Changing jobs on an E-7 visa requires immigration approval —a process that typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, and only works if your new employer agrees to sponsor you. On an F-2-7, you file a notification online and start the new job when you want. That difference matters most when you’re negotiating your salary. On an E-7, your employer knows your visa depends on them. Walking away is costly. On an F-2-7, you can walk away. That changes the conversation entirely.
What Is the F-2-7 Visa and Why Does It Matter?
The F-2-7 visa (점수제 우수인재 거주비자, or “points-based skilled talent residence visa”) is Korea’s points-based residence visa designed for skilled foreign professionals. Unlike employer-tied work visas like the E-7, the F-2-7 gives you a feeling of freedom.
As of April 2026, here’s what makes the F-2-7 special, according to the Korea Immigration Service:
- No employer sponsorship required — You can change jobs freely without visa complications
- Long-term stability — Stay periods range from 1 to 5 years depending on your score
- Path to permanent residency — F-2-7 holders can eventually apply for F-5 permanent residence
- Spouse work rights — Your spouse can also work in Korea (with some restrictions)
- Renewable indefinitely — As long as you maintain 80+ points, you can keep renewing
You need to score at least 80 points out of a possible 170 points (130 base points + 40 bonus points) on the official point system. This score is calculated based on your age, education, Korean language ability, income, and various bonus factors.
Basic Eligibility Requirements for F-2-7 (2026)
Mandatory Requirements
- Professional visa status for 3+ years — You must have held a professional visa (E-1 through E-7-1, or D-5 through D-9) for at least 3 consecutive years with legal status. Source: Korea Immigration Service
- Minimum 80 points — Score at least 80 points on the official point table
- Clean immigration record — No illegal stay history or serious immigration violations
- Income verification — Generally, your previous year’s income must be at least 1x the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, though exceptions exist
Important Exception: 3-Year Rule Waiver
You can skip the 3-year requirement under certain conditions. As of 2026, the 3-year consecutive stay requirement is waived if you meet any of these criteria:
- Annual income of ₩40,000,000 or more (verified by 소득금액증명원, or “income certificate”)
- Employment at a KOSPI or KOSDAQ listed company
- Hold a master’s degree or higher
This means you could theoretically transition from D-2 (student) → D-10 (job seeker) → directly to F-2-7, skipping the E-7 entirely. Source: Immigration case study
Complete 2026 F-2-7 Score Table (Official)
The F-2-7 point system has four main categories (up to 130 base points) plus bonus points (up to 40 additional points).
1. Age Points (Maximum 25 Points)
Your age is calculated based on your birthday as of the application date.
| Age Range | Points |
|---|---|
| 25–29 years old | 25 points |
| 18–24 years old | 23 points |
| 30–34 years old | 23 points |
| 35–39 years old | 20 points |
| 40–44 years old | 12 points |
| 45–50 years old | 8 points |
| 51+ years old | 3 points |
note: Age points decrease as you get older. If you’re currently 34, your points will drop from 23 to 20 on your 35th birthday. Plan your application timing accordingly!
2. Education Points (Maximum 25 Points)
Korea awards extra points for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) degrees and for holding multiple degrees. Your degree must be verifiable through KCUE (Korean Council for University Education)—completion certificates without actual graduation don’t count.
| Education Level | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate (STEM/Multiple degrees) | 25 points |
| Doctorate (Other fields) | 20 points |
| Master’s (STEM/Multiple degrees) | 20 points |
| Master’s (Other fields) | 17 points |
| Bachelor’s (STEM/Multiple degrees) | 17 points |
| Bachelor’s (Other fields) | 15 points |
| Associate degree (STEM) | 15 points |
| Associate degree (Other fields) | 10 points |
3. Korean Language Proficiency (Maximum 20 Points)
This category is where you can boost your score. Korean proficiency is measured through either TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) or KIIP (Korea Immigration and Integration Program).
| Proficiency Level | TOPIK | KIIP | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest | Level 5–6 | Level 5 | 20 points |
| High | Level 4 | Level 4 | 15 points |
| Intermediate | Level 3 | Level 3 | 10 points |
| Basic | Level 2 | Level 2 | 5 points |
| Minimal | Level 1 | Level 1 | 3 points |
4. Annual Income Points (Maximum 60 Points)
Income is the most heavily weighted category—you can earn up to 60 points here. Your income is verified through your 소득금액증명원 (sogeum-geumaek jeungmyeongwon, or Income Certificate) from the National Tax Service, based on your previous year’s taxed income.
| Annual Taxed Income (KRW) | Points |
|---|---|
| ₩100,000,000+ (100M+) | 60 points |
| ₩90,000,000 – ₩99,999,999 | 58 points |
| ₩80,000,000 – ₩89,999,999 | 56 points |
| ₩70,000,000 – ₩79,999,999 | 53 points |
| ₩60,000,000 – ₩69,999,999 | 50 points |
| ₩50,000,000 – ₩59,999,999 | 45 points |
| ₩40,000,000 – ₩49,999,999 | 40 points (Waives 3-year residency requirement) |
| ₩30,000,000 – ₩39,999,999 | 30 points |
| Minimum wage – ₩29,999,999 | 10 points |
| Below minimum wage / Unemployed | 0 points |
Note: Only taxed income counts. Untaxed allowances like 식비 (sikbi, meal allowance) or 교통비 (gyotongbi, transportation allowance) are NOT included. The figure that matters is the amount on your 소득금액증명원 — not your employment contract salary.
5. Bonus Points (Maximum 40 Points)
Bonus points are added on top of your base score.
| Category | Detail | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Korean War Veteran Nation | Outstanding talent recommended by a central administrative agency | 20 points |
| Central Government Recommendation | Official recommendation from a central administrative agency head | 20 points |
| KIIP Level 5 Completion | Social Integration Program — Level 5 completion certificate. No expiration date. | 10 points |
| Excellent University Graduate | Times / QS World Top 500 — PhD / Master’s / Bachelor’s | 30 / 20 / 15 points |
| Korean university — PhD / Master’s / Bachelor’s | 10 / 7 / 5 points | |
| Volunteer Activities in Korea | 3+ years / 2–3 years / 1–2 years | 7 / 5 / 1 points |
Note: QS rankings are updated annually. The 2026 rankings were released in October 2025. If your university moved in or out of the Top 500, your bonus points change. Verify at topuniversities.com before applying.
6. Deductions (Up to −80 Points)
Violations reduce your total score. These are checked automatically against your immigration and criminal record at the time of application.
| Category | Detail | Deduction |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration Act Violations (Total penalty amount) |
₩3,000,000 or more | −30 points |
| ₩1,000,000 – ₩2,999,999 | −20 points | |
| ₩500,000 – ₩999,999 | −10 points | |
| Criminal Record | Imprisonment or higher (including suspended sentence) | −40 points |
| Fine of ₩2,000,000 – ₩3,000,000 | −30 points | |
| Fine under ₩2,000,000 | −20 points | |
| Accompanying Family / Invitee | Illegal stay, fine of ₩1M+, deportation order, or forced departure within past 3 years | −10 points |
Note: Deductions apply cumulatively across categories. Always verify your immigration record at hikorea.go.kr before applying.
Source: Han Visa F-2-7 Guide
TOPIK vs KIIP: Which Should You Choose?
The Short Answer
For F-2-7 scoring purposes, TOPIK and KIIP are equivalent. TOPIK Level 4 gives you the same 15 points as KIIP Level 4. TOPIK 5-6 equals KIIP Level 5 at 20 points. Source: Mr. Visa Korea
| Factor | TOPIK | KIIP |
|---|---|---|
| Time Investment | Study on your own schedule; test offered 6x/year | 100+ hours of classes over several months |
| Cost | ₩40,000–55,000 per test | Free (government-funded) |
| F-2-7 Points | Same as KIIP equivalent | Same as TOPIK equivalent |
| F-5 (Permanent Residency) | May need both TOPIK + KIIP | KIIP Level 5 often sufficient on its own |
| Validity | 2 years from test date | No expiration |
| Best For | Fast results; people who already speak Korean | Long-term residence plans; F-5 goal |
Which One Should You Choose?
Most people overthink this. If you’re already comfortable holding basic conversations in Korean, just take TOPIK and get it done. The test runs six times a year, you study on your own schedule, and if you don’t pass the level you wanted, you can retake it within a few months. For someone who already has a foundation, TOPIK is simply the faster path.
KIIP makes more sense if permanent residency is actually on your radar. The F-5 process treats KIIP Level 5 differently than TOPIK — it satisfies social integration requirements that TOPIK alone doesn’t cover. The classes run over several months and attendance is mandatory. But it’s free, and the cultural content is genuinely useful if you’re planning to stay long-term.
If you’re starting from zero Korean, KIIP is actually the more practical option. It gives you a structured curriculum, native-speaking instructors, and a clear progression from Level 1 to 5. Learning Korean through KIIP while simultaneously building toward your F-2-7 score is a reasonable two-year plan.
One thing to keep in mind. TOPIK certificates expire after two years. If you pass TOPIK 4 now but don’t apply for F-2-7 for another two and a half years, you’ll need to retake it. KIIP completion certificates don’t expire, which is a real advantage if your timeline is uncertain.
Stay Duration by Points: How Long Will You Get?
| Total Score | Initial Stay Duration |
|---|---|
| 130+ points | 5 years |
| 120–129 points | 3 years |
| 110–119 points | 2 years |
| 80–109 points | 1 year |
Stay Duration Based on Income Score
Your income score alone can also determine your stay duration:
| Income Score | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|
| 50+ points (₩80M+) | 5 years |
| 45+ points | 3 years |
| 40+ points (₩60M+) | 2 years |
| 30+ points | 1 year |
note: When you renew your F-2-7, immigration recalculates your points. If your score drops below 80 (due to aging, decreased income, etc.), you will not be able to renew your F-2-7 status.
E-7 to F-2-7 Transition: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
- Confirm you’ve held an E-7 (or E-1 through E-7-1, D-5 through D-9) for 3+ consecutive years as a registered foreigner
- Or confirm you meet the 3-year waiver requirements (₩40M+ income, KOSPI/KOSDAQ employment, or master’s degree)
- Calculate your points using the calculator above — you need a minimum of 80 points
Step 2: Calculate Your Score Online
- Go to hikorea.go.kr
- Navigate to 민원서비스 (Civil Services)
- Look for the F-2-7 점수계산 (Point Calculator) tool
- Input your information to get an official estimate
note: Also check immigration.go.kr for the most current point tables, as they’re updated periodically.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
📋 F-2-7 Document Checklist
Basic Documents:
- ☐ Passport (original + copy of ID page)
- ☐ Alien Registration Card (ARC) (외국인등록증, oegugin deungrokjeung)
- ☐ Application form (통합신청서, tonghap sincheongseo) — available at the immigration office or HiKorea
- ☐ Passport photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm, taken within 6 months)
- ☐ Application fee: ₩130,000 (as of April 2026)
Income Verification:
- ☐ 소득금액증명원 (Sodeuk geumak jeungmyeongwon, Income Certificate)→ Get this at hometax.go.kr (온라인 발급, online issuance) or any 세무서 (semuseo, tax office)→ Must be issued within 3 months of application
→ Online: 5 minutes | Tax office: 30 minutes
- ☐ Employment contract (근로계약서, geunro gyeyakseo) — shows your current position and salary
Education Verification:
- ☐ Degree certificate (학위증명서, hagwi jeungmyeongseo)→ Foreign degrees need an apostille or embassy authentication→ Korean degrees: 학위증명서 from your university
- ☐ Transcript (성적증명서, seongjeok jeungmyeongseo) — may be required for STEM verification
Korean Language Proof:
- ☐ TOPIK certificate (한국어능력시험 성적증명서, Hangugeo neungnyeok siheom seongjeok jeungmyeongseo)→ Valid for 2 years from the test date→ Download from topik.go.kr
- ☐ KIIP completion certificate (사회통합프로그램 이수증, sahoe tonghap peurogeuraem isujeung)
Step 4: Book an Immigration Appointment
Time: 10 minutes to book, 3+ weeks wait time
- Go to hikorea.go.kr
- Log in (create an account if needed)
- Click 방문예약 (bangmun yeyak, Visit Reservation)
- Select your nearest 출입국관리사무소 (churipguk gwanli samuso, Immigration Office)
- Choose 체류자격변경 (cheryu jagyeok byeongyeong, Status Change) → F-2-7
- Pick an available date and time
note: In Seoul. Book at least 3-4 weeks in advance. If you need an appointment sooner, try offices outside Seoul (Incheon, Suwon, etc.), which often have shorter wait times.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Time: 1-2 hours at the immigration office
- Arrive at your appointment time with ALL documents
- Take a number and wait to be called
- Submit your documents to the officer
- Pay the ₩130,000 fee
- Receive a receipt with your case number
Step 6: Wait for Approval
Processing time: typically 2-4 weeks
- Check your status on HiKorea using your case number
- You may receive a call if additional documents are needed
- Once approved, return to immigration to get your new ARC
Can Your Spouse Work on F-2-7?
When you get the F-2-7, your spouse can apply for F-2 (Dependent Family) status, which allows them to work in professional positions without needing a separate work permit. That’s a meaningful difference from something like an E-2 dependent, where additional permits are usually required.
The restriction is on the lower end of the job spectrum. Simple manufacturing, construction labor, and other work that falls under the E-9 category are generally off-limits. For office jobs, technical roles, or anything professional, there’s no additional barrier — your spouse can work freely.
A few things worth knowing before your spouse starts job hunting. The F-2 status isn’t automatically granted when you receive your F-2-7 — your spouse needs to apply separately. And if there’s any doubt about whether a specific job falls into a restricted category, it’s worth confirming with immigration before they start, not after.
Source: Hani Seoul Visa Guide
Details That Matter Before You Apply
One thing that catches people off guard. if you apply between January and April, your most recent income certificate won’t be available yet. The National Tax Service typically issues the previous year’s income data after May, so immigration will assess your 2024 income instead of 2025. If you had a strong year in 2025, it’s worth waiting until May or June to apply.
The renewal trap is real. A lot of people get their F-2-7 at 29 with the maximum 25 age points, then hit renewal at 35 and find themselves at 20 — a 5-point drop that can push a borderline score under 80. Calculate what your score looks like three to five years from now, not just today. If income is your weakest category, focus on building it.
QS rankings update every October. If your university was right on the edge of the Top 500, check the current list at topuniversities.com before you apply — bonus points can change year to year based on where your school lands.
On the KIIP and F-5 question. Even if you already have TOPIK 6, completing KIIP Level 5 is still worth doing if permanent residency is your long-term goal. They satisfy different requirements, and immigration doesn’t treat them as interchangeable for the F-5 process.
Foreign documents need official Korean translations from immigration-approved agencies—not a friend who speaks Korean, or a general translation service. Wrong translations don’t just get rejected. They can delay your whole application by weeks while you start over.
As of July 2025, losing your job while on F-2-7 gives you a one-year grace period to find new employment. That buffer is useful, but it doesn’t carry over to renewal — you’ll still need income documentation when the time comes.
Official Resources & Links
- Korea Immigration Service (출입국관리사무소, Chul-ip-guk-gwan-ri-sa-mu-so) — Official visa information and policy updates
- HiKorea Online Portal — Appointment booking, status checks, and online applications
- Ministry of Justice Korea (법무부, Beom-mu-bu) — Policy announcements and regulations
- HomeTax (국세청 홈택스, Guk-se-cheong Hom-taek-seu) — Income certificates and tax documents
- TOPIK Official Site — Test registration and score certificates
- KIIP (사회통합정보망, Sa-hoe-tong-hap-jeong-bo-mang) — Social Integration Program registration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum score required for the F-2-7 visa in 2026?
The minimum score required for the F-2-7 visa in 2026 is 80 points out of a maximum possible 170 points (130 base points + 40 bonus points). Your score is calculated based on age (max 25 pts), education (max 25 pts), Korean language proficiency (max 20 pts), annual income (max 60 pts), and various bonus categories (max 40 pts).
Is TOPIK or KIIP better for F-2-7 points?
For F-2-7 scoring, TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) and KIIP (Korea Immigration and Integration Program) are equivalent—both award the same points at the same level (e.g., TOPIK 4 = KIIP Level 4 = 15 points). However, if you plan to apply for F-5 permanent residency in the future, completing KIIP Level 5 provides additional benefits. TOPIK is faster to obtain since you can take the test anytime, while KIIP requires attending classes but is free and includes cultural education.
Can I apply for F-2-7 without 3 years of E-7 experience?
Yes, under certain conditions. The 3-year consecutive professional visa requirement can be waived if you have: (1) annual income of ₩40,000,000 or more, (2) employment at a KOSPI or KOSDAQ listed company (Korea’s main stock exchanges), or (3) a master’s degree or higher. This means direct transitions from D-2 (student) or D-10 (job seeker) to F-2-7 are possible if you meet these criteria and score 80+ points.
How long is the F-2-7 visa valid?
F-2-7 visa duration depends on your total points: 80–109 points = 1 year, 110–119 points = 2 years, 120–129 points = 3 years, and 130+ points = 5 years. Your income score alone can also determine duration: an income score of 50+ (₩80M+) = 5 years, 45+ = 3 years, 40+ = 2 years, and 30+ = 1 year. The visa can be renewed indefinitely as long as you maintain 80+ points at renewal time.
Can my spouse work if I have an F-2-7 visa?
Yes, your spouse can apply for F-2 (Dependent Family) status and work in Korea. Professional positions are generally allowed without additional work permits. However, simple labor jobs (E-9 category work) are restricted. Your spouse must apply separately for F-2 status—it’s not automatically granted when you receive F-2-7.
What happens if my score drops below 80 at renewal?
If your score drops below 80 points at renewal time, you won’t be able to renew your F-2-7 status. Common reasons for score drops include aging (age points decrease after 29), income reduction, or TOPIK certificate expiration. If you can’t maintain 80 points, you’ll need to transition to a different visa type (such as returning to E-7 with employer sponsorship).
How much does the F-2-7 visa application cost?
As of April 2026, the F-2-7 visa application fee is approximately ₩130,000. Additional costs may include document translation fees (varies by document), apostille/authentication for foreign documents (varies by country), and transportation to the immigration office. Budget around ₩200,000–300,000 total including all document preparation costs.
What To Do Next Based on Your Score
130+ Points
You’re in the best position you can be in. Start gathering your documents this week — passport copy, ARC, 소득금액증명원, degree certificate, and your TOPIK or KIIP certificate. Book your immigration appointment on HiKorea now. Seoul offices fill up 3–4 weeks out, and the process doesn’t start until you’re actually in the queue. Double-check that the income on your 소득금액증명원 matches what you calculated, because that number is what immigration uses.
80–129 Points
You qualify, but before you rush to apply, think about whether you’re close to a threshold. If you’re at 108 points, two more points from a TOPIK retake gets you two years instead of one. If you’re at 118, a job change that bumps your income could get you to three years instead of two. Small gaps are worth closing before you submit. Also worth doing now: run the numbers on what your score looks like at renewal. If your TOPIK certificate expires in 18 months and your age bracket drops in two years, plan accordingly.
60–79 Points
The fastest points available to most people in this range are Korean language and income. TOPIK Level 3 to Level 4 is a 5-point jump. Level 4 to Level 5–6 is another 5. That’s 10 points from just one category, and the test runs six times a year. On the income side, even a modest raise can move you up a bracket. Check your bonus categories too. if you graduated from a QS Top 500 school, that’s points you might not have counted.
Below 60 Points
The F-2-7 is a long-term target, not an immediate one. The most reliable path from here is building income and Korean language simultaneously. Career progression typically handles the income side over time. For language, starting KIIP now means you could realistically hit Level 4 or 5 within two years — and the classes are free. If a master’s degree is something you’ve been considering anyway. it adds education points directly and, if the school ranks well, adds bonus points on top. Many people in this position spent three to five years building before they applied.
note: always verify the latest requirements with official sources before applying, as regulations can change. Always verify current requirements at immigration.go.kr before submitting — point values and thresholds are updated periodically. For situations not covered here, call 1345.
Have questions about your specific situation? Leave a comment below or consult with a licensed immigration attorney for personalized advice.
