The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa (YMS) Visa for Taiwan applying from England

Anping wetlands green tunnel boat ride in the national reserrve. Get to the front for the best pictures.

 

Anping beach enjoying the sunset.

  

I remember when I applied for this visa there was pittance of information on the web. There's loads of stuff for Taiwanese nationals applying to go to England but it seems it is not very popular the other way around. It is relatively a new visa so I guess thats why.

The YMS visa is for young people aged between 18- 30 who live in England and want to work and travel in Taiwan for one year. It's essentially a working holiday visa. Unlike other working holiday visas that require you can only work with one company for three months this one doesn't impose such rules. You can stay with one company the duration of you stay. Of course the purpose is that you travel and work so don't rock up to the embassy saying you want to work the whole year. 

The whole process is pretty long winded but I think worth it for the flexibility that you get once you arrive in Taiwan. You can come and go as you choose, you can take a break from work, you can take any job.

You need to make an online application here 

http://www.roc-taiwan.org/uk/ct.asp?xItem=232492&CtNode=11274&mp=132&xp1=


You also have to do a long winded health check. This is mandatory for all teachers staying in Taiwan so this is to compensate for it not being done in the country. My friend got it done here in Taiwan and it was alot more straight forward than getting it done in England cos they are well prepared for it here. It involves chest x rays, mmr vaccinations, and some other things. The medical check form has to be stamped by a health professional. On the actual medical check form it says you need 3 signatures from some health professionals that don't actually exist in the UK health care - but are just a direct translation of Taiwanese health care professionals. The guy at the embassy completely understood and was happy with the stamp of the nurse from the travel clinic. 

You also need cash! you need to bring i think it was 1600pounds of travellers cheques to the embassy or bank statements to that amount. No paupers allowed in Taiwan. 

Well i hope that provides some info to people looking to apply. Once you arrive in Taiwan you go to the office of immigration and get an alien residence certificate. We were the first they had ever seen with this visa. But i have met one other who did it. you can go work in seven eleven if you fancy.

You might want to check with the UK embassy for more info there is i think 200 of these visas granted a year. At the moment not a concern but who knows maybe people will catch on to our secret of good weather and good wages.