Job Discussion Forums

[wildernessskier]

Hi,
I'm set to re-enter the country after being away for about three months. I plan to look for a job once again and an ARC, so I'm starting all over again.
I completed my contract back on December 1 2005 and ended up overstaying my visa by about 17 days. I payed the nominal fine at the airport and got a stamp on my passport saying I overstayed. It seems the customs officers didn't make a big deal or really care much about it, and I even went to Foreign affairs office two weeks before my ARC expired in Kaohsiung to tell them my situation and they didn't seem concerned or make a big deal about it.
I bought a return ticket to the Island from Taiwan knowing that I would return, however, what are my options to get back in? I'm already guessing that they won't issue me a 60 day visitor visa back here in Canada like the first time two years ago because of the overstayed on my passport (even though its only by 17 days). I'm sure I'll only get a 30 day stay, but I plan to bring with me a letter of explanation, itinerary for onward travel thirty days from my arrival, a valid passport and anything else? Rather than go to the Taipei economic office here and fill out a 55$ application, I'm considering just arriving at customs in Taiwan without application but with relevant documents. Is this workable? Will I be forced to turn around go back to Canada? A friend suggested I include a tax form (from my time working) in the list of documents to bring.
Can anyone suggest any advice to me.
Thanx

[wood]

[Girl Scout]

I overstayed my visa by three days. I went to HK, got a new 60 tourist visa and returned to TW. The only catch is that my new tourist visa says "NO EXTENSIONS" (in big capital letters). It took 48 hours to get the new visa. Since I wasn't applying for a new ARC I do not know how this will effect that application process.

The paperwork was a bit mor complicated this time. I had to have every box on the form checked and provide more documentation then ever before.

You can go to HK. It's a great city and you can get the paperwork done there. It is still very possible to get a 60 day visa. Make sure you have all documentation, bank records, tax records, onward ticket, letter of apology, (the letter of explaination should also have an apology. It worked for me. The nasty lady at the office was a bit nicer once I aplogized) and a contact in TW. There maybe more things you need. Check before you make the application.

I think the idea of landing in TW is too risky. The odds are against you being allowed in the counrty. I would definetly try to get the visa before coming. Also make sure you try to the 60 day visa. IF you get the 30 day visa you will have to leave the country at some point anyway.

Good luck.

[Ki]

I certainly agree on having a Taiwanese contact. Make sure that you get their phone number and ID number.

[clark.w.griswald]

If you have had a previous overstay in Taiwan then I think you can safely expect that you will not be granted visa free entry (a landing visa) to Taiwan for a period of time.

If you want to come back again for any reason then you are going to have to apply for a visa through an overseas visa office. Anecdotally you should have no problems securing a visa, but sometimes you may be asked to jump through more hurdles than ususal, and your visa may come with some special conditions.

Unfortunately no one can tell you for sure what will happen. You just need to apply and hope for the best.