First of all, the F-2 visa is a point-based long-term visa that allows you to live in Korea for up to 5 years (with the possibility of renewal). It also provides the flexibility to work in various professional sectors.
The point system evaluates applicants in various categories such as education, age, income, professional qualifications, Korean language proficiency, work experience and other factors like volunteering activities. Additionally, having a certification from the Social Integration Program (KIIP) can also contribute to your score.
The point system applies the same way whether you are applying for the visa for the first time or renewing it. The visa period depends on your score in the point system, with a minimum requirement of 80 points to apply.
In my case, I received the F-2 visa for the first time for a period of two years and a half. Incredibly, that period is coming to an end this month, so here's a step-by-step guide to the process I went through to extend my visa.
1. Immigration office appointment
Be sure to book your appointment a few weeks or even a month in advance, as available spots tend to fill up quickly.
You can make an appointment on hikorea.go.kr, and you must choose the designated immigration office that covers the area where you currently reside. Note that you can only apply for the visa at your designated office.
2. Required documents
Some general documents you need to submit are copies of your current Foreign Registration Card, your passport, and a contract or proof of your current place of residence.
Other required documents are the ones that will prove your qualifications in various categories for the point system.
In my case, I handed in a TOPIK certificate to validate my proficiency in the Korean language, a copy of my diploma to demonstrate that I had graduated with a Master’s degree from a top university in Korea. This also indicated my major, which could impact the final score. For example, graduates in engineering fields receive higher scores.
I also added an income certificate (소득금액증) that I downloaded from the Hometax website (hometax.go.kr). Unfortunately, when I applied for the visa extension in April 2025, the most recent available data was from 2023. This meant that only my income for that year was considered when assigning points.
If you’ve volunteered in Korea, make sure to submit an official certificate that proves the hours you’ve done it. You can obtain this from the CMS or 1365 websites. These are the only accepted certificates for this category.
If you have completed the KIIP (Korean Immigration Integration Program), make sure to submit your certificate as it can add 10 points to your score.
3. Special recommendation (for first-time applicants)
When I first applied to the visa two years and a half ago, I received a letter from NIIED recommending me as an F-2 visa applicant. This recommendation was sent to GKS students who completed their studies, planned to stay in Korea, and came from a country that supported Korea during the Korean War. This document falls into a category called “행정 기관 추천” (Central Administrative Agency Recommendation) and it can add you 20 points.
