Long-Term Visit Pass - Plus (LTVP-PLUS)

http://www.ica.gov.sg/news_details.aspx?nid=12665

Good news for those of us who cannot get PR for our beloved spouse, because the Singapore government has come up with a enhanced long-term visit pass called LTVP-PLUS or LTVP+. I'll sum up the key points in the FAQ provided by ICA so you don't have to go through one big page.

Do let me know if I missed out anything or correction is required by dropping a comment.

GENERAL

• LTVP+ will be in effect from 01 Apr 2012.
• LTVP+ holders will enjoy extended duration of residency, public healthcare subsidies and easier access to employment.
• No separate application required for LTVP+; an application for LTVP will automatically include your spouse for LTVP+, if eligible.
• LTVP applications submitted from 01 Feb 2012 will automatically be considered for LTVP+.
• The first approved LTVP+ will grant 3 years residency and subsequent renewal will be 5 years.
• Current holders of LTVP will be considered for LTVP+ on next renewal. If holders of LTVP wishes to be considered for LTVP+ earlier, may submit new LTVP application, but note that processing and issuance fees apply.
• Singaporean and LTVP+ holder may only purchase resale flat; unless they have a Singaporean child then they may purchase a new flat direct from HDB.

ELIGIBITY

• Only spouse of Singapore citizen will be eligible for LTVP+; spouse of PR can only apply for LTVP.
• Couples with at least a Singaporean child will be eligible, but for those without child and married for at least 3 years will stand a higher chance. ICA will also look at financial capability of sponsor and good conduct of sponsor and applicant.
• Pregnant spouse may also apply for LTVP+.
• Foreign widow of Singaporean with Singaporean child will be eligible.
• ICA will consider valid foreign marriage certificate or proof that the marriage is recognized in the country of marriage.

HEALTHCARE

• Public hospital subsidy; ward A 0%, B1 10%, B2+ 30%, B2 45%, C 60%, Day Surgery 0%, Specialist Outpatient Clinic 0%, A&E 0%.

EMPLOYMENT

• Employer need to apply for Letter of Consent (LOC) from Ministry of Manpower (MOM) before LTVP+ holder may commence work.
• No administrative fee incurred by employer for the application of Letter of Consent.
• Duration of consent granted depends on the employer and LTVP+ expiry date.
• Consent is renewable as long as the LTVP+ has at least 3 months validity.
• LTVP+ holder may only work for one employer and hold only one LOC at any point of time.
• LTVP+ holder is not allowed to set up business.
• LTVP+ holder may change job. Employer should cancel the Letter of Consent within seven days after resignation and prospective employer should apply for a new consent from MOM.
• No limit to how many LTVP+ holders a company can employ and LTVP+ holders will not count towards a company's foreign worker quota.
• No foreign worker levy imposed for hiring LTVP+ holders.
• Existing work pass holders may submit LTVP+ application. Upon collection of LTVP+ from ICA, work pass will be cancelled. ICA will issue a temporary approval letter so that work may continue but employer need to apply for Letter of Consent before the temporary approval expire.

PROCESSING TIME

• LTVP+ application may take 6 weeks.
• Letter of Consent may take 1 week.

FEES

• Fees to pay are the same between LTVP and LTVP+; $30 processing fee and $60 issuance fee, additional $30 if visa is required.