STVP expiring, LTVP pending, have an IPA letter > leave Singapore?

cookie07 · 2025-09-11T11:35:13+02:00

Navigating Singapore visa issues? Learn about experiences with STVP expiring, LTVP pending, and leaving Singapore while waiting for IPA approval.

cookie07 New member

Member since Yesterday 09:29:00

cookie07New memberYesterday 09:35:13

Hello, have a few questions and would love to have them answered here.

For context:

(just graduated from a Local University, and am now looking for a job, have a tuition bond)
I have applied for an LTVP a few months ago - already received my IPA - waiting for completion of formalities, as I have already submitted my medical checks etc.
My STVP is expiring on 16 Sep
My STVP extension has been rejected, despite citing having a pending LTVP IPA
Now I am planning to exit Singapore and come back, this time as a tourist, as I wait to complete my formalities - was told by the hotline that there is no hard and fast rule as to how long I should stay out, as I already have my IPA on hand. Was even told that I can leave on 16 and come back on the 18 - but of course, whether or not this would cause complications there is no guarantee
I do know that having an IPA does strengthen your cause and shows that you are not necessarily doing a "visa run"

With this, I'd like to know if anyone has done this before i.e. STVP expired > leave Singapore > come back 2-3 days after > furnish IPA letter?

Again, hotline has already told me this is legal. Just wanna know other people's experience. Thank you for any help

beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany/Singapore ExpertYesterday 10:19:49

15533

Visa runs are inadvisable in Singapore - and they are also not necessary at all.

Leaving the country in your situation means asking for trouble!

Since you have the IPA and medical check ready,, contact the issuing authority (ICA or MoM) and get your LTVP issued before 16.Sep. Or what are you still waiting for?

cookie07 New member

Member since Yesterday 09:29:00

cookie07New memberYesterday 10:36:37

@beppi

Hey Beppi, thanks for this. Already asked them and they just told me since it has only been the 6th/10th working day that the LTVP is processing, they are unable to expedite it. Unfortunately the 10th working day is the 19th 馃榾 Have to leave by the 16th.

Also, could I ask what do you mean leaving the country is asking for trouble? My visa ends on the 16th - technically if I don't leave, that is then asking for trouble, because that will be overstaying

beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany/Singapore ExpertYesterday 12:38:04

15533

@cookie07 Something is wrong here: Processing of an LTVP application is done BEFORE the associated IPA is issued - but you said you already have it. Perhaps a misunderstanding?

In any case, in Singapore you should NEVER leave the country to come back soon - instead you contact the relevant authorities (as I wrote above) and ask them for a solution. They have various possibilities.

cookie07 New member

Member since Yesterday 09:29:00

cookie07New memberYesterday 12:51:10

Hey there @beppi.

For the benefit of others reading as well who may be looking for the same information as I am, the LTVP process now (updated) is as below:

LTVP Submission
In-Principle Letter of Approval, which lasts for 2 months (NOT a valid visa)
ICA will now ask you to submit your medical check-ups, etc.
Once you have submitted then, there is a processing time of 10 days, for them to verify the submitted documents. This is what I meant by the processing time.
After 10 days, you will be asked to pay and do completion of formalities.

I am currently on 4.

Again, as I wrote above, I have already contacted the authorities and they are not able to expedite + I was not able to receive an STVP extension. And yes, even the ICA hotline has said that it is OK to come back after 2-3 days (this is because I have an IPA already - obviously, if I was on tourist visa and I came back in such a short time, that will not do). Just wanted to hear from other people's experiences if there was complications, if any.