Visa and ARC Application Guidelines

🎓 Degree Students – Visa & ARC Application Guidelines

📌 Who should read this?
International degree students planning to study in Taiwan

🧭 Quick Navigation

  • ✈️ Before Arrival: Visa Application

  • 🏠 Upon Arrival: ARC Application

  • 🔁 Extension & Modification

  • 💳 Fees & Processing Time

  • ⚠️ Important Notices

  • ☎️ Contact Information

✈️ Before Arrival: Visa Application

✅ What You Need

  • Visitor Visa or Resident Visa (required for study)

  • Resident Visa is required if you plan to stay over 6 months

  • Students from visa-exempt countries staying over 6 months are strongly advised to apply for a Resident Visa in advance

📝 Where to Apply

  • Apply at a Taiwan overseas mission if you are outside Taiwan

  • If entering with a Visitor Visa eligible for conversion, apply for a Resident Visa at least 8 working days before expiration

🏠 Upon Arrival: ARC Application

🪪 What is ARC?
The Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) is your official ID while studying in Taiwan.

⏰ Application Deadline

  • Within 15 days after arrival, or

  • Within 15 days after Resident Visa issuance (online)

🌐 How to Apply

  • National Immigration Agency (NIA) service centers

  • Online Student Application System
    → Select “Foreign Student and Overseas Chinese Student”

📄 Required Documents (Checklist)

  • ☑️ Online application form with barcode

  • ☑️ Passport (original + copy)

  • ☑️ Two passport-size photos

  • ☑️ Health certificate (issued within 3 months)

  • ☑️ Admission or enrollment certificate

  • ☑️ Diploma & transcripts (translated/authenticated if required)

  • ☑️ Proof of financial support

  • ☑️ Other supporting documents (if applicable)

🔁 Extension & Modification

  • ⏳ Extension: Apply within 30 days before ARC expiration

  • ✏️ Modification: Apply online after any change in personal or study status

  • 🎓 Graduates seeking employment may extend ARC for up to 6 months with proof

💳 Fees

Item Fee
1-year ARC NT$1,000
2-year ARC NT$2,000
3-year ARC NT$3,000
Modification / Reissuance NT$500

💡 Payments are non-refundable.

⚠️ Important Notices

⚠️ Please Pay Attention

  • ARC must be applied for within 15 days after arrival or visa issuance

  • Address changes must be reported within 15 days (fine: NT$2,000–10,000)

  • Loss of student status will result in ARC invalidation

  • Overstay penalties range from NT$2,000–10,000

☎️ Contact Information

🏛 Bureau of Consular Affairs (MOFA)

🛂 National Immigration Agency (NIA)