How do I get a work permit or ARC before I got employed?

[Militarygamer]

I've came across a lot of interviews where they ask me what kind of visa I am on, when I told them I am on a visitor's visa or a 30 day visa free entry, they told me I cannot work and I must have a work permit before they can employ me. I have no idea what to do, the information on this forum is very confusing, some say it is OK not to have a visa before applying for work while others say it is not, I don't have a clear answer can somebody help me? Thanks

[Icon]

The confused ones are the people doing the hiring. They are the ones supposed to process your work permit application. What they are asking, in reality, is whether you already have a work permit with someone else -meaning you have a primary job- hence, they just attach a secondary permit or -my best guess is- they do not want to process the application, and will have you working illegally. The other thing is that some people have open work permits, being married to locals or living here on a permanent resident visa, having that right. So, the company does not need to request a work permit.

They are right in a sense that you cannot work on a visitor's visa. If you get hired, the company puts in the paperwork with CLA and you get a work permit. Then you go to NIA and get an ARC. That simple.

You do not have a work permit. The work permit here is not like a green card in the States, but rather a "link" between you and your employer. It is only valid as long as you are employed, so, if you haven't been hired, you cannot have a work permit, right? Without the work permit, you cannot apply for a work ARC, and hence, cannot work legally.

[CraigTPE]

They are right in a sense that you cannot work on a visitor's visa. If you get hired, the company puts in the paperwork with CLA and you get a work permit. Then you go to NIA and get an ARC. That simple.

You no longer have to do the intermediary step by going to Foreign Affairs and change the visitor visa to a resident visa, between the work permit and the ARC?

You're assessment is probably right, though. Those employers either don't understand the process themselves, or they don't want to bother. I've chatted with several who look first for APRC or JFRV holders so they don't have to bother with the paperwork.

[ferb79]

I am fresh off this process..
Like everyone say, if your employers are interested in you THEY do all the paperworks.
There are limitations for you to get the workpermit:
you got to have 2 years work experience or at least a master degree (all documents authentisized at your home country and stamped by Taiwan representative at your home country)
There is a minimum salary for white color worker issue: The company has to give you (or at least show the goverment ) a minimum salary of 47,971NTD

Only after you signed a contract the company can start the process, the contract must show your emplyment duration and salary.
Takes about 1.5 weeks.

If you work permit apporoved you get the 2 pieces of paper and you can apply for ARC.
make sure your Visa is valid for at least 60 days before you apply to ARC, or else you have to leave Taiwan, get a visa, and go back.
This information I got from the local immigration office.
That's pretty much it.
I hope this helps.

[CraigTPE]

There are limitations for you to get the workpermit:
you got to have 2 years work experience or at least a master degree

A bachelors degree and no experience necessary for English teachers.