Visa Exempt Entry to Work Permit

[808MAUI]

Just a bit confused on this topic, I currently have a Visa exempt stamp for 30days, ( which should become expired on the 27th this month) can I obtain an ARC with a work contract?
Q: Do I have to make a Visa Run?
-if so where to, HK or other places?

The post I've seen earlier are dated back in 2010 and I'm not sure this is up to date with Visa laws and such.

thanks for any advice!!

[Abacus]

Good question. I know at least one person that has done it but I don't know the process. And the school that hires you might not know the process and might tell you to do a visa run.

[Maceck]

Answer: Yes.

If your Visa Exempt expires on Feb. 27th, you need to leave the country and come back. Go to Hong Kong. Use a travel agent here in Taipei, should be able to get you a RT ticket for around $6,000 - $9,000 NT. (Expedia or other websites are not the way to go here, you will always pay more with the internet).

With regards to Visa Exempt --> ARC: this is how it works.

1) Find a job that will sponsor you on an ARC + NHI. Sign the contract. The government requires a minimum 14 hr/week contract to qualify for an ARC.

2) Your employer will apply for your work permit. To do this they will need from you: current Health Check(<3 months old), 8 ID photos, a copy of your passport, tax receipt from the previous year (if you worked in Taiwan last year).Your work permit should arrive 2 weeks later at your employers office.

3) Get a Visitor Visa (This can be done by you or your agent): Bring your work permit and your passport to the 2nd floor of the MAC Building (not the Immigration Office) and fill out an application requesting a Visitor's Visa. That's right, if you have a work permit in hand, you can apply for a Taiwan Visitor's Visa while IN TAIWAN! Your Visa will take anywhere from 1 day to 5 days to be issued. Once issued you will now be in Taiwan on a 60 day visa and shouldn't have to make any more visa runs!

4) You or your agent can now go to the Immigration Office and apply for your ARC.

My employer did all of this for me (acting as my agent). With the health check included, it will cost around $5000NT after all is said and done. From the date your employer applies for your work permit until the day the MOFA issues you a Visitor Visa is around 21 days.

[rosswf]

Thank you so much. Can anyone suggest where to go to have more photo's taken?

[sandman]

Thank you so much. Can anyone suggest where to go to have more photo's taken?

MOst supermarkets have a photo booth somewhere. I know my local RTMart and Carrefour both do. As do hospitals.

[Belgian Pie]

What about diplomas?

[Maceck]

What about diplomas?

Good question. I have supplied a scanned COPY (not stamped by a TECO either) of my diploma for each of my two employers so far here in Taiwan. Does anyone know if having a diploma is a requirement for getting a work permit?

[Belgian Pie]

Didn't they need originals and certified by TECO?

[Maceck]

Didn't they need originals and certified by TECO?

Again, I haven't needed it for either of my primary ARC jobs (both in the past 12 months). I've read about this 'certified by TECO' stuff before, but I don't even have my original with me , never mind certified by a TECO. My guess is it's not necessary anymore. Doubtful that two legitement Taipei City language schools have been able to skirt this requirement for me if it is still true.

All American degrees are certifiable onlinethese days. maybe this has something to do with it.

[Abacus]

IIRC my last school photocopied my diploma and gave it right back to me. But they were insistent about making their own photocopy and not using the photocopy that I had. But you definitely need your diploma unless I'm misunderstanding the question.