I have read many posts on forumosa over the past few months. I have studied the internet and websites all over Taiwan. But I still can’t seem to find the answer to my question.
I am married and have been for going on my 5th year now. I have been in Taiwan, working and making more that double the average salary in Taiwan as a cram school teacher.
I met my wife in the states, Las Vegas, and she had mental health issues that I thought would be resolved by moving to a more stable environment like Taiwan. Sadly, after 2 years of living here, I found I was mistaken. She has tried to take her life 3 times since we were together, cheated and demolished my previous house in America ( I have pictures). The last attempt to commit suicide, I decided was the last I would go through and we separated. That was 3 years ago.
I have since been very happy with my life here in Taiwan and love this country. When I first moved here, the law was that you had to stay here for 5 years without interruption of more than 180 days to get your APRC.
The law has since changed and it seems, in my research, that the requirement is now 10 years if married to a local resident.
I am still legally married to this “woman”, and although we haven’t been in touch since the separation, I have kept my ARC up to date without any problems.
My question, can I apply for my APRC under the 5 year rule with having the minimum required tax paperwork showing that I make sufficient income? Or am I doomed to stay under this marriage for another 5 years before I can apply for my APRC?
This seems to be a gray area, as it doesn’t say that you can’t apply for the 5 year APRC just because you are married.
Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
DJ