work visa/ arc/ flight home

[chris1234]

My understanding is that I need to have both my flight to Taiwan and flight back to the USA booked/ paid for, if I want to get a work visa. What if I don't want to go back to the USA at the end of the contract? For example, what if I want to stay in Taiwan. Can I just cash out the flight once I am there? Or do I have to wait until signing another teaching contract?

I was thinking about using my annual return flights from teaching jobs to see other parts of the world (e.g. Australia), if I could cash the tickets in or transfer them to a different destination between school years.


I know there are some differences for people from the USA w/ 60 day visas, so I'll mention that I am from the USA, in case that matters.

[the bear]

My understanding is that I need to have both my flight to Taiwan and flight back to the USA booked/ paid for, if I want to get a work visa. What if I don't want to go back to the USA at the end of the contract? For example, what if I want to stay in Taiwan. Can I just cash out the flight once I am there? Or do I have to wait until signing another teaching contract?

I was thinking about using my annual return flights from teaching jobs to see other parts of the world (e.g. Australia), if I could cash the tickets in or transfer them to a different destination between school years.


I know there are some differences for people from the USA w/ 60 day visas, so I'll mention that I am from the USA, in case that matters.

You don't need a return flight. There is a rule but its seldom if ever enforced. Worst case scenario you buy an open onward ticket to Hong Kong.

[CraigTPE]

The rule says, if you are not a legal resident of Taiwan, you are required to have a return or onward ticket.

Where and when you apply for your visa, and whether it's a resident or visitor visa, will make a difference. If you are getting a visitor visa in your home country, come here to look for a job and then change to a resident visa + ARC, then a return or onward ticket can facilitate the visa process. If you already have a job and work permit, it may not be as important.

As for what happens on the day of your trip will largely depend on which airline you are flying and in which country you are boarding. Speaking only from my experience in the US, if you are flying a US flag carrier, it is 99.9% likely they will ask you, and require you to have a return or onward ticket, get one or deny boarding. If you are flying China Airlines or Eva Air, not as likely, although I just flew China Air from SFO and I was asked to show a ticket, or my ARC.

As for what happens when you arrive in Taiwan, I've never been asked, and I have never heard of anyone being asked.

[chris1234]

So, if I understand you correctly, if I come under a 1 year contract, I need a return flight, that I can cash out later. However, if I get a contract for a second year, I need another return flight for the end of my contract, in order to renew my visa.

Thanks All~

[CraigTPE]

Is that what you got out of what I wrote?