Choosing an Agent for F-2-7: Scope, Documents and Process Questions

Overview

For F-2-7 (points-based talent), the application revolves around the score sheet and the documents that prove each item. So when you hire an agent, the first job is to separate "what they do for you" from "what you must gather yourself". This is not a recommendation of any office; it is a checklist of questions to ask before choosing.

The questions fall into four groups: scope of work, documents, process, and your own stay requirements. The details of disqualification, score and extension are covered in other articles (F-2-7 extension, denial reasons and fixes, raising your score), so they are not repeated here. The scope of work at Vision Administrative Office (VISAS KOREA) is checking the score sheet, guiding document preparation and handling the application procedure. Whoever handles it, the outcome is decided by the Immigration Office's review.

At a Glance

Scope of Activity

• Questions on scope of work, who prepares which documents, process and your own stay requirements when using an agent for an F-2-7 change or extension
• A question list organized around the review standards and document structure
• Comparing or recommending offices, fee levels and outcome forecasts are not covered

Who Qualifies

• People planning an F-2-7 change or extension who are looking at agent services
• People who find the score sheet and evidence hard to build and want to know how much can be handed over
• Applicants with degrees or records issued abroad who worry about the order of preparation
• People who want to know what they must still do themselves when they use an agent

Required Documents

• Documents for the points assessment: the score sheet listing your claimed points (Annex 2) and the documents proving each item (Annex 3). Even if an agent checks the sheet, you secure the original evidence yourself
• Basic documents: application form, passport, ARC, photo, fee, proof of residence, employment contract, and an overseas criminal record certificate (at extension, only if you stayed abroad 6 months or more)
• Additional documents where applicable: family-relationship documents (including a birth certificate), tuberculosis screening confirmation, degree or graduation (expected) certificate, certificate of employment, business registration, corporate registry extract
• Documents issued abroad: apostille or consular confirmation, with a Korean or English translation attached; valid for 3 months from issue. Ask the agent in advance which of your documents need this
• Occupation and annual income report: holders of a status that permits work (including Residence F-2) submit the Foreigner Occupation Report and fill in the annual income field of the integrated application form at each application

Application Process

1. Check eligibility — confirm your current status, career, degree and contract type match the requirements.
2. Prepare documents — foreign public documents need a translator's certification plus an apostille (or consular confirmation for non-member states).
3. Book a visit — reserve a slot at your Immigration Office via HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr), or file online where e-Application is available.
4. File and pay — submit the Integrated Application Form (Form No. 34) and pay the screening fee.
5. Review — respond to any request for supplementary documents within the deadline.
6. Result — on approval, the period of stay and status are granted; reissue your ARC if required.

Key Points

• The scope of an agent's work differs by office. Before signing, ask specifically which of these are included: score sheet check, document guidance, completing the application form, and filing. There is no set rule on the specific range of what a representative may file for F-2-7, so confirm with your Immigration Office whether any step requires you to attend in person.
• An application for stay permission must be made while you are in Korea, and leaving after applying may lead to denial. An immigration-services agent also cannot file for a foreigner who is abroad.
• The government review fee (KRW 100,000 for a change, KRW 60,000 for an extension) is not refunded once the application is accepted. It is separate from an agent's fee, so ask to have the two stated separately.
• The head of the Immigration Office may add or remove required documents when especially needed for review. Approval is decided by review, so ask for the basis of any explanation that promises approval.
• Confirm any rule changes and how they apply to your case with your Immigration Office.
• Documents issued in Korea must normally be dated within 3 months unless another validity period applies.
• Documents already on file in your alien registration record need not be resubmitted.
• Health certificates, drug test results and pre-employment medical reports must be submitted sealed by the issuing hospital (do not open).
• You must be in Korea when applying; leaving the country after filing may result in refusal.
• Screening fees are non-refundable once the application is accepted.
• The head of the Immigration Office may add or waive documents where necessary for review.

Frequently Asked Questions

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