Job-Seeking Residence Permit Process
📘 Job-Seeking Residence Permit Process
This guide brings together the full post-graduation process in Taiwan—from applying for a job-seeking residence permit, finding a job, and obtaining a work permit, to converting your status to a formal work ARC.
Important Deadline
You must apply within 10 days after receiving your graduation certificate.
Application Method
The application must be submitted in person. Processing takes about 5–10 working days.
After You Get a Job
Your employer must apply for your work permit before you can change to a work ARC.
Key 2026 Update
From 2026, some graduates may work during the extension period without a separate work permit.
✨ 4 Main Steps
⏳ Apply Within 10 Days After Graduation
You must apply for a job-seeking residence permit at the National Immigration Agency within 10 days after receiving your graduation certificate.
- Prepare all required documents as soon as possible
- Avoid delays that may affect your visa or residency status
📌 Basic Information
Application Method: In person by the applicant
Processing Time: 5–10 working days
🚶♂️ Step 1: Apply for the Job-Seeking Residence Permit
Go to the National Immigration Agency Service Center to extend your ARC.
Note: The application must be made in person.
🔍 Step 2: Search for a Job
You may look for a job during the job-seeking residence period, which is valid for up to 12 months.
If needed, you may apply for one extension for up to another 12 months.
💼 Step 3: Employer Applies for a Work Permit
After you receive a job offer, your employer must submit the work permit application. The required documents are generally similar to those used for your ARC application.
Processing Time: about 7–12 working days
🔄 Step 4: Change to a Work ARC
After your work permit is approved, bring the approval documents to the Immigration Agency, or apply online, to convert your status to a formal work ARC.
Processing Time: about 10 working days
🗂️ Required Documents & Basic Information
How to Apply for a Job-Seeking Residence Permit
You must apply for the job-seeking residence permit within 10 days after receiving your graduation certificate.
Please prepare all required documents as soon as possible to avoid delays that may affect your visa or residency status.
Basic Information
- Application Method: In person by the applicant
- Processing Time: 5–10 working days
Required Documents
📊 Job-Seeking / Extension Residence Permit Overview
What Is It?
The original reason for residence may be graduation or employment—for example: graduation, termination of employment, or when the ARC is about to expire before a new work permit approval letter is issued.
There are two main types of job-seeking residence permits:
- Post-graduation residence extension
- Job-seeking residence during a job transition period
Extension Period
- Overseas Chinese and international students: 1 year + 1 year, up to a maximum of 2 years. Starting from 2026, graduates may apply for a 1-year extension, up to a total of 2 years, without needing a separate work permit.
- Hong Kong and Macao students: 6 months + 6 months, up to a maximum of 1 year. Starting from 2026, graduates may apply for a 6-month extension, up to a total of 1 year, without needing a separate work permit.
- During a job transition period: 6 months + 6 months, up to a maximum of 1 year.
Post-Graduation Residence Extension vs. Job-Seeking Residence During a Job Transition
| Item | Post-Graduation Residence Extension | Job-Seeking Residence During a Job Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Original status | Student | Employed foreign national |
| Original reason on ARC | Study | Employment |
| Is it a work-based residence permit? | No | Yes (continuous employment-based residence) |
| Can you work? | Yes (relaxed from 2026) Red text will be added to the ARC: “No separate work permit required.” |
No |
| Does the period count toward APRC residency requirements? | No | Yes (continuous employment-based residence) |
| National Health Insurance | You must enroll on your own | You must enroll on your own |
📌 APRC Calculation & Important Notes
How APRC Years Are Calculated
- A doctoral degree obtained in Taiwan may offset 3 years
- A master’s degree may offset 2 years
- A bachelor’s degree or associate degree may offset 1 year
Days spent on an extended ARC without a work permit do not count toward the APRC residency requirement.
Important Reminder
You may work part-time during the job-seeking residence period under certain conditions.
💼 Requirements for Changing from a Job-Seeking ARC to a Work ARC
Work Residence Permit
A work residence permit (ARC) is the legal document that allows foreign nationals to work and reside in Taiwan. In most cases, the employer must first obtain a work permit approval. Some individuals may also qualify under specific categories, such as foreign spouses, foreign students, or designated foreign professionals.
Application Requirements
| Item | Overseas Chinese / International Students | Hong Kong / Macao Students |
|---|---|---|
| Required documents | 1. Application form 2. Ministry of Labor employment approval letter with a contract period of at least 6 months 3. Original passport + copy 4. Original ARC 5. Employment certificate 6. One 2-inch photo |
1. Application form 2. Ministry of Labor employment approval letter with a contract period of at least 6 months 3. Original passport + copy 4. Original ARC 5. Employment certificate 6. One 2-inch photo 7. Taiwan Area Resident Certificate or Taiwan Area Entry and Exit Permit 8. Letter of Guarantee |
| Is a Letter of Guarantee required? | No | Yes (The guarantor must be a citizen with household registration in Taiwan and a legitimate occupation.) |
| Notes on the Letter of Guarantee | None | 1. When a student changes to a work residence permit, a guarantor must first be found to complete the Letter of Guarantee and appear in person for verification. 2. If a work resident changes employers and must reapply (by submitting a new residence application form), a new guarantor and a new Letter of Guarantee are required. The guarantor verification date and employment certificate must be within 3 months before the residence application date. |
| Application method | Apply in person at the National Immigration Agency | Apply in person at the National Immigration Agency |
| Fee | NTD 1,000 for a 1-year validity period, up to 3 years maximum | NTD 1,000 for a 1-year validity period, up to 3 years maximum |
| Processing time | 10 working days (excluding time for returned applications, supplementary documents, or interviews) | 10 working days (excluding time for returned applications, supplementary documents, or interviews) |
