National Immigration Agency (Taoyuan Service Center)

ARC renewal. Smooth and fast processing. In my part, before I go there I already check the requirements, like what needs to be photocopied, size of the photo etc. In some case you forgot to do these, inside they have a photocopy machine, and just outside is a self service photo booth.

I went to the Taoyuan Service Center accompanied by my wife to renew my ARC today. The ARC renewal was quick and the officer was helpful. It went downhill from there. I wanted some extra information about the APRC application process, as I will be applying next year. The immigration officer said that we should go downstairs and talk to a Mrs. Vivian Chen about the APRC process. We proceeded downstairs, there was nobody present in the booths that had been set up for the current pandemic, so we went into the office to ask for this officer. All the staff members seemed to be acting busy doing nothing when my wife asked to see this officer. It shocked me to see how disinterested they looked when she asked for some assistance. Eventually, Mrs. Chen came over and spoke in Chinese with my Taiwanese wife about the APRC application. Now, I can't understand Chinese that well, but I could clearly tell by her tone that she was being rude. After my wife had finished the conversation, she confirmed to me that she had in fact spoken rudely to her and with a complete lack of patience. My wife seemed to imply that she may have been angry because we should have done our research first before coming and asking basic questions, this is unacceptable. This is the National Immigration Agency, it's their job to answer our questions in a polite and accurate manner, no matter how big or small, or if they seem trivial or not. The way she addressed my wife was as if we should have known all the answers already and were basically wasting her time. As most foreigners in Taiwan already know, the information available when completing application forms can be worded poorly or misleading, so understanding everything that is required can be an issue at times. This is an APRC application, a permanent residency card, it’s pretty important to most foreigners. I shouldn’t be made to feel that I can’t ask for advice or help regarding something that is extremely important. In contrast, the civil servants working for the Taipei Representative Office in London were extremely helpful and very professional, this office, not so much.

Went there couple of times for the renewal of my resident card. Staffs are pretty busy but they are really nice, specially the ladies. They always assisted me to find the correct application form and fill it up. You can photocopy your documents there for 2 ntd/page. Photo booth is just outside the building. Limited seating areas in the middle. The place is usually crowded. So prepare for a long wait.

The agents are polite and can speak English. There is an agent who can speak spanish.! However, it is usually too crowded during lunch time and afternoon. It is recommended to arrive before 9 as you will find the whole place completely empty. There is a copy machine on site as well as a photo booth which costs 150nt dollars. The first time it might be overwhelming but there are volunteers who can speak English and are very polite.

If you are just for collecting ARC through online system then it is quite easy and convenient but place is some whar hidden with other buildings. You need to use Google map if you are first time visitor. Man at the security gate is quite friendly and best part is that he can speak English as well. Staff are well supportive and trained but the space is small especially waiting area is too crowded.

I'd say the service and attitude when visiting the physical location is alright but the phone representative is kind of rude and brash in her tone of voice when I was trying to explain my situation. Overall I'd give 3.8 stars if possible and would recommend they (phone rep) take some communications classes.

Ahh where do I start?! Hostile attitude over all! Noisy and dirty environment. It felt like a rundown temporary office set up in a hurry in a third world country. Crowded set up with things falling down everywhere. Staff was unprofessional and clearly looking at their phone for private things and chatting all the time. Can’t believe this is a public service station. What an embarrassment! If I could rate this place zero star, I would! Terrible terrible terrible place!

The environment at this immigration service office is messy and the staff there are horrible at their job. This is the first time I have seen governmental service staff this rude and provide such poor service. The only reason immigrants would go to you is because they need help and support from the government. It is essential to show people respect and politeness no matter if they are immigrants or local.