Singapore Student Visa Guide for International Students

Singapore is a popular destination for international students due to its world-class education system and diverse cultural experiences. However, obtaining a student visa can be a daunting task for many. From the application process to the required documents, there are several steps that need to be followed to ensure a smooth and successful visa application. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining a student visa in Singapore.

Types of Student Visas in Singapore

To qualify for the Singapore Students Visa applicants are required to meet certain eligibility criteria. Here is a list of it:

1. You need a valid passport and a full-time, non- religious course acceptance for the Singapore Study Visa application. 
2. The students must be 14+ years of age at the time of application
3. Students must meet English proficiency, provide necessary documents, and follow working conditions with a Student Pass.
4. A duly submitted online application through ICA’s SOLAR system one month before the semester starts, and include all necessary documents in English or with an official translation.

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Eligibility Requirements for Singapore Student Visa

To qualify for a student visa in Singapore, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, including:

1. To apply for a Singapore Student Visa, you need a valid passport, full-time course acceptance, and be 14+ years old.
2. Meet English proficiency, provide necessary documents, and follow working conditions with a Student Pass.
3. Submit an online application through ICA’s SOLAR system one month before the semester starts, and include all necessary documents in English or with an official translation.
4. Application must be submitted no earlier than two months, and you must meet working conditions with a Student Pass, including being enrolled in an approved learning institution and being able to work full-time during vacations.

Also check out the information on Canada Student Visa and German Student Visa for international students.

How to Apply for a Singapore Student Visa?

The following steps are usually involved in the application process for a student visa to study in Singapore:

• Online Application: Submit an online application through the Student’s Pass Online Application & Registration (SOLAR) system by ICA or the institution’s designated portal. Apply Now.
• Payment of Fees: Pay the required visa processing fees. Depending on the institution and kind of visa, different costs may apply
• Issuance of IPA letter: On Successful application, an IPA letter is issued based on which, the students are required to fulfill the given requirements like medical checkups, security deposits, etc. 
• Travel to Singapore: Your IPA is your ticket to Singapore, which will help you get a visit pass at the Immigration point in Singapore
• Make an Appointment: Make an online appointment to visit the ICA building for completion of further formalities. Your school may also arrange for the same at an offsite location. 
• Biometrics: As a final step, submit your biometrics (fingerprint and photo) at your designated location.
• Wait for Approval: Wait for the application to be processed. You will receive an email providing information on the digital student’s pass.
• Visa Collection: Upon approval, download the e- Student Pass from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) or check on the FileSG website. 

Cost of Singapore Student Visa

The Singapore student visa cost varies depending on the type of visa and the institution. The payment is to be made in two stages through the available payment modes. Additionally, students may need to budget for other expenses such as medical examinations and biometric fees. Here is a summary:

• Processing Fee: SGD 30 (non-refundable)- to be paid at the time of application
• Issuance Fee: SGD 60 for each student pass issued.- on successful application 
• Multiple-Entry Fee: SGD 30 for re-entry during the academic period.

Documents Required for Student Visa

Following are the documents checklist you should have in order to fulfill the criteria for Singapore Student Visa requirement:

• Completed visa application form.
• Passport-size photographs.
• Passport with at least six months validity.
• Letter of acceptance from the educational institution/ Letter of Recommendation
• Duly completed Form 14A signed by you.
• Academic transcripts and certificates.
• Proof of financial ability (bank statements, scholarship letters, etc.).
• Medical examination report (if required).
• A completed Form V39A (Letter of Introduction for Visa Application (LOI))/ SOP
• Travel itinerary.
• Any additional documents specified by the institution or immigration authorities.

Singapore Student Visa Processing Time

 A new Singapore Student Visa application is processed within one month generally excluding the day of submission, weekends and holidays. However, it is processed within two weeks for EduTrust accredited Private Education Institution. The Renew/ Transfer Visa application may take up to one week to be processed (excluding the date of submission). Some visa applications may take a little longer to process because of some documentation issues and hence it’s advisable to apply well in advance of the intended course start date to avoid any delays.

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HOW TO CHECK SINGAPORE STUDENT VISA STATUS

After obtaining your application reference number, you can book an e- appointment on the official website of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) or login to MyICAto check the status of your student visa. Follow the given steps:

• Go to the official website of ICA
• Click on the e- services and Forms and and move forward with ‘Apply Entry Visa’
• Click on ‘Enquiry Application Status’ and feed in your Visa Reference Number and Travel Document Number

You will get the latest updates related to your study visa for Singapore. You can follow similar steps to get an e-copy of your student Visa when issued.

Where to Apply for Singapore Student Visa

The Singapore Student Visa process must be submitted online to ICA through the Student’s Pass Online Application & Registration (SOLAR) system. The Singapore Consulate- General no longer accepts individual applications, hence, you will need the help of an Authorized Visa Agent to navigate you through the entire application process.

Student Visa Interview

You get the In- Principle approval letter by the ICA (Immigration and Checkpoints Authority) upon successful application of the student visa. And, if you meet all the requirements specified in the letter, the rules for Singapore study visa does not require you to attend an interview to get your Student Visa. However, if you are a PRC (People’s Republic of China) citizen above 19 years of age, you may be required to attend the visa interview at the Embassy for admissions to certain courses.

IS IELTS REQUIRED FOR SINGAPORE STUDENT VISA

IELTS is not mandatory for Singapore Student Visa application as several Universities in Singapore offer foundational and preparatory courses for students which do not require an IELTS score for admissions. There are other alternative tests and requirements that students may possess that can exempt them from taking IELTS tests for Visa. For more details on How to Study in Singapore without IELTS, Click here.

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