The F-2-R visa, implemented by the Ministry of Justice, allows foreigners to live in Korea for 5 years and then apply for the F-5 Permanent Residency visa. While work is only allowed in regions with declining populations, its benefits have attracted many foreigners to apply for the Visa. Exclusion Criteria Those holding the following visas are not eligible for visa changes: - Technical Training (D-3), General Training (D-4), Hotel Entertainment (E-6-2), Seasonal Work (E-8), Non-professional Employment (E-9), Vessel Crew Employment (E-10), Miscellaneous (G-1), and Working Holiday (H-1) - For D-10 visa holders, if the previous visa was one of the excluded visas listed above, they are also ineligible for visa changes. - Holders of the Specific Activities (E-7) visa who are within the restricted period for changing workplaces or whose current employment contract has not yet expired. - Individuals who have been granted an extension of stay or deferred departure to leave the country. - Anyone who has resided under the Regional Specialized Talent or their accompanying family visa within the last 5 years. Who can apply? 1. Education / Income (Must meet one of these criteria): - Education: Graduates or soon-to-be graduates with at least an associate degree from a Korean institution. - Income: Earn at least 70% of the average national income (GNI) at the time of your application. * If the previous year's GNI has not been announced as of the date of application, the previous year's standard is applied. * 23-year Gross National Income (GNI): KRW 44,051,000, 70% amount: KRW 30,835,700 (More than KRW 2.57 million per month (including allowance)) 2. Residential Requirements: - Commitment to living in the designated population-reduced areas for at least 5 years * For the first 2 years from the date of permission of F-2-R, the F-2-R holder MUST live in the area (primary local government) listed in the local government recommendation. After 2 years, the residence can be transferred to other population-reduced areas in the same Metropolitan government. 3. Employment Requirements: - Must have a job or a job offer in an industry approved by the Ministry of Justice. * Must work at the initially approved workplace for more than one year, and change of workplace is possible if it is difficult to continue working due to business suspension/closure, with the recommendation from the local government. - Both your home and workplace must be in the same designated area. 4. Basic Skills (Must meet one of these criteria): - Complete level 3 or higher of the Korea Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP). - Achieve level 3 or higher in the Korean Language Proficiency Test (TOPIK). 5. Good Conduct: - There is no history of breaking domestic or foreign laws. Where can you apply? You must live and work in one of the following target areas: - Busan: Dong-gu, Seo-gu, Yeongdo-gu - Chungcheongbuk-do: Danyang County, Jecheon City - Chungcheongnam-do: Boryeong City, Yesan County - Jeollabuk-do: Jeongeup City, Namwon City, Gimje City, Gochang County, Buan County, Sunchang County - Jeollanam-do: Yeongam County, Haenam County, Goheung County, Boseong County - Gyeongsangbuk-do: Goryeong County, Yeongju City, Yeongcheon City, Uiseong County, Seongju County - Gyeongsangnam-do: Goseong County - Daegu: Nam-gu - Gyeonggi-do: Gapyeong County, Yeoncheon County If you don't live in one of the designated regions but want the F-2-R visa, here's what to do: 1. Get a job in a target area (check the approved industries in each region). 2. Move to that area. 3. Apply for a recommendation letter from the local government. 4. Change your visa to the F-2-R at the immigration office. Required documents for Visa application: - Integrated Application Form - Passport - Alien Registration Card - Degree Certificate - Income Statement - Proof of Residence - Employment Contract or Certificate of Employment - Social Integration Program or TOPIK Certificate - Residence Assurance Letter - Letter of Recommendation from School or Local Government (more documents might be requested) How Grabjob can help? Grabjob is partnering with the Danyang Employment Support Center to provide jobs for those interested in the F-2-R Visa. We’ll be posting jobs in the Chungbuk area soon! If you’re eligible for the F-2-R visa, apply for the job on our website, and we’ll assist you with the visa application process!