The Singapore Long-term Student Visa is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to stay in Singapore for a longer period, specifically for those who are admitted to a state college or state university in Singapore. This visa is designed to help foreign students pursue their academic goals in Singapore while complying with immigration regulations. The Long-term Student Visa is a great option for students who wish to stay in Singapore for an extended period to complete their studies or pursue a career in their field of study.

To be eligible for the Long-term Student Visa, applicants must have been admitted to a state college or state university in Singapore. The admission should be in a full-time course, and the duration of the course should be at least one academic year. Applicants must also meet other requirements, including providing proof of financial support, meeting the health and character requirements, and possessing a valid passport.

The application process for a Singapore Long-term Student Visa is similar to that of the Singapore Long-term Employment Visa. Applicants must submit a completed application form along with supporting documents, including a valid passport, admission letter from the university or college, proof of financial support, and medical examination report. Applicants must also pay the visa processing fee.

The processing time for a Long-term Student Visa in Singapore is generally 5-10 working days. However, the processing time may vary based on the volume of applications and the complexity of the case.

The validity of a Long-term Student Visa in Singapore is tied to the duration of the course. Once the course is completed, the visa will expire. However, students may apply for a renewal of the visa if they wish to extend their stay in Singapore. The renewal process is similar to the initial application process, and applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and submit the required documents.

As with any visa, Long-term Student Visa holders in Singapore have certain rights and obligations. Students have the right to study and live in Singapore for the duration of their course, as well as the right to work part-time during term-time and full-time during vacation time. However, they must comply with the conditions of the visa, including maintaining satisfactory academic progress and adhering to the immigration laws and regulations.

Singapore Long-term Student Visa is a great option for foreign students who wish to pursue their academic goals in Singapore. The visa allows students to stay in Singapore for an extended period, and the application process is relatively straightforward. However, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and submit the required documents to be considered for the visa. Once approved, students must comply with the conditions of the visa to avoid any complications.

Eligibility Criteria for a Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa

To be eligible for a Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Admission to an Approved Educational Institution: Applicants must be accepted into an approved educational institution in Singapore, such as a university, polytechnic, or Institute of Technical Education.
• Validity of Offer Letter: The offer letter from the educational institution must be valid.
• Financial Support: Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay in Singapore.
• Good Character: Applicants must have a good character and no criminal record.
• Medical Check-Up: Applicants must undergo a medical examination to ensure they are in good health.
• English Proficiency: Applicants may be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language, depending on the educational institution and the course of study.
• Age Requirements: Applicants must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa.
• Immigration History: Applicants must have a good immigration record and not have been deported from any country.

It is important to note that meeting these eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval of the Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa application. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has the final decision on all visa applications and may request additional documents or information as necessary.

Application Process for a Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa

The application process for a Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa is as follows:

• Apply Online: Applicants can apply online through the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website. The applicant needs to create an account on the website and fill in the required information in the online application form.
• Submit Required Documents: After filling in the online application form, the applicant needs to upload the required documents such as passport, passport-size photograph, birth certificate, educational certificates, financial documents, etc. The applicant also needs to pay the visa application fee online.
• Wait for Processing: The processing time for a Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa varies and can take up to four weeks. Applicants are advised to apply for a visa well in advance of their intended travel date.
• Collection of Visa: If the visa application is approved, the applicant will receive an in-principle approval letter via email. The applicant needs to print the letter and present it along with their passport to the ICA officers at the airport or land checkpoint for the issuance of the actual visa. The applicant will also need to pay a visa issuance fee at this stage.
• Completing Formalities: After collecting the visa, the applicant needs to complete the formalities such as registering with their educational institution, obtaining a student pass, etc.

It is important to note that the application process and required documents may vary depending on the educational institution and program the applicant is admitted to. Therefore, it is advisable to check with the institution for specific requirements and guidelines.

Required Documents for a Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa

To apply for a Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa, applicants must submit a set of documents. These documents may vary depending on the applicant's nationality and educational background. The following is a list of documents required for a Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa application:

Completed Application Form: The application form must be fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant. For minors under the age of 18, both parents must sign the form.

Passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure from Singapore. It must also have at least one or two free visa pages and not be older than ten years.

Two Photos: The photos must not be older than six months and meet certain requirements, such as a frontal view of the face covering 70-80% of the photo, clear facial features, and a uniform white background.

Copy of ID Card: The ID card must be valid for at least two months beyond the date of departure from Singapore.

Residence Permit/Visa Copy: If the applicant's country of residence and citizenship are different, they must submit a copy of their residence permit or visa that is valid for at least two months beyond the date of departure from Singapore.

Photocopies: Applicants must provide photocopies of the main page of their passport and any previous visas or Singapore resident permits.

Details from the University in Singapore:

a) Confirmed University Admission: Applicants must submit an admission letter issued by a Singaporean educational institution. The letter must state the language of instruction and the start and end dates of the course. It must also confirm that the applicant is enrolled in a full-time course of study. Additionally, applicants must provide a letter from their education establishment indicating the course of studies being followed and the return of the student to their country of residence upon completion of the study.

b) Confirmed Language Course with Conditional University Admission: Applicants must submit a receipt/confirmation of payment for the language course in advance. Additionally, they must provide proof of conditional university admission or confirmation of admission as an applicant or detailed communication with the University for a concrete subject of study.

Documents Attesting Previous Education: Applicants must provide a higher secondary certificate if they are applying for a visa on the basis of a university certificate on admission to the first year of studies. If applicants are attending a preparatory course, they must submit the higher secondary certificate legalized/attested/apostilled by the MEA/MFA. In case of student exchange, applicants must provide the original certificate from the university confirming that the applicant is a student, a copy of the agreement/official information from the universities regarding the student exchange, and an invitation from the Singapore university.

Knowledge of Language: Applicants must provide proof of language proficiency in English (TOEFL/IELTS), if the course is taught in English.

Proof of Accommodation in Singapore: Applicants must provide a document confirming the availability of appropriate accommodation for the intended period of stay in Singapore.

Documents Confirming Sufficient Financial Resources: Applicants must provide proof of sufficient financial resources, either of the applicant or sponsor. This can include a traveler's cheque, an original bank statement for the past three months, a certificate of the amount of the credit card limit issued by the bank, a certificate of availability of money in a bank or a cooperative savings and loan association located in Singapore, a document confirming the granting of a national or foreign scholarship, or a certificate of employment with a monthly salary statement.

Yellow Fever Vaccination (If Applicable): If the applicant has been to countries with Yellow Fever six days before their trip to Singapore, they must show an International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow

Processing Time and Fees for a Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa

The processing time and fees for a Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa vary depending on the applicant's nationality and the country where they submit their application.

Processing time for a Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa

The processing time for a Singapore Study (Long-term) visa can vary depending on various factors, including the completeness of your application, the workload of the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), and your country of application. Generally, the processing time ranges from 5 to 20 working days. However, it may take longer in some cases, particularly during peak periods. Therefore, it is advisable to apply for your visa well in advance of your intended travel date.

Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa Fees

The fees for a Singapore Study (Long-term) visa vary depending on your nationality and the length of your stay. Generally, the visa application fee ranges from SGD 30 to SGD 90 (approximately 22 to 66 USD) for a single entry visa, while a multiple-entry visa costs SGD 60 to SGD 180 (approximately 44 to 132 USD). In addition to the visa application fee, you may also need to pay for other services, such as courier fees, SMS notification fees, and so on. It is advisable to check the ICA website for the latest fees and payment methods before submitting your application.

Rights and Obligations of Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa Holders

Singapore Study (Long-term) visa holders have certain rights and obligations while they are staying in Singapore for their studies. Some of the major rights and obligations are:

Rights:

• Legal stay: Singapore Study (Long-term) visa holders have the right to stay in Singapore for the duration of their study program.
• Work part-time: Students can work part-time for a maximum of 16 hours a week during term time and full-time during vacation time.
• Open bank account: Students can open a bank account in Singapore.
• Access to healthcare: Students have access to medical treatment at subsidized rates at government hospitals and clinics.
• Apply for dependent passes: Students can apply for dependent passes for their spouse and unmarried children below 21 years of age.

Obligations:

• Attend classes regularly: Students must attend classes regularly and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Comply with immigration laws: Students must comply with Singapore's immigration laws and regulations, including obtaining the necessary permits and passes for work or travel outside of Singapore.
• Report changes in address or status: Students must report any changes in their address or status to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
• Maintain valid travel documents: Students must ensure that their passport and visa are valid at all times during their stay in Singapore.
• Respect local laws and customs: Students must respect Singapore's laws and customs, including dress codes, smoking restrictions, and alcohol consumption regulations.

It is important for students to be aware of their rights and obligations to avoid any legal issues during their stay in Singapore.

Renewing or Extending a Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa

A Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa can be renewed or extended in certain circumstances.

If a student wishes to continue their studies in Singapore, they can apply for an extension of their visa. The extension application should be submitted at least one month before the expiry of the current visa. The application should include a letter from the educational institution in Singapore confirming that the student is enrolled in a course of study and the expected date of completion.

In some cases, a student may need to apply for a new visa instead of extending their current one. This can happen if the student needs to change their course of study, transfer to a different educational institution, or if their current visa has already expired.

The processing time for renewing or extending a Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa is usually around 10-15 working days. However, it is advisable to apply for an extension or renewal well before the current visa expires to avoid any inconvenience or disruption to studies.

The fee for renewing or extending a Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa is generally the same as the fee for the initial application. The fee can vary depending on the student's nationality and the duration of the extension.

It is important for students to ensure that they comply with the visa requirements and regulations during their stay in Singapore. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation or non-renewal of the visa.

Differences between a Singapore Study (Long-term) Visa and Study (Short-term) Visa

The main difference between a Singapore Study (Long-term) visa and a Study (Short-term) visa is the duration of stay permitted in Singapore. A Study (Short-term) visa is intended for students who wish to attend short-term courses, workshops, or training programs in Singapore. This visa typically allows a stay of up to 90 days and is usually granted for a single entry.

On the other hand, a Singapore Study (Long-term) visa is meant for students who are enrolled in a full-time course of study at a Singaporean university or college. This visa permits a stay in Singapore for a longer duration, typically up to the duration of the course, and is granted for multiple entries.

Another key difference is the eligibility criteria and required documents. For a Study (Short-term) visa, applicants may need to show proof of a return ticket, sufficient financial means, and a letter of invitation from the educational institution in Singapore. In contrast, a Singapore Study (Long-term) visa requires the applicant to show proof of admission into a full-time course of study in Singapore, as well as financial means to support themselves throughout their stay.

In terms of processing time and fees, the Study (Short-term) visa is typically less expensive and has a shorter processing time than the Singapore Study (Long-term) visa. However, this can vary depending on the applicant's country of origin and other factors.

Overall, the Singapore Study (Long-term) visa is intended for students who plan to pursue a full-time course of study in Singapore, while the Study (Short-term) visa is for those who wish to attend shorter courses or programs.

Frequently asked questions