Visa

Foreign students enrolling in degree programs at NCCU should apply for resident visas (purpose of entry: academic study) through their local Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) or ROC Embassy.

Foreign students entering Taiwan on a visitor visa (for study purposes only) may apply for an ARC directly by submitting a Health Certificate for Residence Application (Form B), a verified diploma, and an NCCU enrollment certificate before the visitor visa expires.

For detailed visa application information, please clik this link.

For those already in Taiwan

• Foreign students who entered Taiwan via Visa-Exempt Entry or Landing Visa must leave Taiwan and apply for a resident visa at TECO abroad.
• Foreign students who hold an ARC for studying Mandarin at a language center may apply directly to the Immigration Agency to change their purpose for residence by presenting an admission letter, an enrollment certificate, and other required documents.
• Foreign students who have recently graduated from another degree program in Taiwan may apply directly to the Immigration Agency to change their purpose for residence by presenting an admission letter, an enrollment certificate, and other required documents.

Alien Resident Certificate(ARC)

Foreign students entering Taiwan on a resident visa are required to apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) online within 30 days after entry to Taiwan (day one being the day after arrival). Failure to apply on time may incur a fine of NTD2,000-10,000.

Foreign students entering Taiwan with a visitor visa (for study purposes only) may apply for an ARC directly by presenting a Health Certificate for Residence Application (Form B), a verified diploma, and NCCU enrollment certificate. The Immigration Agency advises students to apply for an ARC online at least 2–3 weeks before the visa expiration date.

The ARC fee is NT$1,000 per year. If you came to Taiwan on a visitor visa (for study purposes only), you’ll need to pay an extra NT$2,200, so the first year costs NT$3,200 in total. If you apply for two years at once, the total is NT$4,200.

Online Application

Use the bilingual (Chinese and English) National Immigration Agency (NIA) “Student Online Application System” to apply for and/or extend your Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). The system can also be used to amend personal information regarding passport data and residence information. ARC applications submitted online are typically processed in 5 working days, as opposed to 10 working days for applications submitted in person.

Online Application System: Click the link.

The ARC fee is NT$1,000 per year. If you came to Taiwan on a visitor visa (for study purposes only), you’ll need to pay an extra NT$2,200, so the first year costs NT$3,200 in total. If you apply for two years at once, the total is NT$4,200.

To facilitate the online application process, the Office of International Cooperation (OIC) has compiled a step-by-step guide, including detailed instructions on how to apply for your ARC or extend your ARC, along with other useful tips. 

For further information on ARC application processes and requirements, contact the Taipei City Service Center of the National Immigration Office.

Application Notice:

1. ARC application processing time: around 10 working days (keep your application fee receipt for pickup).
2. Any changes of residence must be registered at the National Immigration Agency service center within 30 days.
3. If you plan to extend your enrollment at NCCU past your current ARC expiration date, you must apply for an extension within 3 months (effective from Jan. 1, 2024) before your ARC expires.
4. If you plan to leave Taiwan during your enrollment period, before departing ensure that your ARC will still be valid when you return to Taiwan. If necessary, renew your ARC before you leave.
5. If you apply for suspension, withdrawal, or graduation, your ARC validity will end within 14 days of the date your school-leaving procedures are completed. Therefore, you need to leave before the prescribed time. If you have suspended enrollment but wish to return NCCU, you will need to apply for a new visa to enter Taiwan.
6. Overstay

• If you overstay your ARC by less than 30 days and are still currently enrolled, you will be liable for a fine and be required to pay an ARC extension fee.
• If you overstay your ARC by 30 days or more and are still currently enrolled, you will be liable to pay a fine, and be required to leave Taiwan within 7 days to apply for a new visa for re-entry.
• Overstay fine: 
  1-10 days: NTD$10,000
  11-30 days: NTD$20,000
  31-60 days: NTD$30,000
  61-90 days: NTD$40,000
  over 91 days: NTD$50,000