Dep Australia for Sing tmw. Airport advice on what to say?

[AussieNewToSing]

Hello all

I am hoping my question does not annoy SMS (I love reading your posts)

I really have tried to do my own research. Truly, SMS, truly!

I am a little nervous about what to say at the airport. I am arriving in Sing La tomorrow (23rd) for 12+ months. My Fiance has 2 yr working papers and a contract of employ. I have nothing...

He tells me all I need to go thru on my own and say I am a tourist staying for a month or so (I have an open 1 yr return ticket) Then go to MOMA and organise a long term pass. The issue is, I am a terrible liar and worry they will be suspicious.

Am I being paranoid?

Thanking you in advance
Liv

[durain]

did your research on this forum found out how long you can stay in singapore on a tourist visa?

[AussieNewToSing]

You too, like SMS always have the answers....I am familiar with your work I think it is 30 days.

[durain]

just tell it as it is at the immigration.

[sundaymorningstaple]

As your are coming in as a tourist from Aus, you will be given a 30 day SVP. Once here you can then go to MOM and apply for an LTSVP (you may need your partner as well - for sponsorship) but may have to wait until his EP has been processed and obtained - inside of a week. As far a immigration, you probably won't even be asked why you are here. Both you and your s/o will arrive the same way, on SVP's. He won't received his EP until he is physically here in Singapore even though he may well have an Approval letter. ICA does not issue EP's - only MOM. However, LTSVP's are under the purview of both both but the types of LTSVP's are much different.

The link below will give you the information you need for the LSTVP application that is suitable in your instance (via MOM).

LTSVP

There is no need to "lie" to the immigration officers. If they ask, just tell them you are planning to apply for a LTSVP through your s/o's sponsorship. Don't worry so much. You can also apply for a 90 SVP online after arrival here as well to buy yourself more time.

sms

NB: I'm actually just an opinionated ole farmboy who says it like I sees it. I bark but don't bite!

[Jeppo]

Just a small correction to the above, if you're an Australian citizen, you should get a tourist visa of 90 days. Check when they stamp it they give you 90 days, if not ask them why, they will usually correct it to 90 days on the spot.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Thanks Jeppo. I also thought that was the case but I couldn't find it in black & white anywhere this morning. Can you provide me with the link? The ICA website is currently a shambles (or my PC doesn't like that one site). Or are you from Oz so speaking from experience?

sms

[Jeppo]

I'm from Aus, so speaking from experience. Lived in Batam for 5 years and regularly came over here for supplies, and would get 90 day visa, which was weird when I was only coming in for a couple of hours. There was one time when I came in and forgot to check though, and wouldn't you know it , it was just after I moved here and waiting for the PR appplication to go through, and went back to Batam for the weekend, fortunately they were understanding and changed it on my way out and just gave me a warning to check in future. Unless it's changed in the 4 years since I got PR it should still be the same.

[durain]

that's what i thought about australian passport getting 90 days but wasnt 100% sure, hence i asked the OP to do a search on this forum.

i also read somewhere that the 90 days visa is only given at the airport but if jeppo is saying he got it coming in from batam, then that is straight from the horses mouth. i had a search on ICA website but couldnt find the info to comfirm.

[Jeppo]

that's what i thought about australian passport getting 90 days but wasnt 100% sure, hence i asked the OP to do a search on this forum.

i also read somewhere that the 90 days visa is only given at the airport but if jeppo is saying he got it coming in from batam, then that is straight from the horses mouth. i had a search on ICA website but couldnt find the info to comfirm.

Yep, got it at the aiport, ferry terminal and coming across the causeway.

Oh, and stop calling me a horse

[durain]

Oh, and stop calling me a horse

soli.

[AussieNewToSing]

Thank you for your advice everyone, Jeppo was on the money...

I arrived smoothly at 1am this morning and without any hassles was given a 90 day pass.

My Fiance was with me and he was given a 24 month EP upon presentation of his 12 month emplyment contract. I will go to MOM and see what I can get as far as empolyment passes goes this week. Not holding my breath though as I do not have any rare skills like my Fiance...Just had a small walk around local plaza...Very excited to be here. I am hoping I adjust to the heat quickly!

Thank you again everyone- so pleased I have this forum to turn to

[durain]

excellent news. thanks for the update and welcome to singapore.

[sundaymorningstaple]

ditto

[Jeppo]

ditto juga

If your fiance is willing to support you for a while, I would suggest that you take a little time off to get used to your surroundings and make friends with the locals, they can be invaluable and help you settle in quicker.