I’m a newbie here and have found this forum very informative. However, after combing through numerous questions and answers, there is still one thing I don’t get: what makes a visa extendable? On the visa application, you can mark whether you want single or multiple entries but there is no place to indicate that you’d like the visa to be extendable. Do you simply apply and let the visa gods decide? If anyone can shed some light on this for me, it would be much appreciated.
By the way, I’m Canadian if nationality makes a difference.
I’m a newbie here and have found this forum very informative. However, after combing through numerous questions and answers, there is still one thing I don’t get: what makes a visa extendable? On the visa application, you can mark whether you want single or multiple entries but there is no place to indicate that you’d like the visa to be extendable. Do you simply apply and let the visa gods decide? If anyone can shed some light on this for me, it would be much appreciated.
By the way, I’m Canadian if nationality makes a difference.
Thanks![/quote]
Almost all Visitor Visas are extendable if you have a reason for extending it. The usual reason will be Chinese classes and it can usually be extended twice. Each time the extension will be for the period of stay authorised by the first Visa. (Note this is not the same as the ‘validity of the visa’ which is the period in which it must be used for entry.)
Some Visitor Visas will be stamped ‘Not to be extended’. Usually these are Visitor Visas issued in the expectation that you will convert to a Resident Visa in Taipei (usually for work). Landing Visas (a Visitor Visa issued on arrival at the airport) are also not normally* extendable. I believe that they have almost done away with Landing Visas now since allowing visa-free for more countries.
If you enter the country without a visa you cannot normally* extend your stay beyond the thirty days allowed.
*normally here means a medical emergency or similar might win you a dispensation.
There also appear to be different policies for different nationalities concerning single and multiple entry visas. I think it depends on whether your country rountinely issues multiple entry visas to Taiwan citizens. If they don’t, you will find it extremely hard to get a multiple entry visa, regardless of the box you tick.
Thanks for the replies. They pretty much confirmed what I had guessed to be true. However, in getting these responses another question came to mind so I thought I’s tack it on here rather than starting a new thread.
My question is, will I have a better chance of getting an extendable visa if I check “study” as my reason to visit rather than “tourism”? I do genuinely plan on taking Chinese but am not going to register for any classes until I get to Taipei. So will it look fishy if I check “study” but have no enrollment documents to back that up? Could I perhaps send a list of schools I am considering. Or am I just over thinking this entire process?
[quote=“zealflyer”]Thanks for the replies. They pretty much confirmed what I had guessed to be true. However, in getting these responses another question came to mind so I thought I’s tack it on here rather than starting a new thread.
My question is, will I have a better chance of getting an extendable visa if I check “study” as my reason to visit rather than “tourism”? I do genuinely plan on taking Chinese but am not going to register for any classes until I get to Taipei. So will it look fishy if I check “study” but have no enrollment documents to back that up? Could I perhaps send a list of schools I am considering. Or am I just over thinking this entire process? [/quote]
Well, as I said, Visitor Visas are normally extendable.
The point is that you will have to support whatever reason you give for applying to visit Taiwan with proof. So if you tick ‘study’ you will need an offer of a place from a language school or university language centre. You can’t just send them a list of schools you are ‘considering’. You may also be asked for some financial details or proof (seems to depend on country, though). You will also probably need to have a confirmed ticket (or at least a reservation out) before the expiry of your permission to stay.
If you do decide to study, and you have time to research your options and apply before you come here, then I would apply for a Visitor Visa (for study) as you will certainly get sixty days to stay.
Otherwise, if you’re coming for ‘tourism’ just say so, and deal with things as they arise. Trying to work your potential plans for things you might decide to do into the visa application requirements is not going to help any.
The only general advice I would offer without reservation is that unless you know that you want to leave Taiwan within 30 days do not come in without a visa of some sort.
Basically, I’d say work out why you are coming here right now, what good reasons for coming here you can prove and apply for the appropriate Visitor Visa. Don’t make it more complicated than it need be.
Is there a list of non-visa countries, or is it a short enough list that you can put it here? I’m coming in from the US, and it would be nice to know that I didn’t need a visa. (There have been a lot of changes this last year.)
[quote=“Mindmixer”]Is there a list of non-visa countries, or is it a short enough list that you can put it here? I’m coming in from the US, and it would be nice to know that I didn’t need a visa. (There have been a lot of changes this last year.)
Based on your responses and those offered by someone at the T.O. embassy, I will be applying for a visitor visa and checking “tourism” as my reason of visit. Apparently checking “study” without having any supporting paperwork is a good way to have your visa application denied!
I went through the Toronto office, they R kewl…as in pretty laid back, I had a lot of missing fields but still hooked me up wid a 60 day visa, i only got single entry, cause da multiple entry costs mroe.
best advice, get the vistor visa one, but although you can get it extended it really is up to the Visa god at the Taipei Police Station where you have to go to get it extended. You will need to show PROOF of registration at a chinese school for the first extension, and for subsequent extensions you will need to show an attendance record.
No student visa or anothing else required, can stay up to 6 months on a visitor visa, but will need to pay for chinese classes and actually attend them. You cannot just go to the police station and get an extension with the excuse I am just vacationing in Taipei for the summer (4 months), trust me, cause I tried it and it didn’t work… but there are some el cheapo skules that willl give you instruction and legit or illegit attendence records for only $200 Cdn for 2 Months of instruction.
