National security has always been the focus of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). In July 2008, ICA announced plans to issue the new Long Term Pass (LTP) cards to all foreigners residing long-term in Singapore, as part of the Government’s initiative to enhance national security. The new LTP card will be issued to Student’s Pass (STP) holders with effect from 4 May 2009.

2 The LTP cards for STP holders contain similar biometric features as those in the National Registration Identity Card (NRIC), a proven secure means of identification. Compared to the current paper-laminated STP cards, the new polycarbonate STP card has better anti-forgery features and is more durable. ICA had first introduced the LTP cards to long-term Visit Pass (VP) holders in August 2008. Subsequently in February 2009, some schools were invited to participate in the pilot launch of the LTP cards to STP holders.


3 The new LTP card bears the STP holder’s photograph and fingerprint images, which are laser-engraved into the core of the card, making it more difficult for forgery syndicates to tamper with the card. The new LTP card will also have two multiple laser images (MLIs), one reflecting the photo image of the card holder, and the other showing the lion head logo and Foreign Identification Number (FIN) at various angles. The MLI, which had been incorporated into our NRIC since 1991, has proven to be effective against tampering and forgery.

What the STP holders need to know

Benefits – Less Fees Payable for Most New STP Applicants

4 In line with the introduction of the new LTP card, the ICA has also reviewed the current fee structure for STP holders. Currently, STP holders pay a fee of $40 per year of validity of the STP. Depending on the duration of the course (1-6 years), foreign students could pay fees ranging from $40 up to $240.

5 Under the new fee structure, applicants are required to pay a non-refundable processing fee of $30 when an application for STP is submitted to ICA for consideration. Payment must be made through the ICA online portals for STP application (i.e. SOLAR or SOLAR+). Successful STP applicants will only need to pay a one-time fee of $60 for the issuance of the LTP cards, regardless of the duration of the pass granted. The prevailing visa fee will continue to apply for those from visa-required countries.

6 Foreign students will be required to pay a sum of $60 for replacement of lost or damaged STP cards. Foreign students who lose their paper-laminated cards will be issued with the new LTP card as replacement at the prevailing fee.

Registration of fingerprints

7 Successful STP applicants above age 15 are required to register their fingerprints with ICA when completing the formalities for the issuance of the LTP card. Fingerprint registration for those between six and 14 years is optional, while children five years and below are exempted as their fingerprints have yet to mature.

8 During the pilot launch of the LTP cards to foreign students in February, the ICA has dispatched mobile registration teams to some education institutions to facilitate the registration for STP holders. This effort was well received by the students and schools as the foreign students are not required to make separate trips to ICA for registration and collection of the cards. ICA will consider extending similar facility to more education institutions if there is sufficient number of new enrolments in each cohort.

STP holders will now enjoy automated clearance at checkpoints

9 There will be no change in immigration procedures for STP holders who are issued with the new LTP cards. These students will still be required to produce the LTP card, together with their passport, for immigration clearance when leaving or returning to Singapore. Foreign students who have registered their fingerprints and hold passports which are compliant with the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will now be able to enjoy automated immigration clearance via the enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACS). LTP card holders who are eligible for automated clearance will be advised accordingly during their registration.


What industry players have to say

10 The pilot launch of the LTP card for foreign students in February was very well received by our strategic partners. Feedback from Ms May Chen, administrative executive from Dimensions International College is testament to our commitment to bring convenience to our customers without compromising on security - “Students are generally happy with the new design of the pass. It brings convenience to the students as it is now a single card, thus the probability of losing the card is low. Also, the personalized photo and thumbprint actually allows the students to feel as though they are part of the Singapore community as the student’s pass is somewhat similar to Singapore’s Identification Card (NRIC).”

11 More information on the launch of the LTP cards to foreign students is available at Annex A (Frequently Asked Question).


END OF NEWS RELEASE

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
1 May 2009

Annex A

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

INTRODUCTION OF NEW LONG TERM PASS CARD (LTP)
TO STUDENT’S PASS HOLDERS


Q1: Why is the LTP card being introduced to foreign students?

A1: As part of the Government’s initiative to enhance the national security of Singapore, the LTP card has been introduced, in phases, to all foreigners residing in Singapore since the second half of 2008. The new LTP card bears the STP holder’s photograph and fingerprint images, which are laser-engraved into the core of the card, making it more difficult for forgery syndicates to tamper with the card. The LTP card is also more durable than the current laminated card. The LTP cards have already been issued to foreigners on long term Visit Pass since September 2008 and in this second phase, it will be issued to foreign students, with effect from 4 May 2009.


Q2: Are STP holders required to report to ICA for replacement of the paper-laminated cards?

A2: No, it is not necessary for students holding the paper-laminated cards to report to ICA for replacement of the LTP card. However, these students will be issued with the new LTP card when they next renew their STP, or when they come to replace their lost or damaged cards.


Q3: What are the benefits of the new LTP cards?

A3: LTP card holders will now receive a more secure polycarbonate card, with their photograph and personal particulars laser engraved onto the card. In addition, the LTP card holders will be able to enjoy automated immigration clearance at checkpoints in Singapore, if their foreign-issued passports are compliant with the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). LTP card holders who are eligible for automated clearance will be advised accordingly at the point of registration.


Q4: With the introduction of the LTP cards to foreign students, what are the likely changes expected?

A4: The LTP card will replace the current paper-laminated Student’s Pass card and Disembarkation/Embarkation (or D/E card) issued to foreign students. Foreign students 15 years and above will be required to register their fingerprints with ICA. Fingerprint registration for those between 6 and 14-years is optional. Children five years and below are exempted as their fingerprints have yet to mature. A non-refundable $30 processing fees for Student’s Pass application and a $60 issuance fees will be imposed. This will replace the current fee structure of a payable $40 per year of validity of the STP.


Q5: Why is fingerprint registration optional for minors between 6 and 14 years old?

A5: Fingerprints of individuals between 6 and 14 years will not have stabilised and may need to be constantly updated. However, students between 6 and 14 years, who wish to use the eIACS at checkpoints, may register their fingerprints when completing formalities for the issuance of the LTP card. These students will also need to hold an ICAO-compliant passport to enjoy automated clearance.


Q6: How will a foreign student know when to report to ICA for fingerprint registration for the LTP card?

A6: Foreign students holding the paper-laminated STP cards will need to register their fingerprints when they next renew their Student’s Passes. New applicants will be notified of this requirement through the in-principle approval letters sent by ICA.


Q7: For applicants who are not required to register their fingerprints due to young age now, are they required to report for registration upon reaching 15 years old?

A7: The validity period of the LTP is not tagged to the age of the holder. The student will still be given the usual Student’s Pass validity period based on his duration of study. So long as his current pass remains valid, he does not need to register his fingerprint or change his card when he turns 15 years. The need for fingerprint registration depends on the age of the student at the time of the Student’s Pass application or renewal. He will need to register his fingerprint if he wishes to renew his pass subsequently.


Q8: How can one make payment for processing fees and/or issuance fees?

A8: Payment for the processing fees and issuance fees can be made online via SOLAR/SOLAR+ with eNets Credit/Debit or internet banking. Students who turn up for completion of formalities for the STP can also make payment for the issuance/visa fees at the eLobby located in ICA Building with NET or Cashcard.


Q9: Do LTP card holders have to report to ICA or obtain a new card if they have changed their passport, address etc?

A9: Student’s Pass holders issued with LTP or the paper-laminated cards are required to notify ICA in writing within 14 days if they have changed their residential address. The notification can be made by the schools or local sponsor via the ‘e-Update of Address’ through SOLAR/SOLAR+. Foreign students are also required to report to ICA if they have been issued with a new passport. Those who failed to inform ICA of their change in passport will not be able to use the eIACS lanes when they travel through the checkpoints.


Q10: Will there be any replacement fees imposed for the loss of the LTP card?

A10: Existing students who apply for replacement cards on or after 4 May 2009 will be issued with the new LTP card. They will be required to pay $60 for the issuance of a replacement LTP card.


Q11: Will ICA expect a larger crowd at ICA Building as there is the additional requirement for registration of fingerprints?

A11: For the convenience of foreign students, ICA has been making arrangements with selected education institutions to conduct registration of fingerprints on campus. In addition, the use of e-Appointment for completion of formalities by the applicants has effectively helped ICA to better manage and deploy our limited resources in serving the public better. Foreign students are encouraged to make an appointment with the ICA before turning up for completion of formalities for the issuance of their STP.

Q12: Was there any pilot launch of the LTP cards for foreign students?

A12: ICA has embarked on a pilot launch of the LTP cards to selected foreign students in February 2009. As of 11 March 2009, more than 420 foreign students from the following schools had been issued with the LTP cards. The list of schools involved in the pilot launch of the LTP cards includes:

Institute of Higher Learning

1) National University of Singapore
2) Nanyang Technological University
3) Singapore Management University

Foreign System Schools

1) Global Indian School
2) United World College
3) Hwa Chong International
4) St Joseph International

Private Education Organizations

1) Management Development Institute of Singapore
2) Dimensions International School
3) Translingual Language School
4) Kaplan Financial Education Centre
5) Kaplan Asia Pacific Management Institute
6) East Asia Institute of Management
7) Singapore Institute of Management
8) James Cook University


Q13: How was the response for the pilot launch?

A13: Schools which participated in the pilot launch had given positive feedback on the enhanced security features of the new LTP cards. Students enjoyed greater convenience as they now carry only one LTP card instead of two paper-laminated Student’s Pass card and the D/E card previously. Furthermore, they can also enjoy the convenience of automated clearance at major checkpoints around Singapore.