Office of International Relations, Tunghai University

Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)

The Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) serves as an ID card which proves legal resident status in Taiwan. International students should take good care of it and pay attention to its expiration date as it is a very important document.

• Application Process

1. Students who first time in Taiwan : OIR will apply ARC for you after arriving Taiwan. It will cost TWD 1000 and validity period is one year.
2. Students from Academy of Preparatory Programs for Overseas Chinese Students and Students who continue study master/doctorate in Taiwan : Please head to OIR for residence address updates
3. CLC students : You will have to apply Resident Visa in Taiwan and it takes time to prepare all the documents. So please contact with OIR as early as you can.

• ARC extension

Please apply for ARC extension within 3 months before your ARC expires if you will continue your study at THU. Here are two ways to extend it:

• By OIR

Please bring passport, ARC, 2-inch photo and TWD1,000 to OIR office. It will take 7-10 working days to approve by NIA. OIR will inform you when we receive your new ARC from the NIA.

• By yourself

Follow the steps for extending your ARC in the student online application system. Once your application has been approved, you will receive an email from NIA.
Manual: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr2PTgyM_Ms

• Regulations
  1. Foreigners' residency will be ceased by the authorized agency and they may be expelled from Taiwan if they overstay in Taiwan without applying for ARC extension.
  2. Overstay within 30 days (the 30th day excluded) but still enrolled at NTU: pay the fine and the application fee for the ARC extension. Overstay more than 30 days (the 30th day included) but still enrolled at NTU: pay the fine and leave the country in 7 days to apply for a new visa and re-enter Taiwan.
  3. 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

• Important Notice for ARC

1. If you apply for leave of absence or withdrawal from school, your ARC (purpose of residence is Study at THU) will be cancelled after you complete the THU leaving procedures. If you would like to enroll in THU again after your leave of absence period is over, you need to apply for a new visa to enter Taiwan and obtain a new ARC.
2. If you plan to leave Taiwan during your studies, please make sure your ARC will still be valid at the time you return to Taiwan before your departure. Please apply for ARC extension online if necessary.