National Chung Cheng University’s Office of International Affairs hosted the “Career Pathways and Employment Resources in Taiwan” seminar on October 29, 2025, featuring a special presentation by the national-level service platform—International Talent Taiwan Office (Talent Taiwan). Representatives visited CCU to introduce the latest stay-in-Taiwan policies, work permit application procedures, the Employment Gold Card system, and diverse opportunities for foreign and overseas compatriot students wishing to develop their careers in Taiwan. The event drew active participation from students across various colleges, creating a highly interactive atmosphere.

The seminar began with an overview of Talent Taiwan’s services. The speaker explained that the center supports a wide range of groups, including foreign professionals, entrepreneurs, dependent family members, and international students seeking employment in Taiwan. Currently, Taiwan hosts around 70,000 foreign professionals, and the government aims to increase this number by at least 120,000 by 2028. Through continuous policy revisions and cross-ministerial cooperation, Taiwan is working to establish a more welcoming and efficient environment for international talent.

The speaker then introduced the most essential information for students—pathways for international graduates to stay and work in Taiwan. This includes the Job-Seeking ARC extension, work permit application channels, the Points System, the general professional work permit, and the Entrepreneur Visa. Students were reminded that the Job-Seeking ARC must be applied for in person at the National Immigration Agency, is valid for 12 months, and may be extended for another 12 months if necessary. However, the speaker emphasized that students are not permitted to work during their job-seeking period—clarifying a common misconception.

For students aiming to pursue high-salary or specialized careers, the seminar highlighted the Employment Gold Card. This unique permit combines a work permit, residence visa, and re-entry permit, allowing holders to freely change employers, enjoy national health insurance, receive tax benefits, and even accelerate their pathway to permanent residency. The speaker also outlined the ten professional sectors and commonly used eligibility criteria, such as the NT$160,000 monthly salary requirement, degrees from top global universities, or significant professional achievements. Several well-known global Gold Card holders were mentioned, including Steve Chen, co-founder of YouTube.

Talent Taiwan further demonstrated its one-stop online information platform (talent.nat.gov.tw), which assists users in identifying suitable visa options, searching for job opportunities, exploring industry talent needs, and checking international recruitment events. The website also offers multilingual online customer service, providing guidance on visas, residency, work permits, family applications, and more—making it an indispensable resource for foreigners living in Taiwan.

In closing, the speaker encouraged students to make good use of available career consultation services and résumé-enhancement support provided by Talent Taiwan and its partner organizations. International students were also advised to familiarize themselves with Taiwanese workplace culture, strengthen cross-cultural communication skills, and improve language proficiency to enhance their competitiveness. During the Q&A session, students raised questions about the Job-Seeking ARC process, Gold Card qualifications, salary thresholds, and work permit applications, all of which were addressed in detail.

This seminar successfully integrated policy updates, practical procedures, and career guidance, helping international students gain a clearer understanding of their future prospects in Taiwan. The Office of International Affairs will continue working with government agencies and industry partners to provide comprehensive support for international students, fostering a more welcoming environment for those who wish to remain in Taiwan after graduation.