Visa & ARC

Visa Information

Visitor Visa vs. Resident Visa

Student visas are categorized into two types: Visitor Visas and Resident Visas. Consular officers determine which visa to issue based on the intended length of your study program.

  • Application Guidelines: International students, overseas Chinese students, and exchange students must apply for a Resident Visa at an ROC (Taiwan) overseas mission before departure. Short-term exchange students should apply for the visa category that best fits their duration of stay.
  • HK/Macau Students: You must apply for the “Exit & Entry Permit for the Taiwan Area.”

Visa Restrictions & Requirements

  • Prohibition on Conversion:
    If you enter Taiwan on a Visa Waiver (visa-free), a Landing Visa, or a Visitor Visa not intended for “study” purposes, you are strictly prohibited from converting it to a student Resident Visa or extending your stay for the purpose of studying.
  • Resident Visa Checklist:
    1. 2-inch color photo (white background, taken within the last 6 months).
    2. Visa application form.
    3. Admission Letter (provided by the university).
    4. Health Certificate (must meet Taiwan’s entry health examination standards).
    5. Supporting documents (e.g., proof of financial means or insurance, as requested on a case-by-case basis).

Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)

What is an ARC?

The ARC serves as your official temporary ID card and primary proof of identity while residing in Taiwan.

  • Validity: Your legal stay is determined by the expiration date printed on your ARC.
    It is your responsibility to monitor this date and apply for an extension or update in a timely manner.

First-Time Application

Students entering on a Resident Visa (or those who have successfully converted to one within Taiwan) must apply for their ARC and Re-entry Permit at the National Immigration Agency (NIA) Taichung Service Center within 30 days of entry or the issuance of the Resident Visa.

  • Registration Requirement: You must complete the university enrollment process and obtain your Student ID or a Certificate of Enrollment before applying for the ARC.
  • Freshman Assistance: The Office of International Affairs (OIA) handles the first application for all new students. (For HK/Macau students, the OIA will coordinate health exams and assist with the conversion application).
  • Late Penalty: Failure to apply for an ARC within 30 days of entry will result in a fine of NT$2,000.

Required Documents (Application & Extension)

  1. Passport & Visa/ARC: Original and 1 photocopy (first-time applicants provide the Passport and Resident Visa).
  2. Certificate of Enrollment: Original and 1 photocopy.
  3. Photo: One 2-inch color ID photo (white background).
  4. Proof of Address: Such as a lease agreement or dormitory certificate.

Application Fees

  • International Students: NT$1,000 (1-year), NT$2,000 (2-year), NT$3,000 (3-year).
  • Overseas Chinese Students: NT$500 (1-year).
  • HK/Macau Students: NT$300.
  • Replacement Fee: NT$500 (for lost or damaged cards).

Application & Pickup

  • How to Apply: Visit a local NIA Service Center or use the NIA Online Application System (highly recommended for digitalization).
  • Processing Time: Approximately 7–10 working days.
  • Pickup: Once notified, you must pick up your card in person at the NIA Taichung First Service Center.

Extensions, Updates & Regulations

Extensions

  • When to Apply: You may apply for an extension within 3 months of the ARC expiration date.
  • Summer Rule: If your ARC expires in July, August, or September, you may apply early in June.
  • Important for Travel: If you plan to travel home during winter or summer break, ensure you have received your new ARC before leaving Taiwan. If you leave while an extension is pending or about to expire without the physical card, you will likely face significant issues re-entering Taiwan.

Data Updates

  • Change of Address/Info: Any change to your residential address (within 1 month of signing a new lease) or personal details must be updated within 30 days. Failure to do so results in a NT$2,000 fine.
  • University Records: After updating your ARC, you must provide a photocopy to the OIA to ensure the school’s records remain accurate.

Loss & Replacement

If your ARC is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for a replacement immediately. You will need to provide a statement of loss/theft, a police report (if applicable), or the damaged card.

Other Crucial Reminders

  • Suspension or Withdrawal: If you take a leave of absence or withdraw from school, your ARC will be revoked. You must leave Taiwan immediately; you are no longer permitted to stay.
  • Re-entry Permits (Overseas Chinese): If you hold an ARC as an Overseas Chinese student, you must ensure a Re-entry Permit is secured if you plan to travel abroad during the ARC’s validity.
  • Authorized Representatives: Applications should generally be submitted in person. If using a representative, a power of attorney is required. If you are abroad (including HK/Macau/Mainland China) and only applying for an extension or address change, you may authorize a representative, provided the document is notarized by an ROC overseas mission or SEF.

Penalties‼️

Overstay Fines

As of January 1, 2024, fines for overstaying have significantly increased. If you fail to extend your ARC, your residency may be revoked, and you will be fined and ordered to leave Taiwan within a specified timeframe.

  • 1–10 days overstay: NT$10,000 fine.
  • 11–30 days overstay: NT$20,000 fine.
  • 31–60 days overstay: NT$30,000 fine.
  • 61–90 days overstay: NT$40,000 fine.
  • 91+ days overstay: NT$50,000 fine.

How to Handle an Overstay

  • Within 29 days: Go to the NIA as soon as possible, pay the fine, and apply for your extension.
  • 30 days or more: In addition to paying the fine, you must leave the country and re-apply for a visa to re-enter Taiwan.