It usually takes 3 months to select candidates for each batch and another 3 months to conduct the relevant administration procedures. Therefore, it usually takes 6 months before the results are announced. Additionally, admitted X Talent trainees will take some time to handle visa applications.

• Main Communication Channel: By Email

Email will be the main means of communication between the Host Companies and the X Talent Program Office, so please take note of X Talent Program Office emails from: xtalent@narlabs.org.tw

• Communication Channels: Email, Landline

1. Email: xtalent@narlabs.org.tw
2. Landline: (886) 2-2737-8062 (for Host Companies). Office hours: 10am-05 pm (UTC+8)

The X Talent Program Office usually runs one iteration a year. A timetable will be announced on the Host Company home page. Click the link Subscribe to be Host Companies below to fill in your company contact information. When a new iteration of the program begins, the X Talent Program Office will send you an email with information on how to apply to becoming a Host Company. 

The Location of the Host Company 

The X Talent Program is a global talent circulation program, and we partner with companies worldwide (excluding Taiwan, mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau).

Industry Field

The X Talent Program would like to partner with companies involved in industries and fields aligned with Taiwan's industrial development policy, which includes information and digital industries, cybersecurity, precision health, national defense and strategic industries, green and renewable energy, and strategic stockpile.

Prospective Host Companies Must:

• Prepare a training plan 
• Provide a suitable workspace and equipment
• Offer ongoing supervision and evaluation
• Hold an Employer Identification Number, Federal Tax Identification Number, or any equivalent
• Provide trainees with access to opportunities for cultural exchange
• Provide at least 32 hours of training per week

1. Applicants for the X Talent Program must not be over the age of 40.

2. Applicants should possess a high-level degree. Those who do not possess a high-level degree will be considered if their work experience aligns with government policies on technological development, or if they possess other special achievements.

   Backgrounds of innovative industries including the Internet of Things, semiconductors and IC design, biomedicine, smart machinery, digital economy, green energy, defense, new agriculture, circular economy, and cultural innovation are preferred.

The X Talent Program Office will collaborate with the Host Companies through the entire selection process, and Host Companies retain the right to choose which candidates to interview and accept as trainees.

• Visa Application Information for the U.S

In the U.S, the X Talent Program trainee visa category will be J-1 Trainee. The NSTC will help the Host Company with the visa application, and will be responsible for the visa application fee as well as the relevant insurance fee.

For the visa application process, the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), an authorized agency designated by the U.S. Department of State for the J-1 Visa Program, will contact both the Host Company and the trainee regarding subsequent visa procedures once matchmaking has concluded.

• Visa Application Information for France 

In France, in accordance with state regulations, the X Talent Program trainee visa category will be Talent Passport (passeport talent). The Talent Passport requires the Host Company to provide the trainee with a work contract indicating the minimum salary*. As a consequence, the salary must be paid by the host company in line with the Talent Passport, and the subsidy from the NSTC cannot be counted since it is granted directly to the trainee. 

The X Talent Program Office will assist trainee(s) with applying for a visa with the Bureau Français de Taipei.

(*) minimum salary amount: salary equivalent to 1.5 times the minimum salary (salaire minimum interprofessionnel de croissance, SMIC) for a minimum of 12 months

• Visa Application Information for Israel

In Israel, in accordance with state regulations, the X Talent Program trainee visa category will be B-1 Work Visa. The B-1 Work Visa requires the Host Company to provide the trainee with a work contract with a salary double the average wage. As a consequence, the salary must be paid by the host company in line with the B-1 Work Visa, and the subsidy from the NSTC cannot be counted since it is granted directly to the trainee. 

The X Talent Program Office will assist trainee(s) with applying for a visa with the Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei.

Should you have any further questions, please contact X Talent Program office for more information. xtalent@narlabs.org.tw

The X Talent Program Office is based in Taiwan, and the host companies are located in different countries. Communication and administrative processes related to the X Talent Program are conducted online. If the host companies are aware of the program's timelines, it would help foster a pleasant collaboration relationship between both parties.

1. Be Aware of the X Talent Program's Administrative Timeline and Communications

The X Talent Program Office will release the timeline of each iteration on the X Talent Program website and send reminders when important deadlines are approaching. We will need the Host Company's assistance to confirm and coordinate the following administrative work.

Some host companies' email systems may treat emails from the X Talent Program Office as spam, so please check the spam mailbox from time to time, especially when deadlines are approaching. Please refer to the X Talent Program official website or the X Talent Program introduction slides for a timeline.

2. The Three Most Important Procedures are Filling in Company Information, Interviewing Candidates, and Arranging for the X Talent Onboarding Process

We urge host companies to collaborate closely with the X Talent Program Office on these procedures.

3. Please Inform the X Talent Program Office of Substitute Contacts

When the main contact person of your company for the X Talent Program is on vacation, or if s/he is no longer with your company, please remember to inform the X Talent Program Office of who the substitute contact is in order to maintain a consistent line of communications.

• The training and benefits plans will be decided between the host companies and X Talent trainees. However, it is very important to comply with national and local laws and regulations where the X Talent trainee will be staying. The X Talent Program Office will not intervene in the discussion of these issues.

• During the one-year training period, the host company is expected to provide X Talent trainees with mentorship, a safe and positive work environment, and adequate work equipment.

• Any patents generated during the training period at the Host Company shall belong to the Host Company.

• After the traineeship, X Talent Program trainees are obligated to return to and serve in Taiwan. The time spent serving in Taiwan should be as long as the training period subsidized by the X Talent Program.

• Host Companies can state their preferred candidates. However, the final matchmaking result will be determined through a final review by a NSTC committee.