Singapore Eases Rules for Permanent Residency for Foreign Students

In recent developments, Singapore has made significant changes to ease rules for Permanent Residency for Foreign Students. There will be some ease in the Permanent Residency rules to make Singapore more accommodating and feasible for foreign students. Singapore is taking a new immigration approach by easing provisional policies for permanent residency for its overseas students. The congratulatory step is aimed at benefiting hundreds of thousands International Students aspiring to work or settle in Singapore. In view of the changes in policy, holders of Student Passes will be eligible to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency if they had passed at least one National Exam or were enrolled under the Integrated Programme regardless of their duration of studies in Singapore.

Singapore: Revised Rules for Permanent Residency for Foreign Citizens

Under the new Immigration policy changes and regulations, International Students studying in Singapore (Student Pass Holders) can now apply for Singapore PR, even if they have passed at least one National Examination or are part of the Integrated Programme.

This necessary change eliminates the requirement to study in Singapore for a minimum of two years before being eligible to apply for Permanent Residency.

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Qualifying Examinations and Programmes Mandated for P.R. in Singapore

The national examinations mandated for P.R in Singapore include:

• Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE)
• General Certificate of Education (GCE) N/O/A Levels

Additionally, students enrolled in the Integrated Programme, a six-year course culminating in the G.C.E. A-Level examination, International Baccalaureate (I.B.) Diplomas or N.U.S. High School Diplomas are also eligible.

New Rules for Guardian Visas

In response to various factors, the Singapore government has extended the Long-Term Visit Pass (L.T.V.P.) eligibility 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 L.T.V.P. This change, which now allows one guardian, regardless of gender, to accompany and support the student during their studies, is a significant step towards inclusivity and support for all families.

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Singapore: Student Passes and Other Visas

Singapore Student Pass

Foreign students admitted into full-time studies in Singapore are required to obtain a Student Pass unless they already possess a valid Dependant's Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass, or Short-Term Visit Pass. It's important to note that part-time courses or those offered during evenings and weekends are not eligible for a Student Pass.

Long-Term Visit Pass (L.T.V.P.)

Apart from the changes above regarding guardians, other individuals eligible for an L.T.V.P. include:

• Spouses of Singapore citizens or Singapore P.R.s
• Parents of Singapore citizens or Singapore P.R.s
• Graduates from Institutes of Higher Learning seeking employment in Singapore

Application Process for Singapore Student Passes

If international students are enrolled in full-time courses in Singapore and do not hold a valid Dependant's Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass, or Short-Term Visit Pass, they must apply for a Student's Pass. Some critical eligibility criteria for obtaining a Student's Pass include:

• Acceptance into an approved full-time course
• Exclusion of part-time or evening/weekend courses

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Eligibility of Long-Term Visit Pass

Eligibility for a Long-Term Visit Pass extends to:

• Spouses and parents of Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents
• Graduates from Institutes of Higher Learning seeking a career in Singapore
• Parents or grandparents of students studying in Singapore on a Student's Pass

Exemptions

If you are a student holding a Long-Term Visit Pass, Dependant's Pass, or Immigration Exemption Order, you can enrol in educational institutions without needing a Student's Pass as long as your existing pass remains valid. However, if your current pass expires or is cancelled during your studies, you must apply for a Student's Pass to continue your education.

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Singapore's Policy Shift: Impact on International Students

As such, these policy changes show Singapore's commitment to wanting talent worldwide to come and live in Singapore. To make permanent residency more palatable and better support their guardians, these measures will help Singapore boost its value proposition as a top destination for global students (and families), offering them critical assistance and peace of mind. The changes demonstrate a shift in thinking towards creating a more accommodating and enabling environment for international students and their families, reinforcing Singapore's status as a top global education destination.