Job Discussion Forums

[nenemosha]

Hi everyone,

It's been awhile. I'm not sure if anyone has been in a similar situation but if you have I'd appreciate advice.

In August I finally received my work permit/resident visa and was in the process of getting my ARC. A day after I got my passport back with my nice shiny new resident visa I received the news that my father (my best friend) was diagnosed with terminal cancer and if I wanted to see him alive again to rush home. Three hours later I was on a plane back to Canada.

My father has since passed and I've made a personal decision that the best thing for me would be to return to Taiwan. Surprisingly I felt the healthiest and happiest I've ever felt in my life working and living in Taiwan. not sure if everyone will identify with that one...

I have since found out that my school would love to have me back and if I rush back I'll be able to replace one of my colleagues who is leaving the school early. They need me for the second week in December. They have really been great about everything and I'm excited to get back and work for them again. When I left they had to replace me, of course, so my resident visa is now null and void.

So again I'm going through VISA stress. I don't think the school has enough time to get me a work permit and for me to try to get a resident visa on this end. It seems to me it makes the most sense to try and re-enter on a tourist visa. My concern is how it's going to look when the visa office sees that I had a resident visa and then the day after it was issued I was on a plane back home. I'm hoping a death certificate will hope in this case.

My other concern is them seeing I had a resident visa and now I'm coming back on a tourist visa again saying my purpose for returning is "tourism". Will they buy this? Do other people do this? I know people leave after contracts and sometimes return... is this the common way to go about it?

Before when I applied it was via courier because I was living in NB. I'm staying with my sister in Vancouver (just arrived) until I leave for Taiwan and I actually have to apply in person here. Has anyone been through this? Do they ask a lot of questions? Any idea what to expect?

Ok kind of a loaded post but I'd really appreciate any advice.

Thanks,
cat

[Girl Scout]

I know nothing about the visa office in Canada. However, having numerous visas and residence permits has never hurt me. I have been in and out of Taiwan 3 times. Each time I entered on a tourist visa. I even have an overstay and I was still issued a new visa.

You will have to ask someone who has been to that office what the proceedure is like. You could always call the office or check their web page for more information. Most of the time it is standard, onward ticket, bank statement to prove funding, contact in TW... I can't remember the others.

[TaoyuanSteve]

I've also had a few resident and tourist visas in my passport. I'm from Vancouver and have dealt with that TECO office a few times. They seem quite reasonable. They aren't going to bother you a great deal. They just give you the application and go over it with you to ensure you fill it out correctly. You will need to fill that out and submit with it your itinerrary, passport, photos and a bank statement showing sufficient funds to support yourself for your intended "visit." Yes, you should select tourism as your purpose for entering Taiwan. Unless you are having your work permit and resident visa processed by your company ahead of entry into Taiwan (virtually nobody does this), you will be entering initially under the guise of a visitor. Your employer can apply for your work permit upon your arrival. This is routine for everyone involved, including the TECO people. You aren't deceiving anyone and there is nothing wrong with what you are doing. Most English teachers enter under this class of visa. As I said, it's routine. Just follow the instructions the person at the office gives you and everything will go through without a hitch. Good luck and welcome back.

[nenemosha]

Thank you both.

I appreciate it!

cat