I graduated from a university in Taiwan last week, the Immigration Office is not open this week, and I see conflicting reports online about how long I have before my ARC is invalidated. 7 days? 10 days? 14 days? (If it’s 14 then I’m fine). I need to get on a job seeking visa but I’m worried that I’ll be deported before I can do that (and of course, that would make things a lot more complicated).
I don’t have experience in your situation, but my instinct is this: don’t stress out, and simply go visit the relevant NIA office on Monday when they reopen after the lunar new year break. Bring relevant documents including your lease with your current address. Ask how you can be switched to a job seeking visa.
Everything I’ve read indicates that the authorities in Taiwan currently WANT you guys to hang around and hopefully find a job. Let us know how it goes.
Guy
Thank you. My main problem now is that there is apparently a 100,000 NTD proof of funds requirement. I drained my bank account back home in order to get my master’s degree. There is no way I can get that much money by next week. I don’t even have enough money for a plane ticket back home.
I am sorry to hear about your financial challenges.
I would still encourage you to go talk to the NIA on Monday and confirm what they need to extend your residence. Let us know what happens.
Guy
Apparently I was reading incorrect/outdated information online. I don’t need to show a proof of funds.
So what are your next steps?
Guy
Applying for a variety of jobs in Taiwan, and maybe some in America too (will have to be a good paying job for me to return home as the cost of living is lower in Taiwan).
Sounds like a plan.
May I ask how long a visa extension (i.e. following graduation) were you granted by the NIA?
Guy
They told me two years (previously it was only 6 months).
Nice. What program did you just graduate from?
Asia-Pacific Studies at NCCU.
That sounds cool. Congratulations!