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.