Known for its cultural significance and the swiftly developing economy, Singapore is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Despite its tiny coverage of the area, the country has never left an opportunity to hold its mark on every sector of the economy. With the beautiful beaches, unique islands, lush flora, fantastic hiking trails, vibrant towns, marvellous architecture, art, history, and of course the scrumptious foods featuring multiple-culture influences, you just cannot get enough of Singapore. People from across the world fly overseas to experience and explore a number of unique delights in Singapore that offer memories for a lifetime.
With these comes your requirement of obtaining a Singapore visa. A visa for Singapore is an obligatory requirement that you need to fulfil before entering the country. However, the requirement changes depending on your visa type and nationality. Yes, some countries enlisted in Singapore's visa-free travel category can enter and stay in the country without a visa but only for a specified duration. This means when you are applying for a Singapore visa, you have to check your eligibility for application, your document checklist for a Singapore visa and certain requirements that vary.
In the case of a short-term visa, the duration is quite limited and it only guarantees the holder to arrive in Singapore. This simply means your visa for Singapore only lets you travel to the borders but whether you are eligible to stay is declared by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. They will check your documents, see the qualifications, and finally decide your stay including the duration regardless of the time stated in your visa.
Now, when it comes to Singapore, the given visa duration is always less while you would have to experience more of it. This leads you to extend your Singapore visa. Singapore visa extension is a common query on which most visitors get confused. From how to get it renewed to whether I am eligible for a Singapore visa extension, you must first understand how the extension process works. So, this article covers all the information you need to learn for your Singapore visa extension.
Who can apply for a Singapore visa extension?
The first thing you need to do when applying for a Singapore visa extension is to understand that the Immigration Authority of Singapore binds rules and policies. These ensure that you experience a high-quality tour experience. You can apply for an extension of your Singapore visa in case you comply with the following conditions:
If you have not previously applied for or acquired an extension to your Singapore visa,
If you want to stay in the country for an additional 30 days from the date of entry,
If you no longer have any intention to return to Singapore within 5 days from the departure date of your current journey to Singapore.
If your visit pass-a stamp has at least three working days of validity that is on your arrival card from the submission date. The working days include Monday to Friday, excluding public or national holidays.
How can I apply for a Singapore visa extension?
The extension of your Singapore visa mainly depends on the visa you hold. When you arrive at the Singaporean point of entry, your passport is stamped with a visa that shows the duration provided to stay in the country. Below is a guided details on the types of visa extensions for Singapore:
Singapore visit Pass
Singapore visit pass is issued for tourism, social visit, seeking medical service, etc which is usually short-term visit. You can apply for an online Singapore visa extension for a longer period at the official website of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). You can avail of 30 to 90-day extensions depending on your purpose of visiting Singapore.
Social purpose up to 90 days
For Business purposes up to 30 days
Seeking medical-related services for up to 90 days.
Additionally, the ICA also grants an extension for your Singapore visa for the following purposes:
Female Social Visitor whose child or grandchild is studying in Singapore on a student pass.
Social Visitor asking permission to give birth to a baby in Singapore.
Social Visitor whose spouse is a permanent resident of Singapore (SPR) or a Singapore Citizen (SC).
Social Visitor who is below 21 years of age and his/her parent is a Singapore Citizen (SC) or Singapore permanent resident (SPR).
Social Visitor whose child is above 21 years of age is a Singapore Citizen (SC) or Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR).
Visitors wanting long-term stay in Singapore.
Student Pass
Foreign Students who wish to study in a higher learning institute in Singapore are granted a Student Pass for the full duration of the course. Those who require a Singapore visa extension, that is of their Student Pass, can submit the application through an online Student Pass Portal, SOLAR. This portal can be easily accessed through the ICA website.
Students should include information of their travel documents, Student Pass Card (IMM Form 17A), Student visit pass, and their embarkation/disembarkation card (IMM Form 15A). If the student wishes to seek a longer period of stay to look for job opportunities in Singapore on completion of their courses, they can submit an application for a one-year non-renewable Social Visit Pass Unit with the ICA.
Employment Pass, PEP, Dependent’s Pass, and Entre Pass
The Singapore visa extension for employment categories is far more involved than visit passes. Your Employment Pass renewal or extension form will be sent to the current employing company two months before the expiration date. The application for the renewal should be submitted to the Work Pass Division at least four weeks before the pass expires. Also, each renewal application will be considered for extension based on its own merits.
When you, an employment pass holder, apply to extend your pass, your family members must also renew their Dependent’s Pass. The application for Dependent Pass renewal must be submitted along with or after the Employment Pass renewal application has been submitted.
You can also ask for an early renewal of your Employment and Dependent’s Pass using EP online (EPOL) on the Ministry of Manpower Website (MOM). Alternatively, you can write to the Work Pass Division as mentioned before and request for an early renewal.
For most (80%) regular Employment Pass, Dependent’s Pass, and PEP holders, the EPOL application is processed within seven days excluding weekends and public holidays. However, to process a manual application, it will take at least three weeks.
Please note that the processing time may take longer during peak season or when you have to submit additional information from various economic agencies. The result of your visa extension will be sent to your employer. If your application is approved, an In-Principle Approval Letter is sent to the employer and you can collect your extended passes from the MOM thereafter.
In case of the EntrePass renewal form will be sent to the sponsoring company two months before the expiration date. The renewal applications must be submitted to the Work Pass Division at least four weeks before the date of your visa expiry. Your pass can either be managed online, EPOL or manually.
Conclusion
So, this was all about Singapore visa extension or renewal! When you apply for a Singapore visa, you will be provided a specified duration for your stay. If you wish to stay longer, you have to complete and fulfill the Singapore visa extension process so that you don’t overstay in the country. Remember, overstaying in Singapore is a breach of immigration law and will result in unfavourable circumstances and hefty fines. And that’s why you need to extend your Singapore visa to enjoy a hassle-free stay in Singapore.
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