Loading...
Loading...
Kang & Kriel Recruitment
Residence
The F-2 (Residence) visa is issued to foreign nationals permitted for long-term stay in Korea for various reasons, including the points-based system (F-2-7). There are no restrictions on employment, and it is often used as a stepping stone to F-5 (Permanent Residence).
The F-2 (Residence) visa is issued to foreign nationals permitted for long-term stay in Korea for various reasons, including the points-based system (F-2-7). There are no restrictions on employment, and it is often used as a stepping stone to F-5 (Permanent Residence).
대상 Target Audience
Points-based evaluation (F-2-7) score of 80 or above: cumulative points from age, education, Korean language ability, income, stay duration, and other categories
Points-based evaluation (F-2-7) score of 80 or above: cumulative points from age, education, Korean language ability, income, stay duration, and other categories
면제 가능 Exemption Available
Domestic stay duration requirement: 3-5+ years when transitioning from E-2, E-7, etc. (varies by track)
Domestic stay duration requirement: 3-5+ years when transitioning from E-2, E-7, etc. (varies by track)
Income requirement: prior-year income at or above GNI per capita, or meeting the applicable track threshold
Income requirement: prior-year income at or above GNI per capita, or meeting the applicable track threshold
Basic civics requirement: completion of a designated KIIP stage or TOPIK Level 4+ (varies by track)
Basic civics requirement: completion of a designated KIIP stage or TOPIK Level 4+ (varies by track)
면제 가능 Exemption Available
Housing requirement: proof of adequate housing (lease agreement, property registration, etc.)
Housing requirement: proof of adequate housing (lease agreement, property registration, etc.)
Overseas F-2 visa issuance (limited — most applicants change status domestically)
참고 Notes
Stay Period Extension (income, housing, and civics re-verification; attach 사유서 if required)
Stay Period Extension (income, housing, and civics re-verification; attach 사유서 if required)
Alien Registration
Alien Registration
| 절차 Action | 수수료 Fee | 처리 기간 Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
Overseas F-2 visa issuance (limited — most applicants change status domestically) Overseas F-2 visa issuance (limited — most applicants change status domestically) | 단수 60,000원 | 4-8주 |
Status change from E-2, E-7, F-4, etc. to F-2 — the most common route Status change from E-2, E-7, F-4, etc. to F-2 — the most common route | 100,000원 | 2-4주 |
Stay Period Extension (income, housing, and civics re-verification; attach 사유서 if required) Stay Period Extension (income, housing, and civics re-verification; attach 사유서 if required) | 60,000원 | 2-4주 |
Alien Registration Alien Registration | 30,000원 | -- |
Points may be recalculated at extension and fall below the threshold. Age-related point reduction, income changes, or expired Korean language scores can cause this.
Points may be recalculated at extension and fall below the threshold. Age-related point reduction, income changes, or expired Korean language scores can cause this.
대응방안 Mitigation
Calculate your own points before extension and address any areas of potential point loss (age, TOPIK expiry, etc.) in advance.
Calculate your own points before extension and address any areas of potential point loss (age, TOPIK expiry, etc.) in advance.
Income thresholds fluctuate annually with GNI. If prior-year income falls below the threshold, extension may be denied.
Income thresholds fluctuate annually with GNI. If prior-year income falls below the threshold, extension may be denied.
대응방안 Mitigation
Check the annually published GNI threshold and prepare income documentation (tax withholding receipts, etc.) in advance.
Check the annually published GNI threshold and prepare income documentation (tax withholding receipts, etc.) in advance.
Failure to meet housing adequacy standards may result in extension denial or additional documentation requests.
Failure to meet housing adequacy standards may result in extension denial or additional documentation requests.
대응방안 Mitigation
Prepare a valid lease agreement or proof of ownership, and report any change of address within 14 days.
Prepare a valid lease agreement or proof of ownership, and report any change of address within 14 days.
How is the points-based system (F-2-7) calculated?
Points are accumulated across multiple categories: age (max 25), education (max 30), Korean language ability (max 20), income (max 25), KIIP completion, stay duration, and more. A total of 80 points or above qualifies for F-2-7 application. Check the Immigration Policy Bureau's official scoring table for full details.
Points are accumulated across multiple categories: age (max 25), education (max 30), Korean language ability (max 20), income (max 25), KIIP completion, stay duration, and more. A total of 80 points or above qualifies for F-2-7 application. Check the Immigration Policy Bureau's official scoring table for full details.
When is a statement of reasons (사유서) required?
A 사유서 may be required when applying for extension or status change if there are unusual circumstances such as income decrease, job change, or extended absence from Korea. It should describe the situation's background and your future plans in detail.
A 사유서 may be required when applying for extension or status change if there are unusual circumstances such as income decrease, job change, or extended absence from Korea. It should describe the situation's background and your future plans in detail.
What are the differences between F-2 tracks (F-2-1, F-2-5, F-2-7, etc.)?
F-2-1 is for family-based reasons, F-2-5 is for real estate or business investment, and F-2-7 is the points-based track for skilled professionals. Each track has different requirements (stay duration, income, language, etc.). The most common route is F-2-7 (points-based).
F-2-1 is for family-based reasons, F-2-5 is for real estate or business investment, and F-2-7 is the points-based track for skilled professionals. Each track has different requirements (stay duration, income, language, etc.). The most common route is F-2-7 (points-based).
사증민원 자격별 안내 매뉴얼
법무부 출입국·외국인정책본부 [260319]
체류민원 자격별 안내 매뉴얼
법무부 출입국·외국인정책본부 [260319]
하이코리아 출입국·외국인정책 안내
출입국·외국인정책본부 [online]
이 정보는 법률 자문이 아닌 일반 정보 제공 목적으로 작성되었습니다. 출입국 법령과 심사 기준은 수시로 변경될 수 있으므로, 최종 확인은 관할 출입국관리사무소 또는 대한민국 재외공관에 문의하시기 바랍니다.
This information is provided for general guidance only, not as legal advice. Immigration regulations and review criteria are subject to change at any time. For definitive answers, please consult the relevant immigration office or Korean embassy/consulate.