Can I get a work visa to teach English in Taiwan?
Securing a work visa to teach English in Taiwan, a highly sought-after ESL teaching destination, involves a series of steps. The process of obtaining an official work visa usually goes smoothly if you meet the necessary criteria, which often includes being TESOL qualified. The exact process can vary based on nationality, so it is crucial to contact your nearest Taiwanese Embassy or Consulate for the most current and specific information. After securing a teaching position, your employer will typically assist with the visa paperwork, ensuring compliance with Taiwan's legal requirements for foreign teachers.
Teachers from the USA can check out the Taiwan Consulate website for more information.
Table of Contents
What visa will I need for teaching English in Taiwan?
How do I apply for a visa for teaching English in Taiwan?
What is the FET Program for teaching English in Taiwan?
What visa will I need for teaching English in Taiwan?
To legally teach English in Taiwan, you must obtain a Working Resident Visa. The cost of this visa is approximately $160, and its validity aligns with the duration of your teaching contract, which is typically one year. This visa can be applied for either through the Taiwanese Embassy in your home country before departure, or upon arrival in Taiwan. The application process requires several key documents:
- Original bachelor's degree certificate.
- Criminal background check from your home country.
- A valid passport.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs.
- A copy of your flight itinerary.
Ensuring you have these documents ready can streamline the visa application process for ESL teaching in Taiwan.
How do I apply for a visa for teaching English in Taiwan?
To apply for a visa for teaching English in Taiwan, begin by securing a teaching job, as your employer will then provide essential documentation. Once you have these documents, submit your visa application to a Taiwanese consulate or embassy. The processing time for the visa is generally around two business days. Remember to include a prepaid return envelope with your application, as your visa will be sent back to you. It is important to note that within 15 days of arriving in Taiwan, you must apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), a step in which your employer should provide assistance.
Also read: How much can I earn teaching English in Taiwan?
What is the FET Program for teaching English in Taiwan?
The FET Program (Foreign English Teachers In Taiwan) is a recruitment scheme run by the Ministry of Education. Successful applicants are placed into local public schools where they work to improve the English language skills of their students. Through the program teachers receive a competitive salary and a range of extra benefits including paid airfares in and out of the country. To qualify for the FET program you must be a native English speaker who is a certified teacher in their home country, or has extensive ESL teaching experience. The main requirements for the FET Program are:
- Native English speaker from an English speaking country.
- A state-issued teaching license from your home country (or extensive experience).
- A bachelor's degree or higher (less the half of which was completed via distance learning).
- A criminal background check from your home country.
- An internationally recognized TESOL certificate.
For further information visit the FET Program website
