Job Discussion Forums

rupert shellgame · Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Posts: 109

I've heard about people (mostly saffies) that had trouble getting visas so they just find underground jobs, plentiful as always, and do visa runs every two months.

I'm pretty fed up with my work situation here. It's such a farce, and I have so little to do with the role I'm supposed to play.

I'd like to work less, much less. I don't mind earning less cuz I really don't spend that much. And I have some personal artistic projects that I'd like to devote more time to. Does anyone have any experience doing the visa run thing and working at a kindy, or something like that? Any reflections or comments?

(I'll ignore any moral commentary about whether I should do this or whether it's right or wrong; save your strength.)

MomCat · Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Posts: 297

A friend who is here without maintaining an ARC came on a 60 day multiple entry visa good for two years. After 60 days the friend goes to the visa office and renews it for another 60 days (without leaving the country). This can be done twice so you only need to leave the country every six months. The catch is that you need to have enough money in the bank to show that you're self-supporting. (There are probably other factors; like the phase of the moon, the mood of the agent, the office you visit and your appearance but, in principle, it can be done.)

Or look for a school that will give you an ARC even if you're working part time.

rupert shellgame · Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Posts: 109

Really. It is possible to get a multiple entry visitor visa? I've never heard of this. How can I get this?

MomCat · Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Posts: 297

I believe the country you're from has something to do with it. My friend has a US passport.

From the AIT page:
Visitor's Visa: This visa must be obtained at a Taiwan representative office or an ROC embassy abroad. It is usually valid for five years, allows multiple entries for stays of up to 60 days. Normally one 60-day extension may be granted by the Taiwan National Immigration Agency (http://www.immigration.gov.tw) for a total stay of 180 days. A visitor�s visa is appropriate for travelers coming to Taiwan for tourism, business or study. If you wish to work you will have to get a work permit and a resident visa.

zeebandre · Joined: 28 Oct 2008 Posts: 11

Visa runs can be tiring and expensive. I have friends who made numerous runs to HK, Bangkok or Macao and they were rarely happy about it, spending lots on tickets, hotels, visas and missing days at work. Another option you have is to look into enrolling in Chinese courses at a uni and staying on a student visa that (I'm pretty sure) can be renewed in Taiwan as long as you remain in school. NCKU in Tainan City has a very good language program. It is costly but hey, at least you will learn some Mandarin.

Good Luck!