Employment---English Teacher(English Language Teaching)
To teach at a short-term cram school (buxiban) in Taiwan, you’ll need to prepare your diploma, passport or Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), a recent police criminal record certificate (background check), a health certificate, and any relevant language teaching certifications you have.
1. Job Application & Interview Stage
When searching for jobs and attending interviews, it is recommended to compile the following documents into digital formats beforehand:
1.) English or Chinese Resume / CV: Detail your educational background and teaching/work experience.
2.) Introductory Video: Many cram schools prefer that you have a 1–2 minute short video introducing your teaching philosophy and communication style.
3.) Passport Copy: Used to verify your identity and age (must be at least 20 years old). Note that the language you teach must be an official language of the country listed on your passport.
4.) Highest Education Diploma: Must be a degree from a college or university. If you do not hold a bachelor's degree, you must provide an additional language teacher training certificate instead.
5.) Language Teaching Certificates (Optional but highly advantageous): Such as TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA.
__________________________2. Hiring & Work Permit Application Stage (Submitted to the Cram School)
Once a cram school decides to hire you, they will submit an online application through the Ministry of Labor's portal. At this point, you will need to provide the following official documents to your employer:
Alien Resident Certificate (ARC)
In Taiwan, applying for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) is currently handled through a fully online application system. After obtaining a Work Permit from the Ministry of Labor and a Resident Visa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a foreign language teacher must complete the ARC application online within 30 days of entering Taiwan (or within 30 days from the day after a Resident Visa is issued within Taiwan). Failure to do so will result in a fine ranging from NT$2,000 to NT$10,000.
1. Application Platform
The applicant (or the cram school acting on their behalf) must apply through the official online portal of the National Immigration Agency (NIA):
Online System:
https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475/5478/141465/141469/
2. Required Application Documents
When filling out the online system, you must upload clear scanned copies or photos (in JPG, PNG, or PDF format) of the following documents:
1.) Application Form: Completed directly within the online portal.
2.) Digital Color Photo: A recent 2-inch passport photo with a white background, front-facing, head uncovered, and with facial features clearly visible.
3.) Passport Copy: Including the personal details page and the page with the latest Taiwan entry/exit stamp.
4.) Resident Visa Copy: The Resident Visa page affixed inside your passport.
5.) Proof of Reason for Residence (The Core Document):
1.) Cram school teachers must attach a copy of the "Foreigner Employer Permit Letter" (Work Permit) issued by the Ministry of Labor.
2.)A certificate of employment issued by the cram school (or a copy of the employment contract).
6.) Proof of Residence in Taiwan:
1.)If renting an apartment, provide a copy of the Taiwan Lease Agreement (which must clearly state the applicant's name and the rental address).
2.)If staying with a relative or friend, provide a copy of their property title deed or tax bill, along with a signed Accommodation Certificate from the host.
_________________________3. Step-by-Step Application Procedure - these will be handled by your school in almost every case
_________________________
4. Important Reminders for Newcomers
1.) Address Changes Must Be Registered Within 15 Days: Once you receive your ARC, if you move or change your rental address in Taiwan, you must update it in the online system within 15 days of the move. Failing to do so may result in fines.
2.) Cannot Apply for an ARC Directly with a "Visitor Visa": Many foreign teachers enter Taiwan on a Visitor Visa for tourism or job-seeking. After the cram school helps obtain a Work Permit, the teacher must first go to the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) to convert their Visitor Visa into a Resident Visa before they can apply for an ARC through the Immigration Agency.
_________________________Reference notes and links:
EZ Work Taiwan :
1. https://ezworktaiwan.wda.gov.tw/cp.aspx?n=CA9809B5A6623B21&s=90774906111B0527
2. https://ezworktaiwan.wda.gov.tw/cp.aspx?n=CA9809B5A6623B21
ARC:
https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475/
National Immigration Agency, R.O.C. (Taiwan):
1. https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475/5478/141465/141808/141970/
2. https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475/