The Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals was amended in 2025 and will take effect on January 1, 2026 (certain provisions will take effect on June 30, 2026). The key amendments are as follows:
1. International Students May Freely Work in Taiwan After Graduation
International students who obtain an associate degree (junior college) or higher degree in Taiwan may apply for an extension of residence for up to two years after graduation (one year + one additional year).
During the extended residence period, they may legally engage in employment, part-time work, internships, vocational training, entrepreneurship, and other activities without applying for a work permit.
👉 Key Point: Graduates can transition directly into their careers, significantly lowering the barriers to working in Taiwan.
2. Apply for an Extension of Residence Promptly After Graduation
Graduates are advised to apply to the National Immigration Agency for an “Extension of Residence for Job Seeking” within approximately 14 days after graduation.
3. Ineligible Applicants
The following individuals are not eligible under this provision:
- Those who have already obtained an official work permit and changed their status to work-based residence.
- Those who have previously been formally employed and subsequently resigned; they may not revert to job-seeking residence status.
4. Permanent Residence (APRC) Provisions
- Doctoral degree: up to 3 years may be credited.
- Master’s degree: up to 2 years may be credited.
- Bachelor’s degree / Associate degree: up to 1 year may be credited.
⚠️ The period of extended residence is not counted toward the continuous residence requirement for APRC eligibility.
5. Required Documents
- Application form
- Passport (valid for at least six months)
- Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)
- Graduation certificate/diploma
- Two-inch photograph
Application fee: NT$1,000
6. Important Reminder
If the ARC does not indicate “Exempt from Work Permit Requirement,” holders may apply to the National Immigration Agency for a replacement ARC starting from January 1, 2026.
The National Development Council has prepared the following quick-reference guide on the latest extension of residence policy for overseas Chinese and international students:
Information Page on the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals
Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals