ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 10: Significant legislative changes have been made in Singapore, where holders of Student Passes are now permitted to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) under more benevolent circumstances. Thousands of foreign students hoping to settle down permanently in Singapore stand to gain from this development.
New Standards for Applications for Permanent Residency
As per the latest laws, those who possess a Student Pass and have cleared at least one national examination or are enrolled in the Integrated Programme are eligible to apply for Singapore permanent residence. With this modification, it is no longer necessary to study in Singapore for a minimum of two years in order to be qualified to apply for permanent residence.
Qualifying Examinations and Programmes
Eligible national examinations include:
- Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE)
- General Certificate of Education (GCE) N/O/A Levels
Additionally, students participating in the Integrated Programme—a six-year course leading to the GCE A-Level, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, or NUS High School Diploma—are also eligible.
Changes to Guardian Visas
In another forward-looking move, the Singapore government has expanded eligibility for the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) to include male guardians (parents or grandparents) of children studying in Singapore on a Student Pass.
Previously, only female guardians (mothers or grandmothers) could apply for the LTVP. This change allows one guardian, regardless of gender, to accompany and support the student during their studies.
Overview of Student Passes and Other Visas
- Student Pass
Foreign students accepted into full-time studies in Singapore must obtain a Student Pass unless they hold a valid Dependant’s Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass, or Short-Term Visit Pass. Part-time courses or those conducted in the evenings or weekends do not qualify for a Student Pass. - Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
Beyond the expanded eligibility for guardians, the LTVP is also available to: -
- Spouses of Singapore citizens or PRs
- Parents of Singapore citizens or PRs
- Graduates from Institutes of Higher Learning seeking employment in Singapore
Application Process for Student Passes
If a foreign student is admitted to a full-time program in Singapore and does not already possess a valid Dependant’s Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass, or Short-Term Visit Pass, they must apply for a Student Pass. One of the main requirements for eligibility is to be accepted into a full-time course that has been approved; part-time or evening/weekend courses are not acceptable.
