🎓 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

💡 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)

• 📍 Taipei, Taiwan

• ☎️ +886-2-2343-2888

• ✉️ post@boca.gov.tw

• 🌐 http://www.boca.gov.tw

🛂 National Immigration Agency (NIA)

• 📍 Taipei, Taiwan

• ☎️ (02) 2388-9393 / 0800-024-111

• ✉️ boi@immigration.gov.tw

• 🌐 www.immigration.gov.tw