Job Discussion Forums

[sfarkas103]

I have read with dismay that many posters say a visa run is "inevitable". Why is this? On the mainland, aside from Hong Kong anyway, it is unheard of, as every school I have worked for over the past three years has fallen all over themselves to make sure we were all legal.

1) Is a visa run inevitable and what cost and hassle does it entail?

Also, I saw one post saying their rent was 13,000 for a 45 ping apartment, I checked online for Hsinchu City and the best I saw was 13,000 for a 30 ping.

2) What is a realistic decent western standard apartment to cost?

I have been offered a job for 600-650, afternoon-evening hours weekday only, guaranteed 80 hours per month, not many other benefits to mention in Hsinchu City, it seems rather on the low side from what I read.

3) Is the above offer acceptable?

I have tried to access Dave's sticky about Taiwan but it doesn't seem to work. Thanks.

[dangerousapple]

What does 600-650 mean? If it is the hourly rate, NT$600 is actually the high end of normal for a new teacher, and $650 is awesome! But if they are only telling you a range, the low number will most likely be your starting salary. 80 hours per month isn't much, though.

If your school won't get you a resident visa and work permit then it isn't worth working for.

[wix]

A visa run is not inevitable if you do the following:

1. Arrive with a visitor's visa valid for 60 days. You can then apply for a resident visa without leaving the country once you have a work permit.

2. Get your health check done as soon as possible after you arrive. It takes a week or more to get the results, but the certificate is valid for three months.

3. Once you find a suitable job sign the contract and ensure the school submits all the paperwork for your work permit promptly.

[Aristotle]