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Post-Graduation Stay in Taiwan

🎓 Congratulations to all graduates! 

We celebrate your hard work and achievement in completing your studies. As you transition from student life to your next chapter in Taiwan, we want to help you with important information about changing your ARC status and the steps you need to take.

Please read the following FAQs carefully to ensure a smooth process.

Learn how to change your ARC, what documents to bring, and what to do about health insurance and part-time work after graduation in Taiwan.

You need to apply to change your ARC from a student ARC to a job-seeking ARC at the National Immigration Agency (NIA).

The job-seeking ARC is valid for one year and can be extended or renewed for an additional year. In total, you may stay in Taiwan for up to two years while searching for a job with this visa.

📝 Important: The application must be submitted in person at your local NIA service center.

  

You should go to the National Immigration Agency (NIA) as soon as you receive your diploma or degree certificate. It’s best to apply for the ARC status change immediately so there is no gap between the day you receive your diploma and the day you apply to change your ARC status.

If there is a gap, it is highly recommended to apply within 14 days after receiving your diploma to avoid any legal problems.

  
  • Application form (available at the NIA service counter)
  • Passport (original and photocopy)
  • Student ARC (original and photocopy)
  • Diploma or degree certificate (original and photocopy, English and Chinese versions)
  • Student ID card
  • A recent, 2-inch, half-body, uncovered head photo taken within the last two (2) years (following the same specifications as a national ID photo)
  • Proof of accommodation*** (e.g. housing rental contract or lease agreement)
  • Application fee (cash NT$1,000, payable at the NIA)

***please refer to Q4

  

Some students live in school dormitory while studying, but after graduation, they must move out. To stay in Taiwan while looking for a job, you need to secure off-campus housing. Therefore, you must bring your lease agreement as proof of your accommodation.

  

After you change your ARC status at the National Immigration Agency (NIA), you should go to the National Health Insurance Administration to update your information. You will then be responsible for paying your own NHI premiums. The monthly premium is NT$826.

NHI bills are sent every two months. For example, the bill for January and February will be mailed to your registered address at the beginning of March. Similarly, the bill for March and April will arrive at the beginning of May. To avoid missing your bill, make sure your address is updated with the NHI Administration.

Recommended location:
Northern Division, National Health Insurance Administration
Address: No. 525, Section 3, Zhongshan East Road, Zhongli District, Taoyuan City, 320

  

You can pay your NHI premium at any nearby convenience store, such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, or OK Mart. Just bring the bill with you and follow the instructions at the counter or kiosk.

  

No, you cannot work part-time during the extension period after graduation. Your student work permit automatically expires upon graduation. While your stay is extended to find a job, you are not allowed to work part-time because you do not have a valid work permit.

  

Learn about helpful job platforms, websites, and other resources to start your job search in Taiwan after graduation.

Find out what happens after you get a job and how you can apply for your Work ARC to keep working in Taiwan.

1. Employer will tell you the specific date when you can start working.

2. Then, your employer will apply for a work permit for you through the Ministry of Labor.

  
 

After your employer applies for your work permit, there will be a waiting period while it is being processed. Once your work permit is approved, you will receive a notification via SMS, and the e-file (electronic copy) of your work permit will be sent to your email.

For example, if you and your employer have agreed to start working on April 21, 202X, you will usually receive the SMS and the email with the e-file a day or a few days before that date. This ensures that you can start working on time.

  

Yes, you will receive a hard copy of your work permit. It will be sent to your employer a few days after you start working. Your employer will usually notify you when it is ready for collection.

  

Once you receive the hard copy of your work permit, your employer will give you an employment certificate (EC) in either soft copy or hard copy. You can then go to the NIA to apply for your work ARC.


  
  • Application form
    (available at the NIA service counter)
  • Passport
  • Employment certificate
    (either a hard copy or electronic file is acceptable)
  • Work permit (hard copy required)
  • Application fee
    (NTD 1,000, payable in cash at the NIA)
  • Proof of accommodation
    (required if you have changed your address)

  

Once you are officially employed, your employer will enroll you in the National Health Insurance (NHI) program. The NHI premium will be automatically deducted from your monthly salary. You do not need to apply again on your own.

  

Learn what to do in different situations after graduation, whether you are leaving Taiwan temporarily, unsure about your next steps, applying for a job seeking ARC, or starting a new job.

You should visit the National Immigration Agency (NIA) on or before January 12 to change your student ARC to a job-seeking ARC. If you cannot go on January 12, go on January 13. The immigration officer will give you a receipt—keep it safely or take a photo. You can safely return home on January 14 and come back to Taiwan on February 12 to look for a job.

  

You should visit the National Immigration Agency (NIA) between February 25 and February 27 (the sooner, the better—see Q1) to apply for a job-seeking ARC.

Because your student ARC will expire on April 26 and you plan to return on May 15, you won’t be allowed to reenter Taiwan without a valid residence permit. Make sure your job-seeking ARC is issued before you leave Taiwan.

  

Sometimes employers cover the fees (NT$500 for work permit issuance and NT$1,000 for ARC change) and handle the application on your behalf.

  

When your employer applies for your work permit with the Ministry of Labor, the process usually takes 7 to 10 working days (excluding weekends and holidays). If documents are incomplete or additional information is needed, it may take longer.

After approval, you will get an SMS notification and the electronic work permit by email. The hard copy is sent to your employer a few days later.

  

Yes, you must update your address at the National Immigration Agency office in Taichung within 14 days of moving.

  

Yes. Every time you move to a new city, you must update your address at the nearest NIA office within 14 days.

  

Yes. You must change your ARC. After leaving your job, you are eligible to apply for a job-seeking ARC, which is valid for six months and can be renewed once for an additional six months.