Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

Citizen Services

Permanent Resident Services

Visitor Services

Student's Pass

Visit Pass

Visa

Info Guides

Home »

FAQs

» Visitor Services

» Student's Pass

Advanced
Search

Search within: ICAWhole of Government ^(beta)

Student's Pass

expand all

collapse all


Approved Private Education Organisations
1.	Who can be a local sponsor?
	Local sponsor is not required for applications submitted from 15 December 2008.

2.	Who can certify true copy of supporting documents?
	The Singapore school that accepts a foreign student would have looked through the student's educational certificate and results transcripts before accepting him/her. Therefore, the school can certify the photocopies of educational certificate and result transcripts. The authorised personnel from the school should sign on the certified copy and endorse the schools stamp on the certified copies. Nonetheless, the foreign student is required to produce the original copies of the certified educational certificates and result transcript at the time of collection of the Student's Pass if he/she is an approved Student's Pass holder (where applicable).

3.	Do PRC applicants taking courses in private schools still need to submit their application to Singapore Embassy in Beijing?
	With the implementation of the Student's Pass On-Line Application And Registration+ (SOLAR+) for private education organizations on 1 Jun 2007, new Student's Pass applications for students from the People's Republic of China (PRC), who are above 19 years old (i.e, passed the 19th birthday), and wish to attend language, commercial, vocational and fine arts non-graduate/postgraduate degree courses [including the University of London (UOL) tuition programmes], will be routed to the Singapore Embassy in Beijing for processing before the applications are routed to ICA for assessment.

4.	What should I do if the outcome of my application has not been updated in SOLAR+ after the general processing time?
	If the outcome of your application has yet been updated in SOLAR+, you may call ICA at 63916100 for enquiries and clarifications.

5.	Must my medical examination be done in Singapore?
	If you are a new applicant and not in Singapore, the medical examination can either be done in your home country or in Singapore by a qualified doctor. However, the medical examination required for subsequent renewal of the Student's Pass must be done in Singapore. The doctor must record and certify the results of the medical examination in the designated medical report form. The medical report should not be issued more than 3 months from the submission date of your application or renewal. If a medical report was submitted to ICA or MOM not more than 2 years from your submission date, there is no need to re-submit a fresh medical report. (The above requirement is not applicable to applicants who are below 15 years old.)

6.	Is the security deposit refundable?
	The security deposit is refundable provided the student has not breached any of the conditions stated in the security bond executed by the student and his/her departure from Singapore is confirmed by ICA.

7.	When can my security deposit be refunded?
	Generally, it takes about 6 weeks to process the refund or release of the cash deposit or banker's guarantee upon the cancellation or expiry of your Student's Pass and/or after the applicant has left Singapore.

8.	Am I allowed to work?
	You are not allowed to engage in any paid employment or in any business, profession or occupation in Singapore during the validity of your Student's Pass unless you: (i) are the holder of a valid work pass issued under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (Cap. 91A); or (ii) are a foreign employee exempted under paragraph 3 of the Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Pass Exemptions) Notification 2007 (G.N. No. S 345/2007). You may wish to refer to the Ministry of Manpower's website - Click here for more details.

9.	How can a prospective student find out if a particular school obtained the CaseTrust for Education award?
	All CaseTrusted PEOs will be listed on CASE website at www.case.org.sg. Alternatively, the prospective student can always contact CASE (Tel: 6461 1800) for further enquiries on the list of CaseTrusted PEOs

10.	How does the CaseTrust for Education affect Student's Pass applications?
	With EDB's launch of the new initiatives under the Education Excellence Framework, from 1 September 2005, all private education organisations will need to be awarded with the CaseTrust for Education to offer school placement for international students. Hence, with effect from 1 September 2005, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority will only accept Student's Pass applications if they are for foreign students who are enrolled in a CaseTrusted institution.

Kindergartens registered with Ministry of Education or Childcare centres licensed by Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS)
1.	Who can be a local sponsor?
	No local sponsor is required for applications submitted from 15 December 2008.

2.	How do I know if ICA has received my application for the Student's Pass after I have deposited my application into the Drop-In-Box?
	ICA will send an acknowledge card to the school or applicant once we received the application for the Student's Pass. If you do not receive our acknowledgement card after 1 week from the date of your submission, you could call ICA at Tel: 63916100 to enquire on the status of the application.

3.	What should I do if I do not hear from ICA after 4 weeks?
	Your school will be informed of the outcome of your Student's Pass application by post as soon as ICA has finalised your case. You may call us at 63916100 for enquiries and clarifications.

4.	How can I check whether a childcare centre is licensed by MCYS?
	You can refer to MCYS's website at this link: http://www.mcys.gov.sg or call its general information line for Family Services at 1800-62585812.

5.	Why are only children enrolled in childcare centres licensed by MCYS eligible for STP?
	Under the Child Care Centres Act and Regulations, which is administered by MCYS, all childcare centres are required to obtain a licence from MCYS before they are allowed to operate in Singapore. Hence application for a Student's Pass may only be submitted for a foreign child to enrol in a childcare centre that has been licensed by MCYS.

6.	Can long-term Visit Pass holders who are mothers of Student's Pass holders enrolled in childcare centres licensed by MCYS work here?
	Visit Pass holders (on a business, social or professional visit, or as a tourist) are strictly not allowed to engage in any form of employment, or in any business, profession or occupation in Singapore during the validity of their Visit Passes. Foreigners who wish to work in Singapore are required to apply for work passes, which come under the purview of the MOM. They may wish to visit MOM's website at http://www.mom.gov.sg or email MOM at mom_hq@mom.gov.sg for more information.

7.	I operate a childcare centre. What should I do to take in foreign children? Is there any telephone no. for me to check?
	Your childcare centre may take in foreign children if it is licensed by MCYS. Student's Pass applications for the foreign children are to be submitted to ICA for consideration, where applicable. Foreign children are here in Singapore on a Dependent's Pass are not required to apply for a Student's Pass to enrol in a childcare centre.

8.	Can I submit Student's Pass applications for nationals from the People's Republic of China for enrolment in childcare centres licensed by MCYS directly to ICA?
	Yes. For more information on the procedure to apply for a Student's Pass, you can find out from this website. Click here. You may call us at 63916100 for enquiries and clarifications

9.	How can a prospective student find out if a particular school obtained the CaseTrust for Education award?
	All CaseTrusted PEOs will be listed on CASE website at www.case.org.sg. Alternatively, the prospective student can always contact CASE (Tel: 6461 1800) for further enquiries on the list of CaseTrusted PEOs

10.	How does the CaseTrust for Education affect Student's Pass applications?
	With EDB's launch of the new initiatives under the Education Excellence Framework, from 1 September 2005, all private education organisations will need to be awarded with the CaseTrust for Education to offer school placement for international students. Hence, with effect from 1 September 2005, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority will only accept Student's Pass applications if they are for foreign students who are enrolled in a CaseTrusted institution.

Local Sponsorship Requirement
1.	Can I sponsor a Student's Pass application in SOLAR+?
	With effect from 15 Dec 2008, ICA will no longer require PEO or individual Singapore Citizen/Permanent Resident (SC/PR) to act as local sponsor (LS) for foreign students who are applying for a Student’s Pass (STP). Once the student has completed and submitted his/her declaration in SOLAR+, the SOLAR+ application will be routed to either “Pending OM” or “Receiving Attention” according to the existing processing rules.

2.	What will happen to those SOLAR+ applications which are “Pending Local Sponsor Submission” in SOLAR+ on 15 Dec 2008?
	On 15 Dec 2008, there will be a one-time update of SOLAR+ applications where those applications with status “Pending Local Sponsor Submission” will be updated to either “Pending OM” or “Receiving Attention” according to the existing processing rules as there is no need for LS from 15 Dec 2008.

3.	If I make an application before 15 Dec 2008 and I receive the IPA letter after 15 Dec 2008, can my LS submit the Security Deposit (SD)?
	As long as your application is made before 15 Dec 2008, ICA will still accept the submission and the SD furnished by the LS. ICA will inform that for subsequent renewal, the student will have to re-furnish a Banker’s Guarantee (BG) and the SD furnished by the LS will be refunded. A discharge letter will be sent to the LS to relinquish his/her LS responsibility.

4.	My LS has furnished a security deposit with ICA for my studies in Singapore. Do I have to re-furnish another SD upon my renewal of Student's Pass?
	In the case of renewal of Student’s Pass, transfer of course, or transfer of school after 15 Dec 2008, ICA will relinquish the PEO or SC/PR sponsor of their LS liability and re-impose the security bond and security deposit on the STP holders themselves, where applicable.

5.	Can I still submit the Security Deposit to Beijing Mission?
	With effect from 15 Dec 2008, all foreign students will have to submit Security Deposit to ICA directly.

6.	If my IPA is expiring and I encounter problems in obtaining a Banker's Guarantee, will ICA consider submission of other forms of Security Deposit such as cash or cashier’s order?
	If you are unable to provide Security Deposit in the form of Banker's Guarantee, you can furnish Security Deposit in the form of cashier’s order or NETs.

7.	How would I go about obtaining a Banker's Guarantee?
	You can approach and seek the assistance of the banks in Singapore to obtain a Banker's Guarantee.

8.	I am completing my course and will be returning to my home country soon. How can I get back my security deposit which I have submitted as a BG?
	ICA will issue a discharge letter to the bank within six weeks upon the student’s departure out of Singapore. You may make prior arrangement with the bank for overseas transfer to your foreign bank account.

Short Course
1.	What are the types of courses that I can attend without applying for a Student's Pass?
	You are exempted from applying for a Student's Pass to take up a short course as long as: (i) It is conducted and completed within the validity of the initial Social Visit Pass granted at the Singapore checkpoint or 30 days, whichever is shorter; (ii) It is a complete and stand-alone module on its own; and (iii) It does not involve hands-on practical occupational training and/or industrial attachment, which has interaction with walk-in customers, or is not conducted at premises that are also the places of business, e.g. hair salons and beauty salons.

2.	What should I do if the validity of my Visit Pass granted at the Singapore checkpoint is not sufficient to cover the whole duration of the course?
	Any extension of stay will be considered on its own merit. If you wish to sign up for longer courses in Singapore, we advise that you apply for a Student's Pass.

3.	If I wish to apply for a course that is longer than the Visit Pass issued to me, may I ask for a Visit Pass with a longer duration?
	If the duration of your course is expected to be longer than the duration of your Visit Pass, you will have to apply for a Student's Pass.

4.	If my Visit Pass granted at the Singapore checkpoint is expiring, can I extend my stay to complete my course?
	You are advised to make your plans early if you wish to take up long-term studies in Singapore. It would be prudent to sign up for a course that is within the validity of the initial Visit Pass granted at the checkpoint as any extension of stay would be considered on its own merit. If your course is longer than 30 days or the validity of your Visit Pass (whichever is shorter), the appropriate avenue for longer courses will be to apply for a Student's Pass.

5.	Upon completion of a short course in Singapore, can I extend my stay to take up another course?
	You are advised to make your plans early if you wish to take up long-term studies or multiple short courses unless these multiple short courses can be completed within the stipulated timeframe. This is because any extension of stay will have to be considered on its own individual merits. The appropriate avenue for longer courses would be to apply for a Student's Pass.

6.	Can my entry to Singapore be guaranteed if I produce my school's placement letter to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority officer at the checkpoint?
	Visitors to Singapore need to satisfy the following requirements before they can be considered for entry: (i) passport valid for at least 6 months; (ii) confirmed onward/return tickets; (iii) sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Singapore; (iv) visa, if applicable; and (v) entry facilities, including visas to their onward destinations. The grant of entry to visitors will be determined by the ICA officers at the Singapore checkpoints.

7.	I am a Malaysian who has signed up for a cooking course. The class is conducted once per week over a period of two months. Do I need to apply for a Student's Pass since the total lessons that I am going to attend is less than 30 days?
	It would be prudent to sign up for a course that can be completed within the validity of the Visit Pass granted at the checkpoint. Any extension of stay is considered on its own merit.

8.	Will my Visit Pass be extended if I want to stay in Singapore to look for a job after completing my 30-day course?
	You may apply for an extension of stay at our Visitor Services Centre at 4th Storey, ICA Building at 10 Kallang Road Singapore 208718 (next to the Lavender MRT station). Each application will be assessed on its own merit.

9.	I am interested to sign up for a course with a registered training school to acquire hairdressing skill. The course is less than 30 days and the trainees are required to have hands-on practice during training. Do I need to apply for a Student's Pass
	If the course involves hands-on practical occupational training and/or industrial attachment, which has interaction with walk-in customers, or is conducted at premises that are also the places of business, e.g. hair salons and beauty salons, you are required to apply for a training pass at the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

10.	I have an acceptance letter from a registered training school to take a make-up course. The course takes three weeks or 21 days to complete, but I am given only a 14-day Visit Pass at the Woodlands Checkpoint. What should I do?
	It would be prudent to sign up for a course that can be completed within the validity period of the initial Visit Pass granted at the checkpoint as any extension of stay is considered on its own merit. If the course involves hands-on practical occupational training and/or industrial attachment, which has interaction with walk-in customers, or is conducted at premises that are also the places of business, you are required to apply for a training pass at the MOM.

11.	Is there any quota on the number of times I can attend short courses in Singapore without applying for a Student's Pass within a year?
	There is no quota. Your entry into Singapore is nevertheless subjected to the prevailing immigration entry requirements as follows: (i) passport valid for at least 6 months; (ii) confirmed onward/return tickets; (iii) sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Singapore; (iv) visa, if applicable; and (v) entry facilities, including visas to their onward destinations. The grant of a Visit Pass to visitors will be determined by the ICA officers at the Singapore checkpoints.

Government/Government-Aided/Independent Schools
1.	What is SOLAR+?
	Student’s Pass Online Application & Registration (SOLAR+), is an e-Service initiative that allows schools and international students to apply for a Student's Pass (STP) electronically.

2.	Why is the SOLAR+ being introduced to international students studying in Government, Government-aided and Independent (GOV) schools?
	Since 2003, ICA has progressively introduced the online application e-Service for international students studying in Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), Private Education Organisations (PEOs), kindergartens registered with the Ministry of Education (MOE)/childcare centres licensed by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) (KID), Foreign System Schools (FSS) as well as the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) to apply for a STP electronically. It is now timely for ICA (in collaboration with MOE) to introduce this e-Service to international students applying for a STP in GOV Schools so that they will also be able to enjoy the convenience of this facility.

3.	When is the full launch of SOLAR+ for GOV schools?
	With effect from 2 November 2009 (Tue), all international students applying to study in GOV Schools will be required to submit their applications online via SOLAR+. Dependent’s Pass and Immigration Exemption Order holders studying in GOV schools are exempted from applying for a STP.

4.	What are the benefits of applying for student's pass using Solar+?
	As SOLAR+ is an online system, international students and local sponsors can login to SOLAR+ to submit their electronic application forms anytime, anywhere in the comfort of their home. They will save a trip to ICA Building for submission of the application forms. Both the international student and local sponsor can check the status of their application 24/7. Instead of waiting for an approval letter to be delivered by post, they can now print the outcome letter online. With e-Appointment system for collection of STP, they can better manage their time and book an appointment that best suits their schedule.

5.	Q5: With the introduction of SOLAR+ to international students applying to study in GOV schools, what are the likely changes expected at ICA?
	The public can expect less crowd at ICA Building as they need only make one trip to ICA for collection of STP. Furthermore, with the e-Appointment system, they can also expect shorter waiting time as the arrival of customers is spread evenly throughout the days. Also ICA will cease both its counter and deposit box services at ICA Building Level 4, which are currently available for accepting GOV schools applications.

6.	How can an international student submit an application via SOLAR+?
	The International student must be first registered as a student by the GOV school in SOLAR+. With the SOLAR+ registration reference number, the student will be able to login to SOLAR+ to complete the application forms (i.e. Form 16 on Student’s Details and V103 on Student’s Parents Details) and forward the application electronically to his/her local sponsor. The local sponsor, a Singaporean or Singapore Permanent Resident, will then login to SOLAR+ using his/her SingPass to sponsor the STP application and submit it to ICA for processing.

7.	Will there be any changes in the processing time with the introduction of SOLAR+?
	The normal processing time for a STP application is 5 full working days provided the application forms are duly completed. However, some applications may take longer and processing time may be extended during peak periods.

8.	I do not have a SingPass to login to SOLAR+. How do I apply for a SingPass?
	We have provided a hyperlink in our SOLAR+ page to facilitate the application of SingPass. For more information on the application for SingPass, please refer to the Singpass website

9.	What are the documents that I need to produce in order to collect my Student’s Pass?
	Successful applicant must bring along the In-principle Approval (IPA) letter and the relevant documents as stated in the IPA to collect the Student's pass(STP). Applicant must make an appointment with ICA prior to reporting to ICA for the collection of the STP. You may wish to make an appointment to meet us using our e-service e-Appointment.

10.	How can I get a copy of the In-Principle Approval(IPA) letter?
	Foreign students will have to approach their local sponsors to print the IPA letter from SOLAR+ directly.

Polytechnics and Universities
1.	How do I submit the Student's Pass application via the SOLAR system?
	The applicant will have to log on to the SOLAR system from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website with your assigned SOLAR application number obtainable from your respective Institute of Higher Learning and your personal particulars. Once you have logged on to the system, you may proceed to complete the Student's Pass application form (Form 16) and submit the application online to ICA for processing.

2.	What is the processing time for applications submitted through SOLAR?
	Student's Pass applications submitted via SOLAR are processed in 3 working days for foreigners who do not required visa to enter Singapore. For foreigners who require a visa to enter Singapore, the processing time is 10 working days. Some applications may take a longer time to process.

3.	Must my medical examination be done in Singapore?
	If you are a new applicant and not in Singapore, the medical examination can either be done in your home country or in Singapore by a qualified doctor. However, the medical examination required for subsequent renewal of the Student's Pass must be done in Singapore. The doctor must record and certify the results of the medical examination in the designated medical report form. The medical report should not be issued more than 3 months from the submission date of your application or renewal. If a medical report was submitted to ICA or MOM not more than 2 years from your submission date, there is no need to re-submit a fresh medical report. (The above requirement is not applicable to applicants who are below 15 years old.)

4.	How do I collect my Student's Pass?
	Upon the approval of your Student's Pass application, you will receive an In-Principle Approval letter through your respective Institute of Higher Learning. After you have arrived in Singapore, you may then arrange to collect your Student's Pass in person or through your respective Institute of Higher Learning at the Visitor Services Centre, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority. To collect the Student's Pass, you need to produce the In-Principle Approval letter, your original travel document showing you have valid stay in Singapore, the white Embarkation/Disembarkation card (which you will complete on arrival in Singapore), results of your medical examination certified in the designated medical report together with the laboratory report, Student's Pass and visa fee as well as a hard copy of your electronic Student's Pass application Form 16 duly signed by you. Your Student's Pass will be issued if the conditions as stipulated in the In-Principal Approval letter are fulfilled.

5.	Can I sponsor my spouse and child for a Social Visit Pass?
	Upon your submission of a Social Visit Pass application to the Visitor Services Centre of ICA, a 6-month Social Visit Pass may be considered for your spouse and child if your Institute of Higher Learning is sponsoring your application. All applications are considered on its own merits

6.	Are foreign undergraduates of Polytechnics and Universities allowed to work?
	Full time undergraduates of Polytechnics and Universities are allowed to work part-time of up to 16 hours per week during school term and work full time during vacation as the Ministry of Manpower has exempted them from applying for work permits. There is no necessity to obtain any permission from the Student's Liaison/Affairs Office of their respective Polytechnics and Universities.

Replacement of Lost Student's Pass Cards
1.	What should I do if I have lost my Student's Pass Cards?
	Foreign students who have lost their Student's Pass and/or the Visit Pass and Disembarkation/Embarkation card are required to apply for a replacement within 7 days from the date of loss. A statutory declaration or a police report is required. To make a statutory declaration, the student is required to call in person at ICA Student's Pass unit. If the student is unable to call personally at ICA, a proxy can apply for the replacement on behalf of the student by furnishing an original police report and a letter of authorisation from the student, authorising him/her to submit and collect the Student's Pass on behalf of the student. The following documents are required: (a) Valid travel document and a photocopy of the personal particulars page; (b) A letter from the school stating that the applicant is currently a registered student; (c) Form 16 duly completed and signed by the student; (d) A statutory declaration signed by the student before an ICA officer OR a police report (original copy); (e) Proof of identity of the proxy (original and photocopy) (f) A letter from the student authorising a proxy to submit the application and collect the passes on behalf of the student. Students applying for the replacement cards should proceed to the self-service ticketing kiosk 1 on the 4th floor of ICA Building to obtain a 'Application (STP)' queue ticket. This service is available from 8.00am to 4.30pm from Monday to Friday and 8.00am to 12.30pm on Saturday (except public holiday). The processing time is 2 weeks for first time replacement and 4 weeks for second or subsequent losses.

If you are unable to find an answer to your query, please click here to let us know how we can help you.

Last updated on 01 February, 2010