F-2 Residence Visa & the Points-Based F-2-7 Guide
The F-2 residence visa and the points-based F-2-7 explained: how points work, eligibility, benefits, and how F-2 leads to permanent residency.
The F-2 residence visa — especially the points-based F-2-7 — is one of the most popular routes to long-term life in Korea, because it gives broad rights and leads toward permanent residency.
Building toward F-2? Ask a consultant.
What the F-2 offers
- Broad work and residence rights, not tied to one employer.
- A strong pathway to F-5 permanent residency.
How the F-2-7 points work
You accumulate points from factors such as:
- age,
- education,
- income,
- Korean-language ability (TOPIK / KIIP), and
- work experience.
Meet the threshold and you qualify. Because criteria are updated periodically, confirm the current scoring.
Eligibility basics
Typically you build toward the F-2 from a work or other qualifying visa, accumulating the residence and points needed.
The path to F-5
Time and qualifications on an F-2 commonly count toward F-5, which is why many people treat the F-2 as the middle step of their PR roadmap.
How to strengthen your score
- Raise income where possible.
- Add Korean ability (TOPIK/KIIP).
- Document experience clearly.
How Langle can help
Langle's consultants estimate your points, find the fastest way to raise them, and plan the F-2 → F-5 route. Start free on our visa consulting page.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change; verify on HiKorea or with a consultant before applying.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the F-2-7 visa?
- A points-based long-term residence visa. You accumulate points from factors like age, education, income, Korean ability, and experience, and need to meet a threshold.
- What are the benefits of an F-2?
- Broad work and residence rights without being tied to one employer, and a strong pathway toward F-5 permanent residency.
- How do I earn points for the F-2-7?
- Through education, income, Korean-language ability (e.g., TOPIK/KIIP), age, and work experience, among other factors. Thresholds change, so verify current criteria.
- Does F-2 lead to permanent residency?
- Yes — time and qualifications built on an F-2 commonly count toward F-5 eligibility.