FS — Foreign Student Resident Visa - Degree Programs (外國學生居留簽證-學位生)

Taiwan's Student Resident Visa is the primary pathway for international students seeking to pursue long-term academic goals in the Republic of China (Taiwan). Established to support the nation's "Study in Taiwan" initiative, the visa facilitates the entry of global talent into Taiwan's higher education system, which is renowned for its strengths in technology, engineering, and Mandarin Chinese language studies. This visa is specifically designed for individuals who have been formally admitted to a full-time degree program at an accredited university or a long-term Mandarin program at a government-approved language center. It is the preferred choice for students planning to stay in Taiwan for more than six months, as it serves as the prerequisite for obtaining local residency status.

A defining characteristic of this visa is its role as a bridge to the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). Unlike short-term visitor visas, the Resident Visa allows students to establish legal residency, granting them access to the National Health Insurance system and the ability to apply for work permits for part-time employment. It provides a stable legal framework for the duration of the student's academic program.