Long-Term Visit Pass for Parents of Singapore Permanent Residents 2023

Key Facts

• There is no required minimum salary for Singapore PRs to sponsor LTVP for parents.
• Aside from parents, Singapore PR can apply LTVP for their spouse and unmarried children.
• With effect from 27th February 2023, successful applicants will receive a digital LTVP instead of a physical LTVP card.

Singapore is known for its multiculturalism and family-oriented culture. For parents of Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs), being able to stay with their children and grandchildren in Singapore for an extended period is essential.

The solution? A Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP). The LTVP is a renewable pass that allows elderly parents of PRs to stay in Singapore for up to two years, with the option to extend the validity period afterwards.

This article will discuss everything you need to know about the eligibility criteria, application process, and potential challenges of obtaining an LTVP for your parents in Singapore.

Benefits Of LTVP For Parents Of Singapore PRs

1. Longer Duration Of Stay

Typically, foreign visitors are only allowed 30-90 days (depending on their nationality) to stay in Singapore. But with the LTVP, parents of PRs can reside in Singapore for up to two years, with the option to renew.

A longer stay provides a better opportunity for parents of Singapore PRs to spend more time with their children and grandchildren here.

Requirements To Get LTVP For Parents

As a Singapore Permanent Resident or Singapore citizen aged above 21 years old, you can sponsor your parents a Long-Term Visit Pass. You can apply for LTVP online through the e-service on the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s (ICA) website.

Although there is no minimum salary required for a Singapore PR to apply LTVP for their parents, it is recommended that you have stable employment and income for the application to be successful. The ICA would want to know that you can financially support your parents here.

Your parents must be physically present in Singapore at the time of the LTVP application (on a social visit pass).

Note: Your parent(s)-in-law are NOT eligible to apply for an LTVP under your sponsorship.

Documents Required For LTVP Application For Parents

Like most online immigration applications, you must upload documents such as valid passport details complete with a foreign identification number, personal details and birth certificates. To apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass application, prepare your parent’s particulars and a copy of your birth certificate with proof of your parent’s names.

Other documents like vaccination records and translated documents (for non-English documents) would also be needed.

Ensure you fill-up the LTVP application form on ICA’s e-service portal with the correct information.

The LTVP Application Processing Time And Fees

You can expect a non-refundable processing fee of S$30 for each application (one application is only for one family member).

The processing time for an LTVP application may take up to six weeks, provided all required documents are in place.

While waiting for the application status, applicants are advised to wait for ICA’s updates rather than contacting ICA to enquire about the status of the LTVP application.

The ICA may or may not request additional documents during the processing period. You and your parents could be called up for an interview during this time. This is purely at the discretion of the ICA and is only done if they see such a requirement.

LTVP Completion Of Formalities And Issuance

Receiving an in-principle approval (IPA) letter would mean you are a step closer to officially getting LTVP for your parent! You and your parent must do the actions as required in the LTVP Completion of Formalities process, including a medical check-up (if needed).

Medical check-up with ATA Medical | ATA MedicalThe IPA letter will give you a list of photocopied and original documents to prepare. For instance, in the case of parents, your parents’ passport biodata page, birth certificate, disembarkation/embarkation card and the most recent passport-sized photograph.

The applicant must adhere to the specifications given for the photograph and be taken within the last three months. As a sponsor, you must also bring your national identification card.

Sometimes, you may need to pay a security deposit supporting an LTVP Pass for Parents of SPR. It will also be indicated in the IPA, along with the amount and method of payment.

Completing Long-Term Visit Pass formalities is very important as failure to complete them within the issue date will risk the application being withdrawn.

Once all is in order, the LTVP applicant will soon be issued a digital LTVP.

Since February 2023, ICA will be issuing digital LTVPs instead of collecting physical LTVP cards at the ICA building.

Sample of how a digital LTVP looks like on the SingPass app | ICA

Who Else Is Eligible For An LTVP?

Aside from applying LTVP for parents, a Singapore Permanent Resident can also sponsor LTVP for the following family members:

• Legally married spouse (who is a foreigner).
• Legally unmarried or adopted foreign child under 21 years old.

Depending on the family member you are sponsoring, you must submit the documents accordingly. For instance, you must have an official marriage certificate to sponsor LTVP for your legal spouse.

Challenges Of Obtaining LTVP For Parents

The main challenge for Singapore PRs to get LTVP for their parents is having a decent financial buoy that is good for the family.

Despite not having the minimum salary requirement, Singapore PRs must plan accordingly.

The ICA may only accept the LTVP application if you can demonstrate your (or your parent’s) ability to support the family financially.

To add, LTVP holders are not entitled to medical subsidies like Singapore PRs and Singapore citizens.

Whilst a Singapore PR can use his MediSave to pay some of the medical expenses of his parents, he would need to consider purchasing comprehensive health coverage to protect his parents from paying huge hospitalisation bills.

Can Work Pass Holders Apply LTVP For Parents?

Yes, a work pass holder (anyone holding on to an S Pass, Employment Pass (EP), Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), Entrepreneur Pass (Entre Pass) or Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass) can apply LTVP for their parents. However, he needs to earn at least S$12,000 per month to do so.

A foreigner with a work pass cannot apply for the LTVP himself. He will need his employer or appointed employment agent (EA) to assist in the LTVP application for his parents.

Conclusion About LTVP For Parents

While the application process for a long-term visit pass is less complicated than applying for a Singapore Permanent Residence application, it is common to see many applications being rejected by the ICA due to a sheer lack of knowledge about the application process and the documents required.

The Immigration People is here to assist you with your LTVP for aged parents, spouses or children if you encounter difficulties or rejection!