Job Discussion Forums

Callie · Joined: 03 Sep 2005 Posts: 5

Let me explain my situation. I am new to Taiwan--been here about 5 weeks. I have 2 degrees (neither teaching), and no teaching experience. I came with a landing visa(I am a fool!). So far I have a parttime kindy job that only pays about 45000NT/month. I have been looking for more work but it's been very spotty. I have had some contract offers but they were only about 5000NT more with taxes taken out. I understand that I have to go on visa runs every month or try to get a 2-month visitor visa. My home situation is becoming more and more unbearable and I'm getting low on funds.
I'm coming to a point where either I go on a 2-month visa run, and find new living quarters, plus a job that offers an ARC, OR I go home and better luck next time. I've thought about leaving to back home and getting a proper visa and then coming back. I would have to stay at home a few months to raise the money to come back and I am afraid I will not come back.
I really can't decide. Is it worth it to stay? If I go on a visa run will they grant me a 2 month visitor visa so I will be eligible for an ARC? It's no guarantee. And I must move. If I do all these things I will be out of money and feeling quite nervous. You know, no cushion money.
Anyone got some advice?
Callie

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

At the end of the day this is all going to be up to you to decide.

What is clear, is that what you are doing now is not a good option. You are working illegally in that your current visa does not permit you to work here, as well as the fact that you are working at a kindergarten which also comprises illegal work. In light of current experiences it is likely that you would be deported if caught so it might be best to make a decision before one is made for you.

As you are already in Taiwan, and assuming that you want to stay here, then the best course of action would probably be for you to secure legal work. Have the school either prepare everything for your work permit so that you can apply for a resident visa from overseas and come back in on a resident visa, or at least get an invitation letter from them that explains that they want you back here so that they can process your work permit and resident visa. A 30 day visitors visa will be enough as you can prepare your health certificate before you leave for your visa run.

As you appear to realize, a landing visa (visa free entry) is not a good way to go as it can neither be extended, nor can it be converted into a resident visa to stay here and work.

Wonder · Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 109

Clark's right. It's not that bad. Lots of people have been in your shoes. Get a visitor's visa in Hong Kong and ask your school to be ready to apply for an ARC when you get back. Make sure you've done the health check prior to your departure and it will be ready when you get back.

The other thing is, make sure you do everything that requires a visitor's visa. Ask your employer to check on this in Hong Kong for you because the requirements flucuate from time to time.

A couple things are very important such as: proof of residence in your home country (a telephone bill with your name and address on the bill or something similar; and money in your bank account. I think it's $2,000 Canadian for me, and bring a current bank statement with you. Also make sure you have an onward flight ticket or reservation from Taiwan to elsewhere for after you come back from HK).

Yep, they're pretty sticky about VVs but you'll get it!

Aristotle · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1388 Location: Taiwan

Try Korea or Japan for a while.
Good luck!
A.

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

You need an ARC. The job you describe might not be as bad as you think. You will have to do some math. The pay offered has to be compared to the hours worked. 50000NT is not a bad offer as long as you are working 20 hours a week or about 80/month. Your pay will be about 625NT/hour. That is acceptable. If you need more money per month you will have plenty of time to do privates.

Get a visitors visa and try again before you go home.

Ki · Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 475

So I guess that the kindy doesn't want to or isn't able to offer you an ARC then. You might want to explore the semi-dubious route of "being a student". You will still need to do a visa run to Hong Kong, etc, with proof of funds, ticket out of Taiwan and everything else but it will cut down on the visa runs in the future. They will be less frequent but you will still have to do them. You may even learn some Chinese while you are here. Keep the kindy job and look for a buxiban or two, or some privates to supplement it.