Job Discussion Forums

[nenemosha]

Please see my previous post: http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=31852&sid=a03a0908418f9cb6452fc954a961cb33

I've found out that my school has never cancelled my ARC card and that the foreign affairs police have called both my old apartment and my place of employment several times. My school explained that I left the country but they did not request my ARC card be cancelled. My old roommate just got another call recently.

I have the receipt still to pick up my ARC, my resident visa (in my passport) and a copy of my father's death certificate. I think I should hopefully be able to get back in the country without applying for a tourist visa.

How often do they ask to see your ARC when entering Taiwan (if not every time)???

I figure worst case scenario I end up with a landing visa and go to the foreign affairs office to straighten things out and if that doesn't work leave and come back in with a tourist visa.

My school tried to call to enquire with the foreign affairs police as to what they needed but everything is in my name so they weren't able to get far.

I'm thinking of inquiring at the consulate office here but I'm not sure how much they'll be able to help.

Any advice again would be appreciated.

thanks,
cat

[Ki]

Call at the foreign affairs police yourself and ask them. Tell them your situation, that you had to leave the country for personal reasons and that you want to return, stay with the same school, etc. Do you have the work permit in your passport? If so, then you will be fine, legally able to come and go. But call the police to make sure because an alternative visa run is a lot more expensive and a lot more hassle.

[TaoyuanSteve]

The important items here will be your resident visa, something which should be affixed to the inside of your passport, along with your re-entry permit. If those are still valid, then enter on them and pick up your ARC card once you get back. Will you be returning to your employer? They've never cancelled your work permit (darn nice of them BTW)? If so, then everything should be still valid. I think one easy source of info would be the Taiwan Economic and Cultural office nearest where you are currently. You can double check with them or get them to check that everything is indeed ok. I'm relatively certain that everything is in order for you as is. I don't remember the airport guys ever checking my ARC card, just my re-entry permit and resident visa. I advise against obtaining and entering on a subsequent visitor visa as this possibly could invalidate your resident visa, or necessitate a trip out of the country in order to re-enter on your resident visa (or something like that).

[clark.w.griswald]

I agree with TS.

In most cases you would not be asked to show your ARC provided that your visas were still current and you will likely come through without any trouble.

As you say, in the worst case scenario immigration will inform you that the resident visa/re-entry permit has been cancelled. You could then enter on a landing visa (provided that you haven't previously overstayed) and then leave at a later date with the paperwork to get your new visa arranged during a visa run.

[nenemosha]

Awesome! You guys are the best.

My VISA and re-entry permit are still valid and I actually have the reciept to pickup my ARC at the Foreign affairs police still so I think I'll be ok. I'm going back to my old school thanks to someone breaking their contract and making room for me

The funny thing is they hadn't cancelled my ARC even when they thought I wasn't coming back. Gotta love those lazy schools. They're mine and I love them though.

I'm going to check with the TECO office here to triple check but I'm feeling pretty confident right now and I'm ok with dealing with the worst case scenario.

Thanks a bunch,
cat