Singapore Family Reunion Visa

The Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa is a type of visa designed to allow foreign nationals to stay in Singapore for an extended period. This visa is intended for individuals who plan to study in Singapore, and it is also applicable to family members of Singapore nationals who wish to reside in Singapore for a more extended period. The long-term visa is different from the short-term visa, which has a shorter validity period.

The Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa is ideal for international students who intend to pursue a full-time degree course or a post-graduate course in Singapore. The visa also applies to foreign students who plan to undertake preparatory courses for university admission or language courses in Singapore. Additionally, the Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa is open to the family members of Singaporean citizens, who want to reside in Singapore for an extended period.

To apply for a Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa, applicants need to meet specific eligibility criteria, including the provision of supporting documents. Applicants must have a valid passport and satisfy the English language proficiency requirements. Additionally, they need to demonstrate proof of financial resources and accommodation arrangements while staying in Singapore. Once all the requirements are met, applicants can submit their visa applications to the relevant authorities.

The processing time for a Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa varies, depending on the applicant's country of origin. The average processing time ranges from 3-20 calendar days. However, some countries may have a shorter or longer processing time.

The fees for a Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa vary depending on the applicant's country of origin and nationality. The visa fee can range from 25-100 USD, and applicants may be required to pay additional charges, such as application and processing fees.

It is essential to note that a Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa has specific rights and obligations for visa holders. Visa holders are expected to comply with the conditions of the visa, including the regulations governing their studies or stay in Singapore. Failure to adhere to the conditions may lead to visa cancellation or deportation.

Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa is a crucial document for international students and family members of Singapore nationals intending to reside in Singapore for an extended period. Applicants need to meet the eligibility criteria and provide supporting documents to increase their chances of obtaining the visa. Once the visa is granted, visa holders must comply with the visa conditions and adhere to the regulations governing their stay in Singapore.

Eligibility criteria for the Singapore Family Reunion Visa

To be eligible for a Singapore Family Reunion Visa, applicants must meet certain criteria, including:

Relationship with a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident

Applicants must be a spouse, unmarried child below 21 years old, or a parent of a Singapore citizen or permanent resident.

Sponsorship by a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident

Applicants must have a Singapore citizen or permanent resident sponsor who will act as their local sponsor and provide financial support during their stay in Singapore.

Adequate Financial Support

The local sponsor must provide evidence of adequate financial support for the applicant during their stay in Singapore.

Good Health and Character

Applicants must be in good health and have no criminal records.

Immigration Approval

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore must approve the application for a Family Reunion Visa.

It's important to note that meeting these eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval of the visa application. The ICA may consider other factors when reviewing the application, such as the purpose of the visit, the duration of stay, and the applicant's ties to their home country.

Application process for the Singapore Family Reunion Visa

The application process for the Singapore Family Reunion Visa is as follows:

Gather required documents: Applicants must gather all the required documents listed above, ensuring that they are complete and up-to-date.

Submit the application: Applicants must submit the completed visa application form and all required documents at the Singaporean embassy, high commission or consulate in their country of residence.

Pay the visa fee: Applicants must pay the visa fee at the time of submitting their application. The fee varies depending on the applicant's nationality and the length of the visa required.

Wait for processing: Once the application is submitted, the processing time for the Singapore Family Reunion Visa varies depending on the applicant's country of residence. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for the visa to be processed.

Attend an interview (if required): In some cases, the applicant may be required to attend an interview at the Singaporean embassy or consulate. This is usually done to verify information provided in the application or to clarify any concerns.

Receive the visa: Once the visa application is approved, the applicant will receive the Singapore Family Reunion Visa in their passport. They can then travel to Singapore and begin their stay.

It is important to note that the Singapore Family Reunion Visa is not an automatic guarantee of entry into Singapore. Upon arrival in Singapore, the applicant will still be subject to immigration checks and may be denied entry if they do not meet the immigration requirements.

Required documents for the Singapore Family Reunion Visa

If you are planning to apply for a Singapore Family Reunion Visa, there are some mandatory documents that you need to submit along with your application. Here is a list of required documents:

Application Form

• The application form should be fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself. In case of minors below the age of 18, both parents need to sign the form.

Passport

• Your passport should have a validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Singapore. It should be signed by the bearer and not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years). At least one or two free “visa pages” are required. Undamaged pictures should be securely affixed to the passport.

Two Photos

• The photos should not be older than six months and should have a frontal view of the face covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo. A uniform and white background, clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame are required. The size of the photo should be 3x4.

Copy of ID Card

• The copy of your ID card should have a validity minimum of two months beyond the date of your departure from Singapore.

Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

• The residence permit/visa copy should have a validity minimum of two months beyond the date of your departure from Singapore.

Photocopies

• You need to submit a copy of the main page of your passport and copies of previous visas/ Singapore resident permit.

Details of Spouse

• You need to submit a passport copy of your spouse. For spouses of foreign nationals, a copy of their partner's residence permit for Singapore is required. A certificate of residence of the spouse living in Singapore is also mandatory.

Marriage Certificate

• You need to submit a Singapore certificate of marriage along with certified copies or foreign documents or certificates that are recognized by the authorities of a state.

Proof of Accommodation in Singapore

• You need to submit a copy of the lease certificate of the apartment in Singapore or title deed of the owned property if your partner is already residing in Singapore.
• If the host provides accommodation, a document indicating the right of ownership/right to use (e.g. rental agreement) that clearly allows lodging guests at this location is required.

Proof of Sufficient Means of Substance

• You need to submit a copy of the employment certificate of the foreign spouse who intends to live in Singapore and salary slips from the past two months if he/she is living in Singapore.
• In case of self-funding, you can submit a personal bank statement indicating your financial movements (for at least three last months), credit card, cash, traveler’s cheques, payslips, proof of employment, supporting document to attest sponsor’s readiness to cover your expenses during your stay, proof of prepaid accommodation, document about accommodation in private, proof of prepaid transport, or other documents.
• In case of sponsorship, you need to submit the latest three months current account bank statement of a sponsor (showing sponsor’s name, an end balance, and date of issue) and a sponsorship letter along with a copy of the first page of the sponsor’s passport with the data.

Yellow Fever Vaccination (If applicable)

• If you have been to the countries mentioned below six days before your trip to Singapore, you will need to show an International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever to the ICA officers at the point of entry.

Processing time and fees for the Singapore Family Reunion Visa

The processing time and fees for the Singapore Family Reunion Visa (FRV) may vary depending on individual circumstances, but here are some general guidelines:

Processing Time:

The processing time for the FRV application is typically between 4 to 6 weeks, although it can take longer in some cases. It is advisable to apply for the FRV well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow sufficient time for processing.

Fees:

The fee for the FRV application is SGD 25-100 USD . However, there may be additional fees depending on your circumstances, such as if you need to get your documents translated or if you need to undergo medical examinations.

It is important to note that fees and processing times are subject to change, and it is advisable to check the ICA website for the latest information. Additionally, you may want to consider using the services of a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant to help you with your application, although this will involve additional fees.

Rights and obligations of Singapore Family Reunion Visa holders

The Singapore Family Reunion Visa (FRV) is a type of visa that allows family members of Singapore citizens and permanent residents to enter and stay in Singapore for an extended period. As a holder of the FRV, there are certain rights and obligations that you should be aware of.

Rights:

• Stay in Singapore: The FRV allows you to stay in Singapore for up to 2 years.
• Work in Singapore: You are allowed to work in Singapore during your stay.
• Study in Singapore: You are allowed to study in Singapore during your stay.
• Access to healthcare: You are entitled to healthcare services in Singapore.
• Apply for permanent residency: You may apply for permanent residency in Singapore after fulfilling certain eligibility criteria.

Obligations:

• Abide by Singapore laws: As a visitor in Singapore, you are required to comply with Singapore laws and regulations.
• Maintain a valid visa: You must ensure that your visa remains valid throughout your stay in Singapore.
• Report changes in circumstances: You must report any changes in your circumstances, such as changes in address or employment status, to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
• Responsible for your dependents: If you are the sponsor of your dependents, you are responsible for their welfare and must ensure that they comply with the conditions of their visa.
• Depart Singapore when required: You must leave Singapore when your visa expires or when you are instructed to do so by the authorities.

It is important to note that the rights and obligations of FRV holders may vary depending on individual circumstances and changes in Singapore's immigration policies.

Differences between the Singapore Family Reunion Visa and Singapore Visiting Family and Friends Visa

The Singapore Family Reunion Visa (FRV) and the Singapore Visiting Family and Friends Visa (VFT) are both types of visas that allow foreign nationals to visit Singapore for family-related reasons. However, there are some key differences between the two visas:

Purpose:

The main purpose of the Family Reunion Visa is to allow family members of Singapore citizens and permanent residents to join them in Singapore for an extended period of time, typically up to 2 years. The Family and Friends Visa, on the other hand, is designed for short-term visits by foreign nationals who wish to visit their family or friends in Singapore for a period of up to 30 days.

Duration:

As mentioned, the Family Reunion Visa allows family members to stay in Singapore for an extended period of up to 2 years. The Family and Friends Visa, on the other hand, allows visitors to stay for a maximum of 30 days per visit, although it may be possible to extend the stay up to 89 days in certain circumstances.

Eligibility:

The eligibility criteria for the Family Reunion Visa and the Family and Friends Visa also differ. The FRV is typically granted to spouses, children, and parents of Singapore citizens or permanent residents, while the Family and Friends Visa is available to a broader range of family members, such as grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, and in-laws. Additionally, the FRV requires the sponsor in Singapore to meet certain income and housing requirements, while the Family and Friends Visa does not.

Fees:

The fees for the FRV and the VFT are also different. As of September 2021, the fee for the FRV is SGD 30, while the fee for the Family and Friends Visa is SGD 30 for a single entry and SGD 90 for a multiple-entry visa.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria, fees, and other requirements for the FRV and the Family and Friends Visa may be subject to change.

Frequently asked questions