Long term visit pass (LTVP)

The most concerning issue of mine when I decided to come to Singapore is my long term stay here.

Having previously visited Singapore thrice for visiting purposes, I was thrice summoned to the immigrant office in the Airport for questioning. Thankfully I wasn't denied entry and was able to proceed for my 30 days social stay.

The fourth and last time in the arrival terminal, I was again denied entry at the airport immigrant counter and was led to the immigrant office again. Thankfully this time I was well prepared. I got my hubby to travel together and I have the printout for the appointment of registration of marriage. Unlike the previous 3 times when I have to sit a few hours each time to wait for clearance, an ordeal which I absolutely do not want to endure again, this time I was granted entry swiftly within 3 minutes of questioning.

That was the first obstacle cleared for being able to enter Singapore. After my solemnization, I applied for my LTVP, the second obstacle. If I am unable to obtain the LTVP, I will not be able to stay long term in Singapore. I have heard horror stories of foreign Spouses not granted LTVP for their stay and has to be separated from their love ones. The wait for the result was around 6 weeks in which I also had my 30 days social pass extended for another month to facilitate the wait.  

There wasn't any clear criteria for obtaining the LTVP. ICA only specify that for me to be granted LTVP,  most importantly, my hubby has to prove to have the ability to feed me. Luckily he is earning enough to qualify and after 6 torturous week of wait, my future in Singapore is decided with the approval of the LTVP which is valid for a year. I went for the routine medical checkup for AIDs and Tuberculosis and proceed to book an appointment with ICA for the verification of documents and LTVP collection.

Everything went smoothly on the day of collection which took an hour and half and I felt so relieve when I held the LTVP in my hands.

Link to ICA webiste for application for LTVP application.

http://www.ica.gov.sg/page.aspx?pageid=175&secid=171