Attention Overseas Compatriot Students & International Students in Taiwan—important good news is here!

Starting January 1, 2026 , a brand-new measure that most directly affects graduating Overseas Compatriot Students & International Students will officially take effect: “Graduates may engage in work without a work permit for up to two years during the Extension of Stay After Graduation.”

After graduation, you will no longer need to face immediate pressure related to status conversion. The Taiwan government will provide a legal and flexible Transition Period , allowing you to search for employment with peace of mind, accumulate practical work experience, and develop professional skills step by step, while preparing for long-term career development in Taiwan.

There is no need to be overly concerned about difficulties in staying and working in Taiwan. The Talent Taiwan (Taiwan International Talent Service and Recruitment Center) , established by the National Development Council (NDC) , will accompany you throughout your journey—from post-graduation job searching and Extension of Stay After Graduation applications to formal employment and career development—by providing the information and support you need for both living and working in Taiwan.

This article explains everything in the most practical and easy-to-understand way, helping you clearly understand:

• What kind of work you can do during the post-graduation open-employment period
   
• How to work and accumulate experience during these two years
   
• How to smoothly remain in Taiwan and continue your career development after the two years

[1] Number of Overseas Compatriot Students & International Students in higher education institutions in 2024 (excluding Hong Kong, Macao, and Mainland China): approximately 60,000 degree-seeking students and 30,000 non-degree students.

If you are planning to begin the next chapter of your journey in Taiwan, this article is a must-read!

Table of Contents:

1. What Is the “Two-Year Extension of Stay After Graduation” for Overseas Compatriot Students & International Students?

2. A Key Regulatory Relaxation from 2026: Engage in Work Without a Work Permit During the Extension of Stay

3. What Types of Work Are Allowed During the Extension of Stay?

4. An Important Reminder: This Is a Transition Period, Not a Permanent Arrangement

5. Two Pathways to Stay and Work in Taiwan After the Two-Year Extension

6. Which Situations Are Not Covered by This New Policy?

7. Practical Reminders for Overseas Compatriot Students & International Students

8. How to Take the First Step Toward Staying in Taiwan

9. Conclusion

1. What Is the “Two-Year Extension of Stay After Graduation”?

After graduating from a college or university in Taiwan, Overseas Compatriot Students & International Students who have not yet secured employment may apply, in accordance with regulations, for an Extension of Stay After Graduation of up to two years . This period serves as an important Transition Period for remaining in Taiwan to seek employment and bridge into a professional career.

In the past, during the Extension of Stay After Graduation, Overseas Compatriot Students & International Students were generally not permitted to engage in any form of work , whether full-time or part-time. Even if an employer expressed willingness to hire them, graduates were required to first obtain a Work Permit and change their residence purpose to employment status before they could legally begin working.

2. From January 1, 2026: Engage in Work Without a Work Permit During the Extension of Stay After Graduation

Starting January 1, 2026, during the two-year Extension of Stay After Graduation, Overseas Compatriot Students & International Students may engage in work without a work permit, including both part-time and full-time positions.

This measure means that:

• During the Extension of Stay After Graduation
    Employers are not required to apply for a Work Permit through the Ministry of Labor (MOL) , and graduates are not required to convert their residence status to employment-based residence.
• Employers may hire directly
   Without the need to complete administrative procedures related to hiring Foreign Professionals.
• All forms of employment are permitted
   Work is no longer limited to Specialized or Technical Works ; both part-time and full-time employment are allowed.
• No employment thresholds apply
   There are no restrictions based on job category, graduate qualifications, or Criteria for Employers .
• As long as an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) for the Extension of Stay is held
   Graduates may immediately engage in lawful employment.

3. What Types of Work Are Allowed During the Extension of Stay

During the two-year Extension of Stay After Graduation, Overseas Compatriot Students & International Students may engage in work that is:

• Not limited by industry
   
• Not limited by job nature (all positions are permitted; both part-time and full-time apply)
   
• Not required to meet the definition of Specialized or Technical Works
   
• Not subject to the Salary Threshold (Average Monthly Wage) (e.g., NT$47,971)

As long as employment complies with Taiwan’s labor regulations (such as minimum wage requirements and the Labor Standards Act), graduates may be legally employed.

Therefore, if you are currently within your Extension of Stay After Graduation, make full use of this period to flexibly plan and begin your career in Taiwan.

4. An Important Reminder: This Is a Transition Period, Not Permanent

The policy allowing graduates to engage in work without a work permit during the two-year Extension of Stay After Graduation does not mean that employment under this arrangement is permanent.

What happens after the two years?

Once the Extension of Stay expires, Overseas Compatriot Students & International Students who wish to continue working in Taiwan must return to the formal employment system for Foreign Professionals, by applying through one of the following pathways:

1. Application under the New Scoring System for Overseas Compatriot Students & International Students
2. Application under the regulations for Foreign Professionals engaging in Specialized or Technical Works

5. Two Pathways to Stay and Work in Taiwan After the Two-Year Extension

1. Application under the New Scoring System

This pathway applies to Overseas Compatriot Students & International Students who have obtained an associate degree or higher in Taiwan. Applicants accumulate points based on factors such as education, salary, language proficiency, and work experience. Those who meet the required 70 points under the Scoring Criteria may apply to engage in Specialized or Technical Works (A01–A15) .

 What types of Specialized or Technical Works are available?

 Check whether your score meets the 70-point requirement

The New Scoring System has become the primary pathway for most Overseas Compatriot Students & International Students to stay and work in Taiwan. Once the job category is eligible and the score reaches 70 points, the graduate qualifies to apply. If the employer also meets the relevant Criteria for Employers, the graduate may remain and work in Taiwan upon approval.

1. Application for Specialized or Technical Works (Without Using the New Scoring System)
   
   If the New Scoring System is not used, applicants must meet requirements related to educational background, work experience, or professional qualifications, and must also satisfy the applicable Salary Threshold (Average Monthly Wage) in order to apply for a Work Permit.

 What qualifications are required for Foreign Professionals engaging in Specialized or Technical Works?

 What job categories are available for Specialized or Technical Works?

If the Overseas Compatriot Student & International Student meets the above qualifications and the employer complies with the relevant employment regulations, employment in Taiwan may be approved.

6. Which Situations Are Not Covered by This New Policy?

It is important to note that the policy allowing graduates to engage in work without a work permit during the Extension of Stay applies only to Overseas Compatriot Students & International Students holding the status of Extension of Stay After Graduation .

If, after graduation, a graduate has already obtained a Work Permit through an employer and converted to employment-based residence status (work ARC), they are considered to have entered the formal employment system. Once they resign from that full-time position, their residence status is no longer classified as Extension of Stay After Graduation, and they may not revert to or reapply the open-employment policy.

In other words, this regulatory relaxation does not function as a post-resignation buffer mechanism. Instead, it provides graduates who have not yet entered formal employment with a lawful Transition Period to accumulate experience and connect to their career path.

7. Practical Reminders for Overseas Compatriot Students & International Students

✔ The two-year Extension of Stay is a critical preparation period for accumulating work experience in Taiwan and meeting formal employment requirements.

✔ During this time, it is recommended to:

• Gain practical work experience related to your future career
• Continue improving your Chinese language skills or professional expertise
• Discuss long-term employment and stay plans with potential employers early on

✔ At the same time, you may prepare applications for formal employment pathways, such as the New Scoring System or other Specialized or Technical Works mechanisms.

8. How to Take the First Step Toward Staying in Taiwan

The two-year Extension of Stay After Graduation is a key period for planning employment in Taiwan. Gaining an early understanding of relevant policies and application procedures will help ensure a smooth transition into formal employment and long-term career development.

It is recommended to consult the Talent Taiwan (Taiwan International Talent Service and Recruitment Center , to quickly access the latest policies, eligibility criteria, and application guidance.

If you have questions regarding work arrangements during the Extension of Stay, the New Scoring System, or Work Permit and visa application procedures, Talent Taiwan offers one-on-one consultation services.

These services provide personalized guidance based on individual backgrounds and circumstances, helping clarify the most suitable pathway for staying in Taiwan and supporting a smooth career transition.

Services provided by Talent Taiwan include:

✔ Quickly grasp Taiwan residency policies and extension application process – Understand regulations and steps in one go

✔ Assessment system and work visa application guidance – Help you understand policies and procedures, and smoothly connect with career opportunities

✔ One-on-one personalized consultation – Provide professional advice based on your individual situation

✔ Integrate resources to connect with career opportunities – Connect with companies and job opportunities

9. Conclusion

Talent Taiwan supports every Overseas Compatriot Student & International Student who is committed to building a future in Taiwan.

Starting January 1, 2026, the policy allowing graduates to engage in work without a work permit during the Extension of Stay After Graduation will officially take effect. Employment during the first two years after graduation will become more flexible, allowing you to confidently enter the workplace, accumulate experience, and expand professional networks—while giving employers opportunities to develop and retain international talent like you.

Have questions about working in Taiwan, visa procedures, or future planning?

The Talent Taiwan (Taiwan International Talent Service and Recruitment Center) provides comprehensive information on job opportunities, stay-in-Taiwan pathways, eligibility requirements, and application procedures, along with dedicated consultation services to help you plan the most suitable long-term career pathway in Taiwan.

Source:Talent Taiwan