To retain foreign talents, the Taipei Service Station of the National Immigration Agency (NIA) recently participated in the "Job Hunting Strategy Seminar for Foreign Students in Taiwan" held at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) at the invitation of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). During the seminar, the agency explained the new regulations under the Immigration Act and related residency rules to help foreign students understand their rights in Taiwan and encourage them to stay after graduation.
The seminar was conducted entirely in English by immigration officer Gao Linqiao, who explained the latest residency regulations for staying in Taiwan. Currently, foreign students can apply for residency entirely online through the NIA’s online system. Under the amended regulations, after graduation, foreign students can apply for a one-year job-seeking period using their diploma, passport, and residence permit at any service station. This period can be extended for another year, providing greater flexibility for those seeking to stay in Taiwan.
The seminar also featured a sharing session by Tran Nhu Tam, a Vietnamese graduate who has been working in Taiwan for many years. She encouraged foreign students to improve their language skills during their studies, emphasizing that communication skills are crucial for integrating into the workplace. She also highlighted the multicultural environment in Taiwan’s workplace and encouraged students to maintain an open attitude to adapt to the different work styles of colleagues from various countries. Tran Nhu Tam also reminded students to be proactive, ask questions, and demonstrate problem-solving abilities to secure more career development opportunities.
Vietnamese graduate and long-term worker in Taiwan, Tran Nhu Tam (right), shares her job-hunting tips in Taiwan. On the left is Taipei Service Station immigration officer Gao Linqiao. (Photo source: National Immigration Agency website)
Nadia, a student from Guatemala currently studying at NTNU, expressed her love for Taiwan and her hope to find a suitable job after graduation to continue staying in Taiwan. The new regulation extending the job-seeking period to “1 year plus 1 year” has greatly boosted her confidence in developing her career in Taiwan, and she found the seminar content very helpful.
Su Huiwen, director of the Taipei Service Station, mentioned that foreign students can apply for a one-year job-seeking period after graduation and can extend it once, making the maximum period up to two years. The amendment aims to attract and retain foreign talents. Su Huiwen also reminded that since March 1, 2024, the fine for overstaying has increased from NT$10,000 to NT$50,000, and the entry ban has been extended to seven years. Students should pay attention to the validity of their residence permits to avoid overstaying and affecting their plans.
