Help! Need info on return flight for social pass, WHP too..

[MIsing]

I am new to the forum, as I am coming to Singapore soon for an internship. I have applied for the Work Holiday Pass for my internship, which I will not receive until I get to Singapore. Therefore, I will be entering Sg on the social pass.

Here are my questions:


1) For a U.S. citizen who has a valid passport, what are the lengths of stay possible? I hear that immigration decides on how long you can stay. What lengths of stay? 14 days? 30 days? 90 days?


2) I booked my return flight for over 90 days out, because I originally thought I would have my Work Holiday Pass in time to enter, and my internship will last at least 90 days. So, if I enter Sg and they see my return flight is for longer than the social pass allows (even though my return flight date is flexible), will I be denied entry?


3) Basically what I am asking is: Should I just change my return flight to about 25 days after I enter, and then change it to 90+ days once I received my WHP?


I've called the Sg consulate in NY, and that is what the one person I talked to recommended, but I have gotten conflicting reports from other Sg immigration wbesites, etc. Some sites just say you have to show a return flight, but not with a specific length of stay.

Any help from you guys would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

[JMS_SWE]

Hi MIsing,

I had a return flight well in to the future as well and it wasn't a problem at Changi. They just took my tourist visa application thing and put part of it in the passport. Also, who's to say that you won't be visiting other countries in the region during your stay thus renewing your 90 days.

[sundaymorningstaple]

You could have a open return flight as long as it's an onward/return flight. No Problem. You will automatically get 30 days and if you ask you may be given 90 on the spot if you are from the US, UK, Aus and some other EU countries.

[MIsing]

Thanks for your replies.

So, entering on the social visit pass, as long as I have a return flight they shouldn't mind that it is longer than the 30 or 90 days that the pass is good for, correct? Should I mention to immigration that I am applying for the WHP, or will that have no effect either way?

The last thing I want is to be turned down at immigration, so I just want to be sure that they won't have a problem. Thanks guys!

[sundaymorningstaple]

http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal ... ation.html

Okay, it looks like you will need a return ticket dated 'before' the expiry of the WHP. As the Visa, once issued, is good for 6 months. Should you get a return ticket with a date 6 months from the date of your anticipated arrival, it will give you less than 6 month from day of issue of the pass but it will be inline with their requirements. You can apply over the counter but is could take quite a bit of time.

It's best to follow the instruction to the letter. There will be less problems that way and processing will be shorter as well.

Provided you have checked your credentials and you do qualify, telling immigration shouldn't make any difference but it probably wouldn't hurt either.

Good luck.

[littlegreenman]

http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal ... ation.html

Okay, it looks like you will need a return ticket dated 'before' the expiry of the WHP. As the Visa, once issued, is good for 6 months. Should you get a return ticket with a date 6 months from the date of your anticipated arrival, it will give you less than 6 month from day of issue of the pass but it will be inline with their requirements. You can apply over the counter but is could take quite a bit of time.

It's best to follow the instruction to the letter. There will be less problems that way and processing will be shorter as well.

Provided you have checked your credentials and you do qualify, telling immigration shouldn't make any difference but it probably wouldn't hurt either.

Good luck.

SMS is right, pls note though as I mentioned before on this forum: I was once asked to provide my confirmed onward ticket, not by immigration but by Qantas when I was leaving Brisbane to stay in Singapore. As my student pass was still processing Qantas would not let me board the aircraft until I had purchased a confirmed onward ticket (bought the cheapest SIN-KL). Once in Singapore you can refund it.

I am not saying this has to happen to you BUT it might.

[MIsing]

As I will enter on the social visit pass, immigration will not reject me because of my return flight being 90+ days after entry, correct? Even though I may only get a 30 or 90 day pass, I will not be rejected because of the date of my return flight?

Of course I could mention to immigration my situation, ie: I am applying for WHP for internship, but if I don't get it I will change my flight and leave Singapore before my social visit pass expires.

??

[ksl]

As I will enter on the social visit pass, immigration will not reject me because of my return flight being 90+ days after entry, correct? Even though I may only get a 30 or 90 day pass, I will not be rejected because of the date of my return flight?

Of course I could mention to immigration my situation, ie: I am applying for WHP for internship, but if I don't get it I will change my flight and leave Singapore before my social visit pass expires.

??

The easiest is to explain to immigration on entry, that you are waiting to pick up your work pass for a working holiday in Singapore, could they give you the 90 day's visit pass or can you extend it later! Surely they will have computer access to your application, and know you are speaking the truth. Shouldn't be a problem, but if they give you 30 days, ask for an extention at ICA. You can always change your ticket later, an open ticket is much more expensive to purchase.