Job Discussion Forums

nenemosha · Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 32 Location: Taipei

Hi all,

I'm in the process of getting my resident visa processed, I will be getting it on Friday. From there I need go to the foriegn affairs police to get my ARC started.

Work told me that I will need some kind of letter proving my residence (ie that I'm renting an apartment). Does anyone know *exactly* what I need or exactly what the police will be looking for? I haven't been able to get really great detail on this. I moved in with a couple of girls when I arrived to Taiwan and we don't have a lease, or one with my name on it. Would a signed letter with my landlord's chop on it count?

Second question, I have a couple weeks vacation coming up and I'm planning on going to Thailand. One of my roommates told me that she had to show her ARC card on her way back into the country when she travelled and came back. Is this normal? Will I be unable to leave for vacation until I have my ARC in my hands? Wouldn't my resident visa be good enough?

Thanks in advance!

clark.w.griswald · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 2056

nenemosha · Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 32 Location: Taipei

Thanks as usual for the very clear and concise advice Clark. I really appreciate it.

One followup question... the "re-entry permit" this is news to me. If my resident visa is multi-entry do I still need this? If yes, any idea how long it will take me to have that processed? Or is it part of the ARC processing. Is this a one-time thing or would it have to be done each time you leave to travel?

Re: the letter. This may be useful, it may be confusing but I believe this may have to do with recent changes.

I wasn't sure I was going to have my visa in time because I didn't get on my school enough about processing my Visa application. It was my fault really. I didn't know I was working enough hours at the time to qualify and I let time slip by.

Anyway I was looking into getting a student visa because I was running out of precious time. Some of the "officially" recongized schools will let you join at any point and time in the semester but you can't go to the FAP in Taipei city for the student visa, you have to go to Taipei county? Taipei city has different rules apparently and you have to start during a proper semester in order to qualify for a student visa.

.... BUT one recent change when I went to look into this is that if you were trying to get a student visa the FAP will ask you for a bill in your name or a copy of the lease proving you live in Taipei county. I guess they're cracking down? A friend of mine does the student visa thing because she's degree-less and she had to get a signed letter from a friend in Xindian stating that she lived with her in Taipei County and that she paid rent but apparently that no longer is enough.

Not relevant to my question but it may help someone. In the end my school was able to provide me with the necessary paper work to get an extension on my visa for purpose of my work permit being processed.

Chris Smith · Joined: 01 Dec 2004 Posts: 86

Your work is right about proving your place of residence when you go to the FAP. There you will fill in their form for the ARC and you will put both your address and the company's address on that form. They will ask you for proof (of your address) at this point.

If you can bring with you any mail that has been sent to you at your current address it may be enough, otherwise you'll have to get your name added to the lease taken out by your flatmates.

Chris

clark.w.griswald · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 2056

Chris Smith · Joined: 01 Dec 2004 Posts: 86

If you have lived at the same address for a long time you are already listed, so come renewal you won't be asked again, unless you have changed your address. If this is the case you must amend the address on your ARC. When you do this they will ask for proof.

I got married in May back home. When I returned I moved into my wife's place. I had to renew my ARC in July and duely told them of the change. They required proof of my residence and I had to get my wife's residency details. She had to write a note on it confirming I was living there and then sign it. I had forgotten about this "proof" bit myself as I hadn't moved house for a while. I do remember in the past having to take a rental agreement as proof.

If you are getting your ARC for the first time you will also require proof of your residency. As you haven't been here for too long they will usually accept received mail envelopes with your name on it if you don't have a rental agreement.

Chris

Chris Smith · Joined: 01 Dec 2004 Posts: 86

Oops,
Forgot to mention. I have always lived in Taipei City, but I would assume the rule applies everywhere.

clark.w.griswald · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 2056

I'm going to suggest that we all go with Chris's advice on this. I can't for the life of me recall ever being required to provide proof of residence, even when I moved house, but there is of course every possibility that you could be asked for this, as it certainly sounds a reasonable request. Also I didn't see any mention of this as a requirement of the ARC application procedures.

Chris is yours an ARC or an APRC? There may be some difference there.

Having said that, it is probably best to prepare it and not need it rather than need it and not have it.

In answer to the OP's question, I assume that a letter from the landlord just stating that you live at a certain address should suffice. A lease would be better, but I doubt that you need any more formal documentation.

nenemosha · Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 32 Location: Taipei

Great. Thanks everyone. I'll let you know how I make out on Friday and what they ask for.

Chris Smith · Joined: 01 Dec 2004 Posts: 86

Mine is a standard ARC. I haven't had the time to register my marriage here yet. Don't you just love the summertime...