New Long-Term Visit Pass Scheme (LTVP+)
From 1 April 2012, the Government will introduce a new scheme to help Singaporean families with foreign spouses. This new scheme, known as the Long-Term Visit Pass-Plus (or LTVP+), will provide foreign spouses of Singapore citizens who qualify, with greater certainty of stay here by granting the holder a longer period of residency. LTVP+ holders will also be eligible for healthcare and employment benefits.
2. Couples who have at least one Singaporean child from their marriage will be eligible to apply for the LTVP+. For those without a Singapore Citizen child, ICA will look at other factors such as the duration of marriage, and will in general consider more favourably those who have been married for at least three years.
3. LTVP+ holders will be eligible for a longer period of residency in Singapore. The LTVP+ will be for a duration of three years in the first instance and will be for up to five years for each subsequent renewal. LTVP+ holders will enjoy healthcare subsidies for inpatient services at restructured hospitals, which will currently be set at a level close to that for Permanent Residents. In addition, we will make it easier for LTVP+ holders to seek work here. Their prospective employer will apply to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for a Letter of Consent (LOC), instead of an Employment/S Pass or Work Permit, for them. LTVP+ holders who are issued with LOCs will not be counted against the foreign worker quota of their employers. Their employers are also not required to pay foreign workers’ levy for them.
4. The new LTVP+ scheme seeks to provide more assistance to Singapore families with foreign spouses. The number of marriages between Singapore citizens and foreigners has been on an increasing trend. In 2010, among the 20,273 marriages involving at least one Singapore citizen, 30 per cent were between a Singapore citizen and a foreigner (excluding Permanent Residents). This is an increase from 23 per cent in 2000.
5. Foreign spouses can continue to apply for Singapore Citizenship or Permanent Residence (PR) status. They will be granted SC or PR if they meet the respective criteria. Those who are not yet eligible for SC or PR can apply for LTVP. With effect from 1 April 2012, they can also apply for an LTVP+ status which comes with more benefits.
6. For more information on the LTVP+ scheme, please visit the ICA website at www.ica.gov.sg. You can also email ICA at: [email protected].
LONG-TERM VISIT PASS - PLUS (LTVP+)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(A) LTVP+ Application
Q1: Why is the Long-Term Visit Pass - Plus (LTVP+) being introduced?
A1: The number of marriages between Singapore Citizens (SC) and foreigners has been on an increasing trend since 2000. In 2010, 30 per cent of 20,273 marriages involving at least one SC were between a SC and a foreigner (excluding Permanent Residents). This is up from 23 per cent in 2000.
The LTVP+ is introduced to help SC families with foreign spouses. It provides foreign spouses of SCs who qualify, greater certainty of stay by allowing the holder a longer period of residency. LTVP+ holders will also enjoy healthcare and employment benefits. The LTVP+ will be implemented on 1 April 2012.
Q2: Who is eligible for the LTVP+? Do all foreign spouses of Singapore citizens qualify for LTVP+?
A2: Couples who have at least one child who is a Singapore Citizen from their marriage will be eligible to apply for the LTVP+. For those without an SC child, we will look at other factors such as duration of marriage, and will in general consider more favourably those who have been married for at least three years. Each application will be considered on its own merits. Other factors that we consider include the ability of the sponsor to financially support the family, and good conduct of both the sponsor and the applicant.
Q3: What is the difference between LTVP and LTVP+ in terms of benefits?
A3: Both LTVP and LTVP+ allow the holder to have long-term stay in Singapore. The LTVP+ has a longer period of residency and comes with additional employment benefits and healthcare subsidies.
Q4: What benefits does the LTVP+ entail?
A4: LTVP+ comes with a longer validity, three years in the first instance and up to five years for subsequent renewals. LTVP+ holders will also enjoy employment benefits and be accorded healthcare subsidies for inpatient services at the Restructured Hospitals. These subsidies for in-patient healthcare services will currently be set at a level close to that for Permanent Residents.
Q5: How do I go about submitting the application for LTVP+?
A5: There is no separate application for LTVP+. Foreign spouses of SCs who submit applications for LTVP would automatically be considered for LTVP+ if they are eligible. For information on how to apply for LTVP/LTVP+, please refer to the ICA website at www.ica.gov.sg
Q6: My foreign spouse is currently on LTVP. Will she be given LTVP+ automatically or upgraded to LTVP+ if she qualifies?
A6: If your spouse is currently holding LTVP and meets the eligibility criteria for LTVP+, she will be considered for LTVP+ upon her next LTVP renewal. However, if your spouse wishes to be considered for a LTVP+ before the next renewal, she may submit a fresh application for consideration. The relevant processing fee and issuance fee (if applicable) would apply.
Q7: I have just submitted my application for LTVP for my spouse before this announcement. Do I have to re-submit an application for LTVP+? Or will my spouse be automatically considered for LTVP+?
A7: Applications submitted from 1 Feb 2012 would be automatically considered for LTVP+.
Q8: My foreign spouse is currently pregnant. Is she eligible to apply for LTVP+?
A8: Yes. She is eligible to apply for LTVP+.
Q9: If my foreign spouse is unable to get a LTVP+, can he/she continue to stay in Singapore?
A9: All foreigners must have a valid pass to remain in Singapore. The foreign spouse of a Singapore Citizen who is not eligible for the LTVP+ may be considered for the LTVP which allows the spouse to stay in Singapore.
Q10: Can I sponsor my parents or in-laws for LTVP+? How about my children?
A10: No. Parents, Parents-in-law or children are not eligible for LTVP+. The LTVP+ is only for spouses of Singapore Citizens.
Q11: What is the validity period for the LTVP+?
A11: LTVP+ holders can enjoy a period of residency of three years in the first instance, and up to five years for each subsequent renewal.
Q12: Is there any cost involved for the LTVP+ card? Is the LTVP+ card more expensive than the normal LTVP card?
A12: There is an application fee of $30. If your application for LTVP+ is successful, you will need to pay $60 for the LTVP+ card and an additional $30 if a visa is required. This is the same as the current fees for LTVP.
Q13: What is the processing time for the LTVP+ application?
A13: Generally, it takes up to six weeks to process an LTVP+ application.
Q14: How do I check the status of my application for LTVP+?
A14: You may check the status of your application for LTVP+ using iEnquiry (https://ienquiry.ica.gov.sg).
Q15: My foreign spouse and I registered our marriage overseas and our marriage certificate is issued by the foreign authority. Is our marriage certificate recognised for my spouse’s application for LTVP+?
A15: Yes, the marriage certificate issued by an authorised foreign body is recognised for your foreign spouse’s application for LTVP+.
Q16: My foreign spouse and I have undergone a customary marriage overseas three years ago. Is our marital status recognised for my spouse’s application for LTVP+?
A16: So long as you are able to show proof that your marriage is recognised in the foreign country where you had undergone your customary marriage, ICA will consider the application.
Q17: I am a foreign widow of a Singaporean and have a young Singaporean child. Am I eligible to apply for LTVP+?
A17: Yes, you are eligible to apply for LTVP+.
Q18: I am the foreign spouse of a Singaporean. I have been married for three years and have a Singaporean child from the marriage. What other criteria must I or my Singaporean spouse satisfy before I can be granted a LTVP+?
A18: Other factors that we consider include the ability of the sponsor to financially support the family, and good conduct of both the sponsor and the applicant.
Q19: Is the LTVP+ a pre-requisite for getting Singapore Permanent Residence (SPR)?
A19: LTVP+ is not a pre-requisite for the application of Singapore Permanent Residence (SPR).
Q20: I am a PR in Singapore. Is my foreign wife eligible to apply for LTVP+?
A20: No. The privilege of sponsoring a foreign spouse for LTVP+ is only applicable to Singapore citizens.
Q21: My child is born overseas and is currently on a Visit Pass/ Student Pass. Is my foreign spouse eligible for LTVP+?
A21: Couples who have at least one child who is a Singapore Citizen from their marriage will be eligible to apply for the LTVP+. For those without an SC child, we will look at other factors such as duration of marriage, and will in general consider more favourably those who have been married for at least three years.
Q22: I am the foreign spouse of a Singapore citizen and I am holding a valid work pass at the moment. I wish to apply for the LTVP+. How do I do so?
A22: Foreign spouses of Singapore citizens who are on valid work passes and want to be considered for an LTVP+ should submit their applications over the counter at the Visitor Services Centre, 4th floor, ICA Building. For information on LTVP+ application, please visit www.ica.gov.sg or email ICA at : [email protected].
(B) Employment Benefits
Q23: I am an LTVP+ holder. What is the appropriate work pass that I should apply for?
A23: As an LTVP+ holder, your prospective employer will have to apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). You can start work only when your LOC application is approved by MOM.
Q24: What is an “LOC”?
A24: The “LOC” stands for a Letter of Consent. This is a letter issued by MOM to acknowledge and give approval to LTVP+ holders to take up employment in Singapore.
Q25: Who should be submitting the LOC application?
A25: The company that is planning to employ you in Singapore has to submit the LOC application via MOM’s Employment Pass Online (EPOL) portal.
Q26: Is there an administrative fee for a LOC application?
A26: There is no administrative fee imposed on a LOC application.
Q27: What is the LOC duration if approved?
A27: The duration granted is based on the request indicated by the prospective employer in the LOC application, or up to the LTVP+ expiry date.
Q28: Is the LOC issued in the form of a secure card?
A28: No, the LOC is issued in the form of a letter to both the employer and the LTVP+ holder.
Q29: Is the LOC renewable?
A29: Yes, the LOC is renewable for so long as you hold a LTVP+ that has at least three months’ validity.
Q30: Can an LTVP+ holder apply for multiple LOCs?
A30: No, an LTVP+ holder can only hold one employment and one LOC at any point in time.
Q31: As an LTVP+ holder, can I set up a business by applying for an LOC?
A31: No, the LOC is not meant for LTVP+ holders to set up his or her own business. It is for him or her to be working as an employee for a locally-registered company in Singapore.
Q32: I am an LTVP holder and not an LTVP+ holder, Can I apply for an LOC if I intend to work in Singapore?
A32: As an LTVP holder, your employer would need to apply for the relevant workpass, eg. an Employment Pass, S pass or a work permit if you intend to work in Singapore.
Q33: I intend to switch jobs and work for a new employer. Must I cancel my existing LOC before my prospective employer submits a fresh LOC application on my behalf?
A33: If you no longer wish to work for your current employer, you are advised to give notice in writing to your current employer. The notice period shall be in accordance with what was stated in your contract of service. Your current employer must cancel your existing LOC before your prospective employer submits a fresh LOC application on your behalf via MOM’s EPOL portal.
Q34: I am a valid work pass holder and my husband is a Singapore Citizen. Will I have to cancel my work pass before applying for LTVP+?
A34: No, there is no need for you to do so. If your LTVP+ application is approved, your work pass will only be cancelled when you report to ICA to collect the LTVP+ card.
Q35: I am an existing work pass holder and my application for LTVP+ is successful. I understand my work pass will be cancelled once I collect my LTVP+ from ICA. Can I continue with my employment in the interim before my employer obtains a LOC for me from MOM?
A35: When you report to ICA to collect your LTVP+, ICA will issue you a temporary approval letter on behalf of MOM allowing you to work for one month from the issuance date of your LTVP+. If your employer would like to continue employing you, he would need to submit and obtain an LOC for you from MOM before the one-month temporary approval expires.
Q36: Is the employer required to cancel the LOC if the LTVP+ holder leaves the company?
A36: Yes, the employer has to cancel the LOC within seven days after the LTVP+ holder leaves the company.
Q37: Is there a quota on the number of LTVP+ holders that a company can employ?
A37: There is no quota on the number of LTVP+ holders a company can hire as long as the LTVP+ holders are issued with a valid LOC. LTVP+ holders issued with LOC will not be counted against the foreign worker quota of their employers
Q38: Must the company pay foreign worker levy to hire LTVP+ holders on LOC?
A38: There is no foreign worker levy imposed for hiring LTVP+ holders.
Q39: My company intends to employ an LTVP+ holder. We submitted an S pass application via MOM’s EPOL portal instead of an LOC application. What should we do to rectify the situation?
A39: Your company should withdraw the S pass application via MOM’s EPOL portal and then submit an LOC application.
Q40: What is the processing time for an LOC application?
A40: The processing time for an LOC application is about one week.
For information about Letters of Consent for LTVP+ holders, please visit www.mom.gov.sg or call the MOM general enquiries line at (65) 6438 5122.
(C) Healthcare Benefits
Q41: What are the healthcare subsidies that LTVP+ holders are eligible for?
A41: LTVP+ holders are eligible for healthcare subsidies for inpatient services only at Restructured Hospitals and institutions (RHIs). The levels of inpatient subsidy will depend on the choice of ward class, and will be similar to the corresponding subsidy levels for Permanent Resident (PR) patients. LTVP+ holders are, however, not eligible for subsidies for day surgery, specialist outpatient clinics (SOCs) and polyclinics services.
Subsidy Levels for LTVP+ Holders (as at 1 March 2012)
Type of Ward Class/Service
Maximum Subsidy Levels
Singapore Citizens
Permanent Residents
LTVP+ Holders
Class A
0%
0%
0%
Class B1
20%
10%
10%
Class B2+
50%
30%
30%
Class B2
65%
45%
45%
Class C
80%
60%
60%
Day Surgery
50%
45%
No subsidy
Specialist Outpatient Clinic (SOC)
50%
30%
No subsidy
A&E
Emergency department fees are the same for all patients
Q42: Why am I not entitled to healthcare subsidies for outpatient services?
A42: The benefits for the different groups of non-citizens (i.e. PRs, LTVP+ holders and other foreigners) are differentiated. Generally, foreigners are not eligible for subsidies. Healthcare subsidies for inpatient services are extended to foreign spouses of Singapore citizens under LTVP+, to provide some assistance for their healthcare costs.
Q43: Do I have to undergo means-testing?
A43: Yes, like Singapore citizens and Singapore PRs, LTVP+ holders will have to be means-tested for admission to Class B2+/B2 and C wards.
Q44: I am worried about my healthcare costs, as the subsidy for LTVP+ holders is limited. How can I obtain increased protection?
A44: We would strongly encourage you to take up health insurance with a Medisave-approved Integrated Shield Plan. These plans provide additional protection against large medical bills for PRs and foreigners who receive reduced or no subsidies. These plans also help cover selected expensive outpatient conditions (e.g. cancer) where there are no subsidies for foreigners, including LTVP+ holders.
LTVP+ holders are encouraged to consider purchasing health insurance early as health conditions may arise at any time. If you purchase health insurance only after you develop a condition, the condition may be excluded from coverage or you may have your application rejected.
Premiums for the Medisave-approved Integrated Shield Plans can be paid using cash or through the Medisave accounts of your spouse or your children. The annual premiums for these Plans are affordable. For a policy holder below 40 years of age, the annual premium ranges from $100 to $200 a year for plans that provide higher coverage suitable for those who receive reduced or no subsidies.
There are five insurers who offer Medisave-approved Integrated Shield Plans – AIA, Aviva, Great Eastern, NTUC Income and Prudential. You may approach any of them or a financial advisor for more information on the application process.
The website addresses of the five insurers are as follows:
- AIA : www.aia.com.sg
- Aviva: www.aviva.com.sg
- Great Eastern: www.greateasternlife.com
- NTUC Income: www.income.com.sg
- Prudential: www.prudential.com.sg
Q45: Can my spouse use his Medisave to pay for my health insurance premiums?
A45: Your spouse or your children’s Medisave can be used to pay for the premiums of your Medisave-approved Integrated Shield Plan.
For information about healthcare benefits, please visit www.moh.gov.sg or call the MOH hotline at 1800-225 4122.
(D) Other Issues
Q46: I have obtained an LTVP+. My husband is an SC. Are we allowed to purchase HDB Flats?
A46: Presently, an SC-Foreigner couple with an SC child is eligible to purchase new or resale HDB flats. Those without an SC child are eligible to purchase resale HDB Flats. Although such couples receive a lower amount of housing grant for buying resale HDB flats than SC couples, they can apply to top up to the full housing grant accorded to SC couples if they have an SC child or when the foreign spouse obtains Singapore citizenship subsequently.
(As at 1 March 2012)