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ARC Extension for Overseas Students

ARC Extension

  • From August 1, 2021, the Immigration Office will fully switch to the “Online Application System for Foreign and Overseas Chinese Students” for online applications. In-person applications will no longer be accepted.
  • From January 1, 2024, the minimum fine for overstaying or residing beyond the permitted period for foreigners is NT$10,000, with a maximum of NT$50,000.

Validity Period of ARC

  • The first application for Hong Kong and Macau students is valid for three years, with the second extension valid for one year.
  • Overseas Chinese and International students can choose a validity period of one to three years for each application (fees are non-refundable in case of withdrawal or suspension during the study period).

When to Apply for an Extension?

  • Overseas Chinese and International students must apply online【90 days before the expiration date of their ARC. (For example: if ARC expires on July 30, the earliest online application date is April 30)
  • Hong Kong and Macau students must apply online【 30 days before the expiration date】

Document Preparation

  1. Passport personal information page
  2. Old residence permit (front and back)
  3. Valid proof of enrollment
  4. 2-inch color photo
  5. Residential address (contract, proof of accommodation, etc.)
  6. Application fees: International students pay NT$1,000 for a one-year permit, NT$2,000 for a two-year ARC, and NT$3,000 for a three-year ARC; Overseas Chinese students pay half the fee; Hong Kong and Macau students pay NT$300.

How to get the card?

  • Wait for the Immigration Office to issue the card, which takes about 7-10 business days.
  • The Immigration Office will notify you when the card is ready for pickup. Please go to the Taichung City First Service Station to collect it

Address: 1F., No22, Wenxin S. 3rd Rd., Nantun Dist., Taichung City, Taiwan (R.O.C)

Tel: 04-2472-5103.

Other Important Notices

  • Starting from 2024.1.1, the fines will increase as follows: Overstaying by less than 10 days: NT$10,000; Overstaying by 11-30 days: NT$20,000; Overstaying by 31-60 days: NT$30,000; Overstaying by 61-90 days: NT$40,000; Overstaying by more than 91 days: NT$50,000
  • Holders of residence visas must apply online for an ARC within 30 days from the day following their entry. Violators will be fined NT$2,000
  • If the ARC has expired for less than 29 days, please go to the Immigration Office to pay the fine and extend the ARC as soon as possible; from the 30th day onward, in addition to paying the fine, you will need to leave Taiwan and reapply for a visa to enter Taiwan again.
  • Students returning home during vacations: Ensure you obtain your new ARC after applying for an extension online before leaving, or return to Taiwan and extend it online before it expires. Leaving without the new ARC will cause re-entry issues.
  • Reissuance of ARC: Due to damage, loss, or information change, you must submit the damaged ARC, a loss statement, a police report, or proof of information change. The reissuance fee is NT$500.
  • Power of Attorney: If the applicant is not submitting the application in person and is entrusting someone else to do so, a power of attorney must be provided. If the applicant is in a foreign country, Hong Kong, Macau, or mainland China, and is only applying for an extension of residence or change of residence address or service place, they may entrust someone to handle it. The power of attorney must be verified by the Republic of China embassy or the Straits Exchange Foundation.
  • Change of Address: During the residence period, overseas students must apply for a change of address registration within 30 days if there is any change in residence address or service place. The fine for non-renewal is NT2,000.