The F-2-7 visa is available to top talents under the points system if their total score for each evaluation category is 80 points or higher.
The score for each evaluation category for top talents is calculated according to a score table; the method involves summing up all the allocated points for each category. Although it is a simple task of just summing up the points according to the table, let us examine a few points that may be confusing.
In the case of international talent, legally residing foreign nationals who have obtained a master’s degree or higher through a regular program in Korea must have secured or be currently employed within five years of obtaining their degree in a profession corresponding to their status of residence, ranging from professor to professional personnel or from reporter to trade management. However, there are occasional misunderstandings where annual income is referred to as the income stated in a confirmed employment contract. In principle, annual income must be verified through a Certificate of Income from the National Tax Service; since this is based on the previous year’s income, annual income points cannot be earned based on future income.
The method for identifying excellent universities refers to the top 200 universities selected by Times Higher Education (www.timeshighereducation.com).
Additionally, you may receive extra points for excellent universities if you attend a university ranked in the top 500 by QS (www.topuniversities.com) or a specific overseas university recognized by the Minister of Justice (applicable only to degree holders).
The points recognized for domestic community service activities are 7 points for periods of 3 years or more, 5 points for periods of 2 years or more but less than 3 years, and 1 point for periods of 1 year or more but less than 2 years. Recognition applies to volunteer activities performed within the last 3 years from the application date, provided that you participate at least 6 times in each year and complete a total of 50 hours of activity. For example, if you apply in 2023, you can calculate your volunteer activity records for 2021, 2022, and 2023; you must participate at least 6 times and complete at least 50 hours of activity in each year. Please note that if you participated 8 times in 2021 but the total hours did not reach 50, or if you completed more than 50 hours but the number of sessions was less than 6, your activities will not be recognized. Therefore, you must plan carefully if you intend to earn bonus points through volunteer work. In addition, records for volunteer activities can only be recognized if verified through the 1365 Volunteer Portal or the Social Welfare Volunteer Certification Management System.
Above, we have briefly examined the calculation method for the Outstanding Talent point system. One of the best ways to earn bonus points in this system is to obtain a TOPIK score. Since language proficiency is the most important factor in adapting to life in Korea as a foreigner, significant bonus points are awarded. To obtain an F-2-7 visa, I recommend that you cultivate your Korean language skills and build a foundation for earning bonus points by completing the Social Integration Program in your spare time, starting from your D2 study abroad period.