 work activities must be registered with immigration. Unregistered internships don’t count as job-seeking activity and may result in extension denial.
Official Resources & Links
- Korea Immigration Service – Official visa requirements and policy updates
- HiKorea Online Portal – Appointment booking and online applications
- Ministry of Justice Korea – Policy announcements and regulation changes
- HomeTax – 소득금액증명원 (Income Amount Certificate) issuance
- KIIP (Social Integration Program) – Course registration and schedules
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip E-7 and go directly from D-10 to F-2-7?
In rare cases, yes. Verified community reports show D-10 to F-2-7 direct conversions in February 2026, but these cases involved master’s degree holders with TOPIK 4+, sufficient income, and employment at KOSDAQ-listed companies. The standard pathway through E-7 remains more reliable for most applicants.
Does my time on D-2 count toward the 3-year F-2-7 requirement?
Yes. Time on D-2 and D-10 visas counts toward the 3-year continuous stay requirement for F-2-7. Successful applications have been verified with D-2 (2 years) plus D-10 (1.5 years) totaling 3.5 years, combined with 80+ points.
What happens if my job doesn’t match any E-7 code?
Select the closest matching code and prepare documentation showing how your duties align. If no code fits, contact the Ministry of Justice’s Foreign Policy Division at 02-2110-4218 for an individual case review. If you’re rejected, extend your D-10 and reapply with a revised job description or a different position.
Is the ₩40M income threshold based on my contract or actual income?
It’s based on your 소득금액증명원 (income certificate) from HomeTax, which shows your actual taxable income. This may differ from your contract salary due to tax deductions, payment timing, or other factors. Always verify with your 소득금액증명원 before applying.
Can I reach 80 points without a GKS scholarship?
Yes. A typical non-scholarship path: Age 25-29 (25 pts) + Bachelor’s degree (15 pts) + TOPIK 4 (15 pts) + Income ₩40-50M (40 pts) + Korean university bonus (5 pts) = 100 points. No scholarship or government recommendation required.
Do I need to re-qualify at 80 points when renewing F-2-7?
Yes. Since January 2020, F-2-7 renewals require re-verification of the 80-point threshold. Your income, age, and other factors are reassessed at each renewal. Make sure to maintain your qualifications throughout your F-2-7 period.
What’s the difference between KIIP Level 4 and Level 5 for visa purposes?
KIIP Level 4 completion provides 15 points for Korean language ability (equivalent to TOPIK 4). KIIP Level 5 completion provides an additional 10 bonus points AND satisfies the language requirement for F-5 permanent residency. Level 4 does not count toward F-5 language requirements.
What To Do Next
Still on D-2 — Planning Ahead
Calculate your projected F-2-7 score using the table above. Identify the fastest ways to boost your points: improving your TOPIK level (5 points per level) or completing KIIP Level 5 (10 bonus points). Register for the next available test or course. For D-2 basics and part-time work rules, check out our D-2 Student Visa Part-Time Work Guide.
Graduation Within 30 Days
Book your D-10 appointment on HiKorea immediately. Seoul offices require 3+ weeks advance booking during graduation season. Prepare your 졸업예정증명서 (expected graduation certificate) if your official diploma isn’t ready yet. Start your job search before your D-10 approval comes through.
Currently on D-10
Register any internships or employment activities with immigration within 14 days of starting. Document all your job search activities (applications, interviews, rejections) for your extension application. Focus on positions that match E-7 occupation codes in your field.
On E-7 and Ready for F-2-7
Get your 소득금액증명원 (income verification certificate) from HomeTax and verify that your annual income meets the ₩40M threshold. Complete KIIP Level 5 if you haven’t already. Calculate your total score and confirm you have 80+ points before applying.
Need Official Clarification
For questions not covered in official guidelines, call the immigration hotline at 1345 (press 2 for English). Keep in mind that responses may vary depending on the operator. For complex cases, submit a written inquiry through HiKorea or visit your local immigration office with all your documents ready.
