Heading to Singapore to study? You can bring your mum, dad, or even your grandmother along

If you’re planning to study in Singapore, there’s good news for your family. The Singapore government has introduced new policies allowing students to bring along their parents or grandparents while pursuing their education. This move aims to make the transition smoother for international students and provide additional support by having family members close by.

The rule to bring a guardian was expanded this month, allowing male guardians, including fathers and grandfathers, to apply for long-term visit passes to accompany international students. Earlier, only allowed female guardians, such as mothers or grandmothers, were allowed to do so.

However, each student is still limited to being accompanied by only one guardian.

The policy change is part of Singapore’s efforts to attract more international students, acknowledging the importance of family support during academic pursuits.

Eligible students can now apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for their parents or grandparents. The LTVP will allow these family members to stay in Singapore for an extended period, making it easier for students to focus on their studies without worrying about being away from home.

Applying for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re planning to apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) in Singapore for a parent or grandparent to accompany an international student, here’s what you need to prepare and know about the application process.

Required Documents

Ensure you have the following documents ready for your application. All documents must be original, and any document not in English must be accompanied by an official translation:

For the Applicant:

  • A recent colored digital photograph (dimensions: 400 x 514 pixels). Refer to the photo guidelines for details.
  • Travel document (passport).
  • Birth certificate of the student.
  • Birth certificate or household register of the student’s parents.
  • Marriage certificate of the student’s parents.
  • Divorce certificates, separation deed, and custody papers, if applicable.
  • A letter from the student’s school.

Application Procedure

  • Who Can Apply: Only one person, either the parent or grandparent of the student, may apply for the LTVP.
  • Local Sponsor: A Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident (PR) aged 21 or above is required to sponsor the application. The sponsor can log in to the ICA e-Service using Singpass to initiate the application.

Fees

  • At Submission:
    • S$45 for each application.
  • At Completion of Formalities:
    • S$60 for issuance of the LTVP.
    • S$30 for a Multiple Journey Visa (if applicable).

Note: All fees are non-refundable. Payments must be made online using:

  • Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card,
  • American Express (AMEX) credit card,
  • Internet Direct Debit (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB, and Standard Chartered Bank internet banking accounts in Singapore), or
  • PayNow.

Successful applicants will be informed of any additional applicable fees.

Processing Time

Applications will generally be processed within 6 weeks, provided all documents are complete and in order. Some applications may require additional processing time.

You will be notified of the outcome of your application via email. You can also check the status of your LTVP application online through MyICA or the e-Service portal.

 

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