Singapore has revealed a major change in policy that will simplify the process for international students seeking permanent residency (PR) and for male guardians to provide for their children while they study.
This decision is anticipated to help numerous students who want to establish lasting roots in the nation.
New pathways for permanent residency
International students with a student pass can now be eligible for PR under the new guidelines if they have finished one national examination or are in an integrated program.
In the past, students were required to complete a minimum of two years of studying in Singapore before they could apply for PR.
The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) and the General Certificate of Education (GCE) N/O/A Levels are considered as the qualifying national exams.
Students who are eligible must have finished a six-year integrated program, which can include the GCE A-Level, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, or NUS High School Diploma.
Changes to guardian visas
In a significant development, the Singapore government has broadened the qualification criteria for the Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) to encompass male caretakers, like fathers or grandfathers, of students enrolled on a student pass.
Before, only women as guardians were eligible for the LTVP, but now this modification allows guardians of any gender to accompany and assist their children during their schooling in Singapore.
Student pass and long-term visit pass details
International students in Singapore who are enrolled in full-time programs are required to have a student pass, unless they possess a valid dependent pass, long-term visit pass, or short-term visit pass. The LTVP can be obtained by parents of Singapore citizens or PRs, as well as by graduates from higher education institutions who are searching for jobs in Singapore.
Application process
In order to request a student pass, students need to be enrolled in a recognized full-time program. Courses that are part-time or offered in the evenings/weekends are not eligible.
Students who hold a Long-Term Visit Pass, Dependent Pass, or Immigration Exemption Order are not required to have a student pass if their existing pass is still valid.
Nonetheless, should their current pass expire or be revoked while studying, they are required to request a student pass in order to proceed with their education.
These adjustments show Singapore’s dedication to drawing in and keeping international skilled individuals. Singapore is enhancing its reputation as a top choice for international students and their families by streamlining the PR application process and increasing assistance for guardians.
