Visas
Before you even come to Taiwan, make sure that you get the right kind of visa. What is the right kind? Most teachers coming to Taiwan to work in cram schools will come on a tourist or visitor visa. These visas can typically be extended if you need to and once you find work you can change the status of your visa.
If you come to Taiwan without first applying for a visa and instead obtain one at the airport, you will able to only stay for 30 days and it can not be extended or allow you to transfer to another visa. This means that if you do this and find work, you will have to leave Taiwan and re-enter on a visitor or tourist visa before your work place can help you submit the necessary papers to allow you to work legally in Taiwan.
Once you have found work, your school will apply for an ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) which is usually valid for one year. If you are thinking of coming to Taiwan to teach, be sure that you come on a visitor or tourist visa instead of just rocking up and getting one at the airport in Taiwan.
{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m an American with a BA (not in Education), a CELTA certificate, one year of teaching experience (and many years of professional office work in the US). My teaching experience is: six months teaching in the US; three months teaching in India; and three months teaching in China (Chengdu). I’d still be in Chengdu but the Chinese Consulate did not like that I’d taught English to an ‘exile’ community in India, so they cancelled my visa after three months and I had to leave. This happened in early November, 2010.
I’m currently in Thailand but want to get back to Chinese students, culture, life, and back to Mandarin studies. It seems I should get a visa here in Thailand and then head to Taiwan, correct?
I’m a good teacher, even if a little inexperienced. Your thoughts, please.
@John,
Apply for a visa in Thailand and then make your move. A “good” teacher in Taiwan is one that does what the boss says, keeps the kids happy, and doesn’t get sick. I think you will be fine. Good luck!
I would like to seek your advice in regarding to which type of these visas I should apply if I was planning to travel around with local friends, taking some part-time courses and teaching English to children. Working Holiday visa or the multiple-entries 1 year visa? I do plan to stay in Taiwan longer than just one year. If I was on the multiple-entries visa and I was offered a job, do I apply for a visa change from Visitor to Resident? Or just better off applying for the Working Holiday visa and if I do have a job offer, then just go back to Canada and apply for the Resident Visa via the school/company?
I would also like to ask which one is better TESOL or TESL? It is quite expensive, so I just want to make sure that I am picking one that is more requested.
I do have a BFA with specializing in Design Theatre and have worked a little with children. I did some substitute teaching for an Art an Tech course with International Students and some freelance workshop in Theatre. I love working with children although they are difficult at times but children are children. LOL.
Do you think I would be okay? (I know I am not white and able to speak multiple languages doesn’t really increase the chances of getting hired…but I do really like Taiwan especially Taichung. So I do hope I am able to find some good teaching job opportunities.)
Many Thanks!
@Serena,
Forget the working-holiday visa. Just apply for the standard visa in your home country, because if you plan to stay here longer and do find full-time work, you will just apply for an ARC to work and remain in Taiwan. TESL/TEFL/TESOL whatever. Seriously, schools don’t care and you won’t be paid anymore for actually having one (I must confess this isn’t entirely true, but at BEST you will be paid about $1 – $2 USD more per hour, but this is the exception and not the rule). You are right about TESL/TEFL etc certificates costing so much, and they honestly aren’t worth the investment unless you are personally interested in learning more. Taipei has the most jobs, and Taichung second. You should be OK looking for work in Taichung. Good luck!
Hi.. I am very interested in teaching english in Taiwan. I am a Canadian and have no experience teaching english. I am a Chef by trade , and have taught many of my staff my trade. But english is not something I needed to teach them !
Also I have read some of your comments about Tesl/Tefl etc and you have given me the impression that these courses are basically a waste of time and will not insure a position as a first time teacher.
could you please advise. I have a college diploma from an accredited college in Canada in Cooks Apprentise Program. It was a 2 year course. Will this help me with obtain the necessary requirements to teach english with a Tesl certificate ?
Please advise me… I am anxious to get started.
@Paul,
You will need an AA/associate’s degree with a TEFL certificate. Unfortunately I am not too sure on what kind of TEFL certificates they accept. You are correct about the certificates potentially costing thousands of dollars, and the truth is that they really aren’t worth spending that much money unless you are doing it for personal improvement. What I suggest you do is contact some cram schools that are hiring in Taiwan and ask if your credentials are sufficient. They will quickly give you a yes or a no. Good luck!
Am I right in thinking a UK resident such as myself would automatically be granted a 90 day, not 30 day, visa on arrival? The internet as a whole gives mixed opinions on this.
Continued thanks for your great site (and for providing very speedy responses to us all)!
Hello,
I am interested in Teaching English in Taiwan. I haved lived in California my whole life. I have a BA in Art and an AA in Interior Design. I also have 1 years experience Teaching Interior Design courses at a the Fashion Institute in Los Angeles. I am a Caucasian Female who is 55 years old. What are my chances of getting hired? Any advice and comments would be appreciated. My boyfriend also is interested in teaching . He is older and an American first generation of Asian( Chinese) decent. He has a BA and MA
( Chemical Engineering) from Coumbia university in N.Y.
@Gayle,
Check the page on Language Schools in Taiwan for more information, but you honestly have very little chance of finding work teaching English at most cram schools. They want young people, and I honestly think your best bet would be China.
Great site with lots of information. Thanks
My question:
What paperwork do you need to get an ARC card, once you are in Taiwan, with a job offer?
@Fletch,
Basically you’ll need a health check, your passport, some photos and a letter of employment. However, most schools will do this for you because there is some paperwork that needs to be done in Chinese. There is a fee also, around $1,000NT if my memory serves me right.
@Craig,
The rules and regulations regarding landing visas has changed this year. I still don’t recommend anyone come and get a landing visa, but if you plan to do this just contact the local Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in your country. They’ll be able to tell you what the new rules are.
Hello kind visa-question answerer.
I’m applying for a HES Scholarship from the Taiwanese government for intensive Mandarin study. I may want to teach on the side for a little extra cash (the scholarship covers almost everything but it’ll be tight). Do you know:
1. If it’s possible to get a part-time working permit on a study visa
2. If the cram schools in Taiwan will hire someone for just 2-3 days a week (I do this in Japan as an exchange student–works great)
I have a B.A. in economics and Japanese from a big American school and I’m young & caucasian.
(Also if you know anything miscellaneous about the Ministry of Education Scholarships or about Mandarin Learning Center at Taiwan National Normal University, I’d be curious to know!)
Thanks a million.
@Henry,
Obviously plenty of people still work illegally but you have to know what you are getting into. I don’t know anything about the Mandarin programs, sorry.
You can’t work on a student visa, period. There are plenty of schools that would be happy to take you for 2 or 3 days a week teaching classes, but without a work permit you would be doing it illegally. This isn’t a problem for the schools because if they do get caught they just get fined. However, if you get caught you get shown the door and 14 days to leave Taiwan
Hello,
I am looking into teaching english in Taiwan in the near future. I am almost done with school here in the U.S. (only one more year and I’ll graduate with a BA in History) I am a history major geography and asian studies minor and am wondering if I should apply for my initial lisencure to teach history here or if that would even matter since I intend on teaching english in Taiwan. I am caucasian and young and speak some Mandarin.
@Ryan,
Get your teacher’s license before you come, if you want to work in public schools. I’d strongly recommend you do it because these jobs are very stable and there aren’t that many people with real teaching credentials here, at least not for public schools. No-one will care too much about how much Mandarin you can speak, just make sure you keep the kids and boss happy. Good luck!
Is a criminal background check required for cram schools or is that for only certain jobs? I’ve heard that it is, but I don’t see any mention of it here. I really appreciate the website.
@Dave,
From my knowledge it is not required by law, but you will find that some places ask for one. It really depends on the school where you want to teach. Good luck and thanks for the feedback.
Thanks for all the info on the site, I have a couple questions of my own.
1. Do you have to purchase a round trip ticket to get a visitor visa, or can you fly in on a one way ticket?
2. I have two petty criminal charges on my record (misdemeanors, non-drug related) from over eight years ago. Do you see this as being a problem when applying for a visa? What’s the best way to go about this as there is a question asking about a criminal on the visa application but it doesn’t allow space to explain it. Should I apply directly at the closest embassy to where I live?
Thanks in advance for your input!
@David,
Regarding your questions:
1) It depends because I know of a few people who managed to purchase a one way ticket, but this was only after they showed they had employment lined up etc. Basically, I think you will have to buy a return ticket. This is what I have had to do every time.
2)
I am not sure how this will affect applying for a VISA. I know a few people who have had DUIs and were fine, so if your crime is similar to this then I probably wouldn’t worry.
Good luck!
Hi! I am just wondering if I still get a big chance to work in Taiwan even in cram schools only. I’ve been exposed to the joy of teaching for 7 years now, 4 years in a university as a Science instructor and 3 years in an English Academy here in the Philippines. I’m planning to be with my mom in Taiwan and to work there as well… I know that school admin prefers native speaker but with my experience and my teaching skills, will that make any difference? Should i just get a tourist visa first and look for a school that will consider me?
Thanks in advance.
@Catherine,
If you had an MA or PhD you could teach legally in a university, but if you don’t then you can’t teach legally here. I would never recommend anyone work illegally in Taiwan.
hi, very informative site, i was wondering if you knew much about changing your visa upon finding a job in taiwan, i was planning on going there on a visitor visa and looking for a job there, but was wondering if i would have to return home in order to get a work permit? as this would cost another ticket id rather avoid it if possible. also do you think one can get a job with only a university degree (fine art) and no tefl/celta training? any info would be much appreciated, thanks
@Chris,
Anyway, you can convert a visitor visa once you get here. The law, I believe, has changed so that you can also convert a landing visa, but it depends on the country you are from. I have always recommended that people come here on a 60 day visitor visa, as this gives you ample time to search for a job. Most schools will have no problem hiring you, as you meet the basic requirements to teach English here. Best of luck!
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Hi
I’ve been to Taiwan – worked there for 3 years, so I know that I’ll be fine when I return. I just want to check something with you. My husband has a 2-year diploma and a TEFL certificate. Here in S.A. we don’t call it “Associates Degree/Diploma”. Will they recognize it as the same thing?
@Marilette,
I honestly don’t know. However, I assume they would be considered the same, albeit by a different name. I would strongly recommend you get in touch with your local TECO and ask them. They’ll be able to either tell you if it’s OK or at least point you in the right direction. If you do find out, it would be great if you could let us know here. Thanks.
I am planning on moving to Taiwan in January (a little less than 3 months from now!) and I am planning on applying for a multiple-entrance visa. I am wondering how soon you think I should apply. I was planning on submitting my application in a few weeks (early Nov). I know that the application should be processed in 4 business days, but I want to get this process over so I can move forward with the rest of my plans. How far in advance do you think I should apply and also, how likely is it of being denied? I already have a contact in Taiwan, so I have a place to live and everything, I just really want to move there so I am getting overly nervous. Thanks
@Leanna,
Apply as soon as you can, provided it doesn’t affect how long you can use the visa for. If they told you it takes 4 business days, then maybe two weeks in advance would be reasonable. Good luck in Taiwan!
Hi!
Great site! My recruiter told me that I can come to Taiwan on a 30 day exempt visa (for U.S. citizens) and then have it transferred into a work permit and then apply for the ARC. From what I’ve read, the 30 day exempt visas can now be transferred if it’s a white collar job. I know earlier you answered a question about a DUI but I have read that in order to transfer the 30 day exempt visa you cannot have a criminal background or be prohibited by China/Taiwan from working in their country. Do you know anymore details about this? I am scheduled to leave soon and don’t want to end up getting stuck in Taiwan. Also, my recruiter tells me that I can get a one-way ticket, that immigration won’t check. Again, I’d hate to get stuck in Taiwan or spend money needlessly.
@Mike,
You are correct that the law changed and a 30 day exempt visa can be converted to an ARC, at least in theory. That’s the problem with Taiwan. Nothing is written down in explicit detail. The same goes for your ticket. Some people have managed to get to Taiwan on a one way ticket, but only if they have proof of employment in advance. The problem with Taiwan is that your own experience can’t be applied to everyone else, because the rules here can “vary”. I’d be careful believing anything that wasn’t written down on official letterhead paper.
Hi There
I am a South African Graduate with Tefl Certification. I am 52 years old, young looking, slim and blonde and know I will make a great teacher! I have taught Art to kids and adults and also taught English as a foreign language in Greece and Israel in 1992. I am planning on coming to Taiwan in June 2012 – should I apply via agents or schools or take the plunge and look when I’m there?
@Jennitravel,
Find out what I think about agents HERE. Don’t work for an agent without at least first looking for your own job. I’ve got a Taiwan English job search video that should help you get started. Good luck!
Hello,
I am a current certified teacher from the US. I have been teaching a little over one year now, and I am really interested to teach English in Taiwan. I have two worries that have me at a stand still in persuing this dream of mine: I have a criminal record; DUI offense (0nly blemish on my criminal record). and I have two children. I want to move to Taiwan to teach mainly because of the money. I have heard that there is a lot of money to be made over there. And secondly, I love the Taiwanese culture. I want to know about this culture as I find it to be more open than the Chinese culture. So my questions are: will this misdemeanor blemish on my criminal record disqualify me from working at a good school or any school in Taiwan? Can I teach abroad while having dependents in the US? Is it possible for me to bring one of my children with me? And finally, will I be denied long – term residency if I were to decide to stay upwards of 5 years in Taiwan?
Thanks for your response,
Shen-fu
@Shen_fu,
Firstly, about your DUI. I can’t comment on this because working in the public school system may have other checks that cram schools don’t. Contact your local TECO in the city where you live or state.
About the money. At today’s exchange rate, public school teachers make about $2,100 a month before taking out tax. They get a housing allowance of about $165 USD a month, which would pay for probably all of a studio apartment or maybe half of a small apartment. I believe you can bring your children because they will be considered a dependent, but where would they go to school? Obviously I don’t know how old your children are, so I can’t comment much on this. If you stayed for 5 years then you could apply for APRC. I hope that helps. Good luck!
Hi admin,
I was wondering if it is difficult to get a visitor visa if you are currently not working (i.e. unemployed). Do you know if the visa application asks for an occupation? And if so, do you think the consular office would turn someone down if he/she listed “unemployed,” or do they not care as long as you are able to pay the fee?
Thanks,
Christophe
@Christophe,
They won’t care what your status is when you apply for a visitor visa. I can’t see you having any problems at all. How easy or hard it is to get a visa does depend partly on the country you are applying from, but I still can’t see any reason you’d have any issues coming to Taiwan on a visitor visa provided you have all done all the required paperwork etc. Good luck!