We recommend that you make your appointment at least two weeks in advance. AIT is closed to the public on the first Friday of each month and all U.S. and Taiwan holidays.  Please click here if you need an appointment.

Why does AIT require U.S. citizens to make appointments for services?

The previous unscheduled application process for passport, notarial and social security services often required several visits to AIT, and waiting times in excess of one hour.  Due to limited space in our waiting room, on busy days it was usually standing room only.

By contrast, the new scheduling system requires only one trip to AIT for prepared applicants, less time in the waiting room, no more long lines, and you will receive your new passport faster.

I have an appointment but I don’t have my confirmation page.  Can I still come for the appointment?

Not having your confirmation page will not affect your appointment. We will be able to verify your identity with your ID.

How do I cancel or reschedule my appointment?

If you wish to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you can do so here. You will need to enter your Unique Identification (UID) number and your password found on the “Appointment Details” page.

I have an appointment for notarial services.  What do I need to bring to my appointment?

You must bring the complete set of documents you would like to get notarized in addition to a valid passport (if you are the person signing the documents).  If you need witnesses, you must bring your own and they cannot be your blood relatives. Your witnesses must also bring valid passports for identification. Click here for more information on Notarial Services

For general information about our appointment system, please visit our “Scheduling Appointments” page.

Yes. Contact AIT’s Immigrant Visa Unit for more information about adopting in Taiwan.

Please visit the website of inter-country adoption.

U.S. consular fees are set in U.S. Dollars on a worldwide basis.

For information of the non-immigrant visa fees, please visit their website.

For all other fees, AIT Taipei has a cashier on the third floor open on regular working days. The AIT Taipei and Kaohsiung cashiers accept U.S. or Taiwan currency as well as most major credit cards. The exchange rate for fee collection in NT Dollars is set by AIT and changes periodically. Please visit the cashier for the current fee amounts in NT Dollars.

For mail-in passport renewal applications, applicants must send in a bank draft (cashier’s check 美金支票) payable to the American Institute in Taiwan in U.S. dollars.

Where can I find a list of fees for consular services?

Please visit the the U.S. Department of State’s Schedule of Fees for Consular Services website.

Why are notarial services so expensive?

OMB guidelines require that our consular fees recover the complete cost of the service provided.  The U.S. government conducts regular Cost of Service Studies (COSS) to set the fees for each service.

Neither Taiwan nor U.S. law prohibits the acquisition or retention of two nationalities.

U.S. law requires U.S. citizens to use their U.S. passports when entering and exiting the U.S. Taiwan law requires Taiwan citizens to use their Taiwan passports when entering and exiting Taiwan.

Men between 18 and 36 who are considered citizens of Taiwan are subject to compulsory military service in Taiwan. For more information about military service in Taiwan, please visit our “Military Service in Taiwan” page.

All American males, both U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents, must register with the U.S. Selective Service upon reaching the age of eighteen. In order to register, visit the Selective Service website.

No.  U.S. citizen children are entitled to public education if they reside in the United States.  We cannot provide school fees for U.S. citizen children residing abroad.

Can AIT help my U.S. citizen child register at American schools in Taiwan?

No. You must contact the school and apply directly.

My American citizen child was born in Taiwan but is going to the United States to study.  How can they obtain a vaccination certificate?

Contact the Taiwan Health Department or your local public hospital.

Contact your state district court. If you live abroad and your court requires a notarized Affidavit explaining why you cannot fulfill the duty, you may come to AIT by appointment for this service. The standard notary fee will be charged.

No.  AIT has a list of attorneys in Taiwan who can help you through the judicial and legal processes, and to advise you on other local resources you might be able to draw on.

No.  The U.S. does not have a central marriage registration system.  The requirements for legal marriage and divorce differ from state to state.  You should contact your state government for more information about how a foreign marriage or divorce will be treated in your state.

For more information about marriage and divorce in Taiwan, please visit our “Marriage Information” page.

How do I have my U.S. marriage recognized to receive an alien registration card from the Taiwan government?

You can write an affidavit stating the certificate in question is legitimate, and we will take your oath and notarize your signature on the affidavit.  You can use this affidavit in support of your application for an alien registration card in Taiwan.

If I marry a U.S. citizen will I receive a U.S. passport?

Marriage to a U.S. citizen does not automatically entitle you to a U.S. passport. You should contact AIT’s Immigrant Visa Unit for further information.

Yes. Under certain circumstances we can assist with contacting U.S. citizen family or friends in Taiwan. However, after we locate the citizen , they must give AIT written permission to release information about their whereabouts to you. If they do not give us permission, we cannot provide the information. If you have reason to believe that an American citizen is missing or in danger in Taiwan, please write to TaipeiACS@state.gov

My child is travelling with one parent or someone who is not a parent or legal guardian.  What paperwork should the adult have to indicate permission or legal authority to have that child in their care?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) decides who can enter or exit the United States.  Please visit CBP’s website for information on travelling with minors and parental consent.

U.S. citizens living or traveling in Taiwan are strongly encouraged to register with AIT through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so that you can obtain updated information on travel and security within Taiwan.  By registering, U.S. citizens make it easier for AIT to contact you in case of emergency.

U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Taiwan if they plan to stay for 90 days or less.  If they plan to stay in Taiwan for a longer period, they must apply for a visa through a Taipei Economic and Culture Center in the United States.

Can AIT help me extend my visa or duration of stay in Taiwan?

No.  AIT has no authority over Taiwan immigration policies.  You should contact Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency with any visa or residency questions.

How do I have my U.S. marriage recognized to receive an alien registration card from the Taiwan government?

You can write an affidavit stating the certificate in question is legitimate, and we will take your oath and notarize your signature on the affidavit.  You can use this affidavit in support of your application for an alien registration card in Taiwan.

For more information about Taiwan visas and entry requirements, please visit our “Taiwan Visas” page.

For more information about Marriage and Divorce in Taiwan, please visit our “Marriage Information” page.

Information on immigrant visas can be found on our Immigrant Visa page.

Where can I file petition for I-130?

To learn how to file an I-130, click here

If I marry an American citizen will I receive a U.S. passport?

Marriage to a U.S. citizen does not automatically entitle you to a U.S. passport.  You should contact AIT’s Immigrant Visa Unit for further information.

Can U.S. citizens file petitions for an immigrant visa for a spouse or child at AIT?

Yes, under certain circumstances.  Contact AIT’s Immigrant Visa Unit for more information, or visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Can U.S. permanent residents (green card holders) apply for U.S. citizenship at AIT?

No. They need to apply through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in the United States.

Can U.S. citizens adopt children in Taiwan?

Yes. Contact AIT’s Immigrant Visa Unit for more information about adopting in Taiwan.

How can my family member renew or replace his/her Green Card?

The American Citizen Services unit cannot assist green card holders to renew their green cards or to replace them if they are lost.  For assistance in green card matters, please contact our Immigration colleagues at <visaiv-ait@state.gov>.  They will assist you with filing the required I-90 form through the nearest UCSIS office.

For further information about renewing a green card, click here.

For further information about replacing a green card, click here.

No.  Contact the local police where you last resided in the United States. For more information about obtaining criminal clearance certificates from the U.S., please visit our “Criminal Record Checks/Fingerprints” page.

 

Does AIT have information about U.S. taxes?

Information for U.S. tax payers overseas is available at the Internal Revenue Service website or by calling the IRS hotline (1-800-829-1040 for individuals) or (1-800-829-4933 for businesses).  These numbers are not toll-free when calling from outside the U.S.  Forms are available at the Internal Revenue Service website.

Can AIT assist with preparation of U.S. tax returns?

No.  There is no IRS office at AIT, and the IRS no longer sends visiting officers to assist during tax season.  We are unable to provide tax-related assistance or advice.

For more information on filing U.S. taxes from Taiwan, please visit our “IRS Information/Income Tax” page.

No.  AIT is unable to assist with applications for visas to other countries. For countries that are members of the visa waiver program,U.S. citizens may not require visas for short stays.   For countries that are not members of the visa waiver program, contact that country’s local representative office.

U.S. citizens are unable to obtain visas to the PRC from within Taiwan.  Many people choose to apply for a PRC visa during travel to other countries in the region.  For more information, contact the PRC representative office in the country you plan to visit, or the PRC Embassy or Consulates in the U.S.

Where can I learn more about the country entry requirements for U.S. passports?

Learn about each country’s entry requirements, please check with travel.state.gov