Being a Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) holder in Singapore means you can stay in Singapore even if you don't have a job, and as long as your LTVP is still valid.
As a LTVP holder (spouse of Singaporean), I can work in Singapore provided that my employer successfully applied for a Letter of Consent (LOC) from Ministry Of Manpower (MOM). With LOC, we are not subjected to foreign worker levy or quota.
Note that NOT all LTVP holders are eligible for LOC. Some would require a valid work pass to work in SG. Please check ICA's website for more information.
There are various scenarios where a person will be eligible for LTVP. Please visit the link below for more info.
As a LTVP holder (spouse of Singaporean), I can work in Singapore provided that my employer successfully applied for a Letter of Consent (LOC) from Ministry Of Manpower (MOM). With LOC, we are not subjected to foreign worker levy or quota.
Note that NOT all LTVP holders are eligible for LOC. Some would require a valid work pass to work in SG. Please check ICA's website for more information.
There are various scenarios where a person will be eligible for LTVP. Please visit the link below for more info.
I will be writing about my experience in applying LTVP under my Singaporean husband's sponsorship. Hence, if you are applying LTVP as PR's spouse or other categories, it might be slightly different from what I went through.
Some background information:
I'm a Malaysian, and I'm a S Pass holder.
Please note that we MUST update HR on the change of our marital status BEFORE we can start applying for LTVP/PR under husband's sponsorship.
Once HR receives your marriage certificate from you (softcopy will do), HR will submit an online form to update MOM. MOM will take up to 7 working days to update their system.
Once done, MOM will send an email to HR to inform that your marital status has been updated.
NOW you can start applying for your LTVP/PR.
Some background information:
I'm a Malaysian, and I'm a S Pass holder.
Please note that we MUST update HR on the change of our marital status BEFORE we can start applying for LTVP/PR under husband's sponsorship.
Once HR receives your marriage certificate from you (softcopy will do), HR will submit an online form to update MOM. MOM will take up to 7 working days to update their system.
Once done, MOM will send an email to HR to inform that your marital status has been updated.
NOW you can start applying for your LTVP/PR.
Pre-Marriage LTVP Assessment (PMLA)
PMLA is optional, but I highly encourage you to submit PMLA before you're married (solemnized). The main reason is to have a shorter processing time for your LTVP application. It takes up to 6 months WITHOUT PMLA, and up to 6 weeks WITH PMLA.
PMLA is FREE. You won't be charged for submitting PMLA.
Even if you are not considering LTVP after marriage. Just submit PMLA. Having a successful PMLA status will help you if you change your mind after marriage.
PMLA won't cost you a dime.
But note that you're not guaranteed to receive a successful PMLA.
The processing time for PMLA is up to 4 weeks. If your PMLA is successful, you will be issued a Letter of LTVP Eligibility (LLE). LLE will be valid for 1 year from the date of success. Hence, you may wish to submit PMLA only about a month before your solemnization.
Please visit the link below (ICA) for more info on PMLA:
PMLA is FREE. You won't be charged for submitting PMLA.
Even if you are not considering LTVP after marriage. Just submit PMLA. Having a successful PMLA status will help you if you change your mind after marriage.
PMLA won't cost you a dime.
But note that you're not guaranteed to receive a successful PMLA.
The processing time for PMLA is up to 4 weeks. If your PMLA is successful, you will be issued a Letter of LTVP Eligibility (LLE). LLE will be valid for 1 year from the date of success. Hence, you may wish to submit PMLA only about a month before your solemnization.
Please visit the link below (ICA) for more info on PMLA:
I submitted my PMLA on July 3rd, and received the outcome via email on July 17th. I was glad that my PMLA was successful, and my LLE was mailed to my address a few days after.
Do note that having a successful PMLA DOES NOT mean that your LTVP application will be approved. It is still subjected to more screening by ICA.
Do note that having a successful PMLA DOES NOT mean that your LTVP application will be approved. It is still subjected to more screening by ICA.
Prepare documents for LTVP Application
Please refer to the link above for ICA's guide on what documents to prepare. I would like to highlight a few things:
1. You are allowed to submit documents in picture format (jpg, jpeg, png) instead of scanned PDF. Some documents such as our passport biodata page and ID would appear clearer as a picture instead of a scanned document.
2. You can submit more than 1 file for the same document category. For example: Payslips for the past 6 months. If you are unable to generate 6-months worth of payslips into the same PDF document, don't worry. You can submit 6 separate files under the payslip submission.
3. Translate non-English documents.
ICA requires all documents to be in English.
If you are wondering if you should translate your Malaysian Birth Certificate (For PR application. LTVP doesn't require our birth cert) from Malay to English, just translate it. Even though Singapore's National Language is Malay, keep in mind that not all Singaporeans/ICA officers understand Malay.
4. You are advised to visit a photo studio to get your passport-sized photograph if you do not have a place with good lighting and white background for DIY. Please note that we cannot place filter on our photographs. So, no blurry or beauty cam effects please.
P/S: The photo you submit during LTVP application will be used on your LTVP card upon approval.
1. You are allowed to submit documents in picture format (jpg, jpeg, png) instead of scanned PDF. Some documents such as our passport biodata page and ID would appear clearer as a picture instead of a scanned document.
2. You can submit more than 1 file for the same document category. For example: Payslips for the past 6 months. If you are unable to generate 6-months worth of payslips into the same PDF document, don't worry. You can submit 6 separate files under the payslip submission.
3. Translate non-English documents.
ICA requires all documents to be in English.
If you are wondering if you should translate your Malaysian Birth Certificate (For PR application. LTVP doesn't require our birth cert) from Malay to English, just translate it. Even though Singapore's National Language is Malay, keep in mind that not all Singaporeans/ICA officers understand Malay.
4. You are advised to visit a photo studio to get your passport-sized photograph if you do not have a place with good lighting and white background for DIY. Please note that we cannot place filter on our photographs. So, no blurry or beauty cam effects please.
P/S: The photo you submit during LTVP application will be used on your LTVP card upon approval.
5. As a work pass holder, I do not have the Disembarkation/ Embarkation (D/E) card (white arrival card). Hence, this document requirement is not applicable to me. I don't remember being asked for this document during online application as well.
6. ICA's website stated that we need to prepare the Singaporean spouse's CPF and Income Tax Statements (can be downloaded online). But we were not asked for it during online application.
7. Under the 'Procedure' section on ICA's website, there's a link to Appendix (VP) that leads you to a Form 14 PDF file. This link is wrong (as of 26 Oct 2020).
We do not need to manually fill in Form 14. A Form 14B will be generated for you to download after you have filled in your details online (during LTVP application).
Appendix (VP) is not required as well. However, there's an 'Applicants' Form 14B Declaration' and a 'Sponsor's Form 14B Declaration' available (together with Form 14B) for download after you have filled in your details and right before you start uploading documents. Please download those 2 documents, sign, scan and upload as indicated.
6. ICA's website stated that we need to prepare the Singaporean spouse's CPF and Income Tax Statements (can be downloaded online). But we were not asked for it during online application.
7. Under the 'Procedure' section on ICA's website, there's a link to Appendix (VP) that leads you to a Form 14 PDF file. This link is wrong (as of 26 Oct 2020).
We do not need to manually fill in Form 14. A Form 14B will be generated for you to download after you have filled in your details online (during LTVP application).
Appendix (VP) is not required as well. However, there's an 'Applicants' Form 14B Declaration' and a 'Sponsor's Form 14B Declaration' available (together with Form 14B) for download after you have filled in your details and right before you start uploading documents. Please download those 2 documents, sign, scan and upload as indicated.
LTVP Application
LTVP application is much simpler and straight forward as compared to PR application. Just follow the online flow and you will be able to complete it within 1 hour (I took a long time cause I wanna check that I had everything right XD).
The online application must be completed within 7 days from the time you started the online process.
I was asked for a $30 processing fee payment by the end of my online application.
The online application must be completed within 7 days from the time you started the online process.
I was asked for a $30 processing fee payment by the end of my online application.
WAit for the Outcome
20 Oct - Submitted my LTVP online application
24 Oct - Received ICA's email: my application was approved in principle (pending documents).
In this email, I was given a link and instructions for my next step. I had to download a terms and conditions form to print, fill in, sign, scan and submit it to ICA (online, using the same link you used to download the terms and conditions form).
I submitted that document on the same day.
25 Oct - Received ICA's email: my application was approved in principle (documents received).
No action is required from my end.
27 Oct - Received ICA's email: my application was approved in principle (pending payment).
Instructions were given in the email on how to make the $60 payment. I made the payment on the same day.
24 Oct - Received ICA's email: my application was approved in principle (pending documents).
In this email, I was given a link and instructions for my next step. I had to download a terms and conditions form to print, fill in, sign, scan and submit it to ICA (online, using the same link you used to download the terms and conditions form).
I submitted that document on the same day.
25 Oct - Received ICA's email: my application was approved in principle (documents received).
No action is required from my end.
27 Oct - Received ICA's email: my application was approved in principle (pending payment).
Instructions were given in the email on how to make the $60 payment. I made the payment on the same day.
In-Principle Approval (IPA)
28 Oct - Received ICA's email: my application was approved in principle.
Instructions were given to download and print my IPA letter.
My IPA letter is valid for 3 months from the date of approval.
(I know the ICA website states 2 months, but my letter shows 3 months. Maybe they extended the time due to the pandemic)
If we don't complete the formalities within that time frame, our IPA will be cancelled.
My IPA letter also states the documents I need to bring when I visit ICA on my appointment date: Passport, D/E Card, Sponsor's IC.
(I don't have DE card (white arrival card), so I brought my work pass)
Please note that our Singaporean spouse (sponsor) MUST be present during the appointment.
Instructions were given to download and print my IPA letter.
My IPA letter is valid for 3 months from the date of approval.
(I know the ICA website states 2 months, but my letter shows 3 months. Maybe they extended the time due to the pandemic)
If we don't complete the formalities within that time frame, our IPA will be cancelled.
My IPA letter also states the documents I need to bring when I visit ICA on my appointment date: Passport, D/E Card, Sponsor's IC.
(I don't have DE card (white arrival card), so I brought my work pass)
Please note that our Singaporean spouse (sponsor) MUST be present during the appointment.
After I read through the IPA letter, I was confused whether I need to go through medical check-up or not.
ICA's website state that applicants have to undergo medical check-up if it is stated on our IPA letter.
Well, it didn't state that I need to go for medical check up in the main parts of my IPA letter, but the final part under 'Important Notes' stated that 'Final approval is also subject to the result of applicant's medical examination'.
So, I called ICA. The ICA Officer I spoke to was very polite, well spoken and seems to know the procedures very well as she could instantly answer my enquiries without having to check further. Thumbs up!
The officer asked if my letter stated to visit XXX clinic for medical check-up. I answered 'no'. She then advised that this means I don't have to go for a check-up.
Awesome!
Since I don't need to spare more time going for medical check-up, I immediately made an e-Appointment with ICA to complete my LTVP formalities.
There are many time slots to choose within the day. The time slots are fixed 15 minutes apart, starting from 8.15am to 4.15pm.
The date availability is not limited as well. When I browsed through their appointment calendar, there were available slots on the very next day! ICA also accepts appointments on Saturday mornings. But Saturday slots were fully booked for the next 2 weeks.
The link to make e-appointments is mentioned in the IPA letter, but I added the link below if you'd like to take a look at it.
ICA's website state that applicants have to undergo medical check-up if it is stated on our IPA letter.
Well, it didn't state that I need to go for medical check up in the main parts of my IPA letter, but the final part under 'Important Notes' stated that 'Final approval is also subject to the result of applicant's medical examination'.
So, I called ICA. The ICA Officer I spoke to was very polite, well spoken and seems to know the procedures very well as she could instantly answer my enquiries without having to check further. Thumbs up!
The officer asked if my letter stated to visit XXX clinic for medical check-up. I answered 'no'. She then advised that this means I don't have to go for a check-up.
Awesome!
Since I don't need to spare more time going for medical check-up, I immediately made an e-Appointment with ICA to complete my LTVP formalities.
There are many time slots to choose within the day. The time slots are fixed 15 minutes apart, starting from 8.15am to 4.15pm.
The date availability is not limited as well. When I browsed through their appointment calendar, there were available slots on the very next day! ICA also accepts appointments on Saturday mornings. But Saturday slots were fully booked for the next 2 weeks.
The link to make e-appointments is mentioned in the IPA letter, but I added the link below if you'd like to take a look at it.
Appointment Day!
On the day of my appointment with ICA, I brought my printed IPA letter, my original passport, my original S Pass and my husband's original IC.
(as stated on my IPA letter. Refer to your own IPA letter to see what documents to bring)
Of course, my husband must tag along too.
If you're going by MRT, alight at Lavender station and go through Exit A. ICA building is right in front of Exit A.
1. Check-in using SafeEntry.
2. Follow the designated lane for 'Public' to enter ICA Building.
3. Go to Level 4 by escalator or lift.
4. Look for the Self Service Kiosk:
An officer was stationed at the kiosk to assist visitors. I passed her my IPA letter and she scanned the letter's bar code to obtain a queue number from the kiosk.
(as stated on my IPA letter. Refer to your own IPA letter to see what documents to bring)
Of course, my husband must tag along too.
If you're going by MRT, alight at Lavender station and go through Exit A. ICA building is right in front of Exit A.
1. Check-in using SafeEntry.
2. Follow the designated lane for 'Public' to enter ICA Building.
3. Go to Level 4 by escalator or lift.
4. Look for the Self Service Kiosk:
An officer was stationed at the kiosk to assist visitors. I passed her my IPA letter and she scanned the letter's bar code to obtain a queue number from the kiosk.
5. Go inside the 'Visit Pass' waiting area and wait for your turn.
6. Once your queue number is displayed on screen, go to the indicated counter number.
(P/S: You will be going to 3 different counters to complete the formalities)
7. At the first counter, give the officer your printed IPA letter and the requested documents.
I'm holding S Pass, so she asked me to scan the QR code behind my S Pass to check the expiry date. After 2-3 minutes, she gave back my documents, but she kept my IPA letter and queue number. Just so I won't forget my queue number, she wrote it on a piece of paper and passed it to me.
(P/S: You will be going to 3 different counters to complete the formalities)
7. At the first counter, give the officer your printed IPA letter and the requested documents.
I'm holding S Pass, so she asked me to scan the QR code behind my S Pass to check the expiry date. After 2-3 minutes, she gave back my documents, but she kept my IPA letter and queue number. Just so I won't forget my queue number, she wrote it on a piece of paper and passed it to me.
8. Take a seat back at the waiting area, and wait for your queue number to be displayed on screen again.
9. The second counter you go for is to register your thumbprints and iris image. At this counter, give the officer the same documents again, and follow her instructions to register thumbprints and iris image.
10. Once done, she will give back your documents and IPA letter. She will also inform you the validity of your LTVP. You will then be asked to wait at Counter 8 - 10 for your queue number to be called again.
At the second counter, the officer took away my S Pass and gave me a Temporary Approval to Work in Singapore (LTVP). This Temporary Approval is valid for 1 month. My company needs to apply Letter of Consent (LOC) for me to continue working. She also informed that my LTVP will be valid for 2 years.
P/S: The officer said that I was granted 2 years because I'm working in Singapore. For those who don't work in SG, they would usually be given 1 year only.
9. The second counter you go for is to register your thumbprints and iris image. At this counter, give the officer the same documents again, and follow her instructions to register thumbprints and iris image.
10. Once done, she will give back your documents and IPA letter. She will also inform you the validity of your LTVP. You will then be asked to wait at Counter 8 - 10 for your queue number to be called again.
At the second counter, the officer took away my S Pass and gave me a Temporary Approval to Work in Singapore (LTVP). This Temporary Approval is valid for 1 month. My company needs to apply Letter of Consent (LOC) for me to continue working. She also informed that my LTVP will be valid for 2 years.
P/S: The officer said that I was granted 2 years because I'm working in Singapore. For those who don't work in SG, they would usually be given 1 year only.
11. Go to Counter 8 - 10 and wait at the waiting area.
(We waited for 20 minutes)
12. Once your queue number is displayed, go to the indicated counter. .
13. At this third counter, give the officer your passport and IPA letter. She will cross check the details before showing you your LTVP (physical card).
Check if your details are correct on your card.
If correct, inform the officer and she will give back your passport and IPA letter.
The entire process took about 50 minutes.
We entered ICA building at 12.40pm, and left at 1.34pm.
P/S: My LTVP FIN is the same as my Work Permit/S Pass FIN.
(We waited for 20 minutes)
12. Once your queue number is displayed, go to the indicated counter. .
13. At this third counter, give the officer your passport and IPA letter. She will cross check the details before showing you your LTVP (physical card).
Check if your details are correct on your card.
If correct, inform the officer and she will give back your passport and IPA letter.
The entire process took about 50 minutes.
We entered ICA building at 12.40pm, and left at 1.34pm.
P/S: My LTVP FIN is the same as my Work Permit/S Pass FIN.
Letter of Consent (LOC)
Remember to inform your HR to apply LOC for you after this!
Due to system limitations, our company might encounter error if they submit LOC application on that day itself.
Due to system limitations, our company might encounter error if they submit LOC application on that day itself.
My HR Executive tried again the next day, and the submission was done without error.
We received LOC approval the following day.
17 Nov - Completed LTVP formalities
18 Nov - Submitted application for LOC
19 Nov - LOC approved
Good Luck!
We received LOC approval the following day.
17 Nov - Completed LTVP formalities
18 Nov - Submitted application for LOC
19 Nov - LOC approved
Good Luck!