Visa Options with Moving to Singapore

[rparis]

Hey All,

My girlfriend got a job teaching at a school in Singapore, which is a 2 year commitment. Our plan is for her to work for a year, and if she likes it, to stay on for the second year.

I would really like to join her in a year (or earlier if possible) but need to explore my options as far as being able to like in Singapore for a significant amount of time.

I am a US Citizen, and have a BS in Mechanical Engineering.
From what I understand I can get a long term visit pass for holders of foreign issued educational certificates (http://www.ica.gov.sg/page.aspx?pageid=172&secid=171), and that will allow me to stay in Singapore for a full year. I would prefer to go the whole year without working to allow me to travel with my girlfriend during her quarterly breaks and also travel on my own as well. I figure if I do get a job, I will get 2 to 3 weeks leave a year which would limit my opportunities to travel and explore South-East Asia. How viable is this option? Are they very strict with this visa? How long does the process take?

If this is a viable option, how easy is it to get a part time job after a few months? Something like waiting tables, working at a sports club, or volunteering? Essentially something that can pass the time but wont be overly committing like working in an Engineering firm. Is there work like that for expats or is that usually left up for locals and permanent residents?

Of course if this is not an option, I can attempt to get a mechanical engineering job and come to the country on a work visa.

I don’t want to sound like a lowly bum that doesn’t want to work! But I really see this as a chance to take a year off, explore Asia, and mooch off my girlfriends apartment! I will work if I have to, but I want to make the best of this opportunity. I don’t think there will be many times in my life where I will get a chance to do something like this.
All advice is appreciated!

[Mad Scientist]

Try this

www.mom.gov.sg

http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/ftopic ... er+consent

[sundaymorningstaple]

I don’t want to sound like a lowly bum that doesn’t want to work! But I really see this as a chance to take a year off, explore Asia, and mooch off my girlfriends apartment! I will work if I have to, but I want to make the best of this opportunity. I don’t think there will be many times in my life where I will get a chance to do something like this.
All advice is appreciated!

[rparis]

Thanks for the info.

Say I do get an EPEC, one thing I have not found clear is how to get the LTSV visa. Can I apply for it in the US and get it at an embassy here? Or do I have to go to fly to singapore to apply for it. I have read conflicting posts about this. The website is a little more confusing as it has a place to apply for it online, but requires embarkment/disembarkment papers. Also, if I were to fly to singapore to get the LTSV visa, would need a return ticket for atleast 30 days after I arrive, or does customs allow you into the country without the return ticket knowing that you are applying for LTSV. This situation would be especially concerning since it could take more than 30 days to get the LTSV and there is certainly no gaurentee I would get it.

Again, any info would be much appreciated.

[sundaymorningstaple]

On the way into Singapore, be sure to bring a copy of your EPEC with you to show Immigration Officer. Request a 90 days visa (US, UK, Aus citizens can get these on arrival). Once here, then follow the application procedures for obtaining the LTVP via the ICA website:

http://www.ica.gov.sg/page.aspx?pageid=172

As it only takes up to 4 weeks to get the outcome of your LTVP, your 90 day SVP should be more than sufficient. You shouldn't need a return ticket as long as you are bringing along the EPEC, however, you might still want to consider it because the LTVP is not guaranteed. Bit rough, but that's the way it stands at the moment with the tightening up of MOM's criteria and approval of Employment Passes. You shouldn't really have a problem, but with things we're seeing currently, all bets are off as it were.