Want to Stay and Work in Korea After Graduation? F-2-7 Points-Based Residence Visa
For international students who graduated from Korean universities and want to work and live in Korea long-term, the F-2-7 Points-Based Residence Visa is the essential pathway. F-2-7 has no restrictions on employment type or employer, allows your spouse and children to reside with you, and serves as the starting point for long-term settlement in Korea — with a pathway to permanent residency (F-5).
Key Advantages of F-2-7
- All legal economic activities permitted (employment, business, freelance)
- Spouse and minor children may reside on F-3 (Accompanying) visa
- Initial stay 1 year, renewable in 2–3 year increments
- Eligible to apply for permanent residency (F-5) after 5+ years of stay
2026 F-2-7 Points Calculation Table
A minimum total score of 80 points is required to apply.
| Category | Criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age (max 20 pts) | 18–24 | 20 pts |
| 25–29 | 18 pts | |
| 30–34 | 15 pts | |
| 35–39 | 10 pts | |
| Education (max 35 pts) | Korean doctoral degree | 35 pts |
| Korean master's degree | 30 pts | |
| Korean bachelor's degree | 25 pts | |
| Korean associate degree | 20 pts | |
| Korean Language (max 20 pts) | TOPIK Level 6 | 20 pts |
| TOPIK Level 5 | 17 pts | |
| TOPIK Level 4 | 14 pts | |
| Income & Assets (max 10 pts) | Annual income at or above GNI | 10 pts |
| Annual income at or above 80% of GNI | 7 pts | |
| Bank balance 30 million KRW+ | 5 pts | |
| Social Integration Program (max 10 pts) | Stage 5 passed | 10 pts |
| Stage 4 completed | 7 pts | |
| Stage 3 completed | 5 pts | |
| Bonus Points | 1+ years domestic work experience | 5 pts |
| 100+ hours domestic volunteer work | 3 pts |
Strategy by Score — How to Reach 80 Points
Starting from Korean bachelor's (25 pts) + age 27 (18 pts) + TOPIK Level 5 (17 pts) = 60 pts, choose from the following to make up the difference:
- KIIP Stage 4 → +7 pts (total 67 pts)
- 1 year work experience → +5 pts (total 72 pts)
- Income at 80%+ GNI → +7 pts (total 79 pts)
- 100 hours volunteer work → +3 pts (total 82 pts) ✔ Eligible!
Application Process Summary
① Check score → Use online score calculator at HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr)
② Prepare documents → Passport, Alien Registration Card, degree certificate, TOPIK score, income verification, KIIP completion certificate, etc.
③ Visit immigration office → Book appointment via HiKorea (fee: KRW 60,000)
④ Collect Alien Registration Card → 2–4 weeks after approval
Pre-Application Checklist
- Currently holding valid visa status (D-2, D-10, E-7, etc.)
- No domestic criminal record or fines
- No outstanding health insurance premiums
- TOPIK score within 2-year validity period
- Latest income/asset verification documents secured
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I apply for F-2-7 right after graduation without a D-10?
A. Yes, if your score is 80+ and income requirements are met. In practice, most applicants apply after securing employment to provide income documentation.
Q. Can I start a business on F-2-7?
A. Yes. There are no restrictions on economic activities — business registration, freelance work, and investment are all permitted.
Q. Where do I apply for the Social Integration Program?
A. Apply online at the Ministry of Justice Social Integration Information Network (www.socinet.go.kr), then attend classes at a nearby participating institution.
Closing
The F-2-7 points-based residence visa is the most practical pathway for international students who want to settle and work in Korea long-term. By using the points table to identify gaps and preparing TOPIK, KIIP, and employment plans before graduation, you can quickly meet the F-2-7 requirements right after graduating.
For any questions about visa applications, employment in Korea, or settling in Korea, please contact DODREAM (두드림). We cheer on every international student's journey in Korea!
Official sources: Ministry of Justice Immigration (www.immigration.go.kr) | HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) | Social Integration Info (www.socinet.go.kr)
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