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FAQs
Q1
How to Legally Stay and Work in Taiwan After Graduation?
After graduation, you must visit the National Immigration Agency (NIA) in person within 30 days before your student ARC expires to apply for a post-graduation extension,. Starting from January 1, 2026:
1. Work Without a Permit: No need to apply for a permit from the Ministry of Labor. You can be hired directly across all industries and roles, including full-time and part-time jobs.
2. Stay Up to 2 Years: Granted in a "1+1 year" format. Apply for the second-year extension before the first year expires.
3. Required Documents: Application form, original passport (valid for 6+ months), original ARC, diploma, one color ID photo, and an NT$1,000 fee,,.
Note: The extension period does not count toward the residency years required for APRC.
1. Work Without a Permit: No need to apply for a permit from the Ministry of Labor. You can be hired directly across all industries and roles, including full-time and part-time jobs.
2. Stay Up to 2 Years: Granted in a "1+1 year" format. Apply for the second-year extension before the first year expires.
3. Required Documents: Application form, original passport (valid for 6+ months), original ARC, diploma, one color ID photo, and an NT$1,000 fee,,.
Note: The extension period does not count toward the residency years required for APRC.
Q2
What should I do about health insurance during the job-hunting period?
You can apply for National Health Insurance by registering at the district office near your residence with your ARC.
Q3
What if I get a work permit but later want to leave the job?
If you plan to leave your job, make sure to obtain a letter of resignation from your employer and then apply to the National Immigration Agency to update your ARC with your new employer information.
Q4
Can I work part-time or have multiple jobs in Taiwan?
According to Article 53 of the Employment Service Act, if you want to switch employers or work for multiple employers, the new employer must apply for approval. A resignation certificate from your previous employer is also required. Working part-time without permission is illegal.
Q5
Can I use the work permit from my previous employer to start working at a new company?
No! Every time you switch jobs, your new employer must apply for a new work permit and update your ARC. Otherwise, it’s considered illegal employment and can result in deportation. Exceptions are made for holders of a Gold Card, dependent ARC, or permanent residency, which allow you to change jobs freely.
Q6
How to Apply for Permanent Residency (APRC)?
Foreign professionals are generally required to have resided in Taiwan for 5 consecutive years, staying an average of 183 days per year, to apply for Permanent Residency (APRC). If you obtained a degree in Taiwan, you are eligible for the following residency requirement reductions:
• PhD Degree: 3-year reduction (only 2 years of continuous residence required).
• Master's Degree: 2-year reduction (only 3 years of continuous residence required).
• Bachelor's or Associate Degree: 1-year reduction (only 4 years of continuous residence required).
⚠ Important Note: The post-graduation "extension of stay" period (up to 2 years) does not count toward the residency years required for an APRC. Your residency accumulation for an APRC only begins once you obtain a formal "Work ARC".
For more details, please visit the Talent Taiwan website (talent.nat.gov.tw) or call the hotline at 02-7733-7660.
• PhD Degree: 3-year reduction (only 2 years of continuous residence required).
• Master's Degree: 2-year reduction (only 3 years of continuous residence required).
• Bachelor's or Associate Degree: 1-year reduction (only 4 years of continuous residence required).
⚠ Important Note: The post-graduation "extension of stay" period (up to 2 years) does not count toward the residency years required for an APRC. Your residency accumulation for an APRC only begins once you obtain a formal "Work ARC".
For more details, please visit the Talent Taiwan website (talent.nat.gov.tw) or call the hotline at 02-7733-7660.
Q7
FAQ for the New Extension of Stay Policy for OCFS (Effective 2026)
1: What is the main content of this new policy?
The new policy allows OCFS to work freely in Taiwan for up to two years while on an extension of stay after graduation. During this period, you can find jobs and develop your career without the need to apply for a work permit from the Ministry of Labor, which speeds up the hiring process significantly.
2: When will this new policy officially start?
The new regulations are set to take effect on January 1, 2026. Before this date (i.e., on or before December 31, 2025), students on an extension of stay are still not permitted to work and must obtain a formal work permit/Work ARC to be employed.
3: Who is eligible to apply for this extension?
This policy applies to OCFS who have obtained an associate degree or higher from a university or college in Taiwan and have not yet entered the formal employment system. Note: This system does not apply to those who have already switched to a "Work ARC" and subsequently left their jobs.
4: How long can I stay on this extension?
The maximum duration is 2 years, granted in a "1 year + 1 year" format. You first apply for a one-year extension after graduation; if needed, you must apply for a second-year extension before the first year expires.
5: Are there any restrictions on the type of work I can do?
No. The policy allows for "Unlimited Career Exploration," meaning you can engage in full-time or part-time work across any industry or job position to accumulate diverse practical experience.
6: Does the time spent on this extension count toward Permanent Residency (APRC)?
No. The time spent on an extension of stay does not count toward the residency years required for an APRC. Your residency accumulation for an APRC only begins once you obtain a formal Work ARC.
7: How can 2025 graduates transition to the new system?
Yes. 2025 graduates can apply for a replacement ARC with the "Work Permit Exempt" note starting Jan 1, 2026, for a NT$500 fee.
8: What documents are required for the application?
You need to apply at an NIA service center within 30 days before your current ARC expires with the following:
◦ Application form.
◦ Original Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
◦ Original ARC.
◦ Diploma.
◦ One color ID photo.
◦ Application fee of NT$1,000.
9: What should I do after the 2-year extension expires?
You should aim to transition into a formal work residency through one of two main channels:
1. Points System: Accumulate 70 points based on education, salary, language skills, and work experience.
2. General Specialized/Technical Work: Secure a position with a monthly salary of at least NT$47,971.
10: Where can I get help or career advice if I have more questions?
You can contact the Talent Taiwan International Talent Taiwan Office under the National Development Council. They provide one-on-one consultation, personalized advice for staying in Taiwan, and guidance for the points system and work residency.
◦ Website: talent.nat.gov.tw
◦ Hotline: 02-7733-7660
The new policy allows OCFS to work freely in Taiwan for up to two years while on an extension of stay after graduation. During this period, you can find jobs and develop your career without the need to apply for a work permit from the Ministry of Labor, which speeds up the hiring process significantly.
2: When will this new policy officially start?
The new regulations are set to take effect on January 1, 2026. Before this date (i.e., on or before December 31, 2025), students on an extension of stay are still not permitted to work and must obtain a formal work permit/Work ARC to be employed.
3: Who is eligible to apply for this extension?
This policy applies to OCFS who have obtained an associate degree or higher from a university or college in Taiwan and have not yet entered the formal employment system. Note: This system does not apply to those who have already switched to a "Work ARC" and subsequently left their jobs.
4: How long can I stay on this extension?
The maximum duration is 2 years, granted in a "1 year + 1 year" format. You first apply for a one-year extension after graduation; if needed, you must apply for a second-year extension before the first year expires.
5: Are there any restrictions on the type of work I can do?
No. The policy allows for "Unlimited Career Exploration," meaning you can engage in full-time or part-time work across any industry or job position to accumulate diverse practical experience.
6: Does the time spent on this extension count toward Permanent Residency (APRC)?
No. The time spent on an extension of stay does not count toward the residency years required for an APRC. Your residency accumulation for an APRC only begins once you obtain a formal Work ARC.
7: How can 2025 graduates transition to the new system?
Yes. 2025 graduates can apply for a replacement ARC with the "Work Permit Exempt" note starting Jan 1, 2026, for a NT$500 fee.
8: What documents are required for the application?
You need to apply at an NIA service center within 30 days before your current ARC expires with the following:
◦ Application form.
◦ Original Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
◦ Original ARC.
◦ Diploma.
◦ One color ID photo.
◦ Application fee of NT$1,000.
9: What should I do after the 2-year extension expires?
You should aim to transition into a formal work residency through one of two main channels:
1. Points System: Accumulate 70 points based on education, salary, language skills, and work experience.
2. General Specialized/Technical Work: Secure a position with a monthly salary of at least NT$47,971.
10: Where can I get help or career advice if I have more questions?
You can contact the Talent Taiwan International Talent Taiwan Office under the National Development Council. They provide one-on-one consultation, personalized advice for staying in Taiwan, and guidance for the points system and work residency.
◦ Website: talent.nat.gov.tw
◦ Hotline: 02-7733-7660