I misunderstood when my visa expired and now not only have to pay a fine but must return to my own country. The staff at Ximen told me I just have to pay the fine and go out of the country to renew my visa and then they’ll let me in but the Japanese Embassy said that the government are strict about overstayers and will send anyone overstaying back to their countries. This is not good since I want to continue my study here. It was my fault that I am currently overstaying but what are the chances of being allowed back here to continue my study? Anyone been in the same predicament already? All that kaoliang over Chinese N.Year made me forget when to renew my visa! Any advice most appreciated,I really want to stay here!
There a lot of discussions of stuff like that here;
forumosa.com/3/viewforum.php?f=73
The same thing happened to me a couple of years ago…I went to extend my visa and they informed me that it had expired a month earlier (oops!) They told me the same thing, that I just needed to leave the country. I do not know the policy at the Taiwan “Embassy” in Japan though. Maybe HK would be more lenient (?)
I ended up going back home to the USA, but they only gave me a 60 day visa and I had to take a trip to HK when that one expired. Cost me a bundle, but I’m still here and have an ARC now, so I guess it was worth it.
-Anne
How long did you overstay? If it was only a few days they’ll let it slide. A month? No, they ain’t gonna let that slide.
Why are you asking the Japanese Embassy for advice on Taiwan visa overstays? Japan doesn’t even have an embassy here. Sounds like you spoke to the wrong people.
As for visa overstay, why would the Taiwan authorities care where you go? Once you are off Taiwan soil, they have no interest whatsoever in where you go.
Browse the Legal Forums for a mixed bag of different experiences people have had with overstaying. Sometimes htey are very strict, but I don’t think you will get a clear answer. Just sort it out immediately.
I’m moving this post to the legal forums.
Brian
I agree with many of the previous posters that you should take care of this matter quickly. Don’t wait around . . . . . your situation will not improve in the meantime.
Sorry HairKnuckles,
this info doesn’t really relate to your minor case of overstaying but may be of help to others. Let us know how you get on.
John.
OVERSTAYING YOUR VISA
If you have overstayed for no more than 30 days, applicants may apply in the airport within two hours before departure for convenience. [Foreign Affairs Division for Immigration at CKS airport: (03) 398 2242
Those who overstay for more than 90 days need to go to their local foreign affairs police with:
A. The original and one photocopy of an airplane ticket for departure within 7 days. The original is returned after verification.
B. One copy of an application form requesting exit. Application must be filed in person.
C. The original and photocopy of passport, visa, Embarkation/Departure card (stapled in your passport when you arrive), Originals are returned. They may also ask for a tax certificate or tax-exempt certificate (if applicable).
D. Letter of explanation or certificate of proof of reason for overstaying. Documentation will depend on what you’ve been doing; student card/enrollment certificate (if you are a student), work visa, ARC, for teachers.
E. Money for fine.
Fines for period of overstay (penalties are half for persons under the age of 18)
less than 10 days NT$1,000
11-30 days NT$3,000
31-90 days NT$5,000
Over 90 days NT$10,000
These fees may be changed in the near future: a recent case where a foreigner overstayed for 20 years yet could only be charged a maximum of NT$10,000 highlighted the ludicrously low cost of overstaying.
Barred from re-entering Taiwan
- A foreigner who overstays six months to a year is prohibited from re-entering Taiwan for one year.
- A foreigner who overstays more than one year will be barred for a time equal to the length of time he overstayed. (the maximum prohibited period is 5 years.)
I forgot and realized that I have 23 days overstay last year. At that time I was taking Chinese classes and it was just the beginning of 2nd semester. After the classes finished, my plan was taking a trip to Europe. Police Station in Panchio told me either pay the fee (NT3000), go to HK and re-enter with a new visa or wait until the semester ends, pay NT5000 (89 days overstay) and leave Taiwan, which I was already planing to do so for my trip. Additionally, the second option was more economic since HK round-trip was about NT6000, plus NT3000 and maybe 2 days missing the class etc.
Anyway after the semester ended, I left Taiwan and returned back 2 months later. But in my case, I had to prove that during my overstay I was full time student and I would continue my Chinese education.
In your case, if you are student and will continue taking classes, show them your registration etc. I did not write a statement about my excuse, but I read in one of the threads here; you should promise them you will never forget your visa expire date again.
Good luck,
My only experience with overstay is you goto the police department explain the situation and they’ll extend you visa on the spot.
They also might want to hire you as an english teacher.
But that’s my nutty experience.
Oh they like doing that bit. I assume you didn’t take them up on the offer.
daltongang,
It was really wierd. The cop that extended my visa was a housewife with a kid and wanted me as tutor. She started calling me at home. I told her it would be difficult since I was only going to be in the country a few more weeks.
Jobs pop up in the strangest of places.
I assume you had a similar situation? We should share that with the people in English teaching board. 
[quote=“ac_dropout”]daltongang,
It was really wierd. The cop that extended my visa was a housewife with a kid and wanted me as tutor. She started calling me at home. I told her it would be difficult since I was only going to be in the country a few more weeks.
Jobs pop up in the strangest of places.
I assume you had a similar situation? We should share that with the people in English teaching board. ^_^[/quote]
Whenever I went to the police station in Wanhua for a residence check the lady there would do the same thing, I always half figured it was a trick to catch me as an illegal English teacher. I wouldn’t put it past the cops here.