How to Improve Your F-2-7 Points Score in Korea 2026 — Age, Income, Language & Certifications | VISAS KOREA

1. Scoring Overview

The F-2-7 visa uses a 170-point system (common scoring 130 points + bonus up to +40 / deductions up to −70). A minimum of 80 points is required to apply.

Category	Max Points
Age	25
Education	25
Korean proficiency	20
Annual income	60
Common total	130
Bonus points	up to +40
Deductions	up to −70

2. Age — Fixed, But Sets Your Strategy

Age points cannot be changed. Use the remaining categories to compensate.

Age	Points
25–29	25
18–24 or 30–34	23
35–39	20
40–44	12
45–50	8
51 or older	3

Applicants over 40 must maximize income, Korean proficiency, and bonus points.

3. Income — The Highest-Weighted Category (Max 60 pts)

Annual income is evaluated from the prior year's income certificate issued by the National Tax Service.

Annual Income	Points
100 million KRW or more	60
90 million KRW or more	58
80 million KRW or more	56
70 million KRW or more	53
60 million KRW or more	50
50 million KRW or more	45
40 million KRW or more	40
30 million KRW or more	30
Minimum wage or more	10
Below minimum wage	0

4. Korean Proficiency — TOPIK or KIIP (Max 20 pts)

TOPIK exam levels or KIIP (Social Integration Program — 사회통합프로그램) completion stages both qualify.

Level	Points
TOPIK Level 5–6 / KIIP Stage 5	20
TOPIK Level 4 / KIIP Stage 4	15
TOPIK Level 3 / KIIP Stage 3	10
TOPIK Level 2 / KIIP Stage 2	5
TOPIK Level 1 / KIIP Stage 1	3

TOPIK level 4 is the most achievable target for most applicants balancing time and cost.

5. Education — STEM Bonus (Max 25 pts)

Degree	STEM / Double major	Humanities / Arts / Other
PhD	25	20
Master's	20	17
Bachelor's	17	15
Associate's (vocational)	15	10

6. Bonus Points (up to +40 pts)

Bonus Category	Points
Recommended by central government agency / outstanding talent from allied country	20
KIIP Stage 5 completion	10
PhD from top-ranked overseas university	30
PhD obtained in Korea	10
Master's from top-ranked overseas university	20
Master's obtained in Korea	7
Bachelor's from top-ranked overseas university	15
Bachelor's obtained in Korea	5
3+ years of volunteer service	7
2+ years of volunteer service	5
1+ years of volunteer service	1

7. Deductions to Watch (up to −70 pts)

Violation	Deduction
Immigration Control Act violation / fine 3M KRW or more / forced departure	−30
Fine 1M–3M KRW	−20
Fine 500K–1M KRW	−10
Criminal conviction / fine 3M KRW or more	−40
Criminal conviction / fine 2M–3M KRW	−30
Criminal conviction / fine under 2M KRW	−20

Always audit your own history before applying.

8. Sample Calculation — Age 42

Age 42 / Income 50M KRW / Bachelor's (non-STEM) / TOPIK 4 → 12 + 45 + 15 + 15 = 87 pts — qualified (80 threshold met).

To improve further: achieve TOPIK 5 (+5), earn a Korean national professional license (+bonus), or increase income above 60M KRW (+5).

FAQ

Q. What is the passing score for F-2-7?

A. The threshold is 80 points out of 170 total (common 130 points + bonus/deduction adjustments). Confirm with your local immigration office before applying.

Q. Does TOPIK score expire?

A. No. TOPIK scores do not have an expiry date. Submit your highest level certificate.

Q. How do I prove volunteer hours?

A. Activity records from organizations registered on the 1365 Volunteer Portal (1365.go.kr) are accepted. Print the confirmation and submit it with your application.

F-2-7 Points Residency Visa Guide →

F-2-7 Points Table Guide →

How to Improve Your F-2-7 Points Score in Korea 2026 — Age, Income, Language & Certifications