Foreigner Wife!

[Rof|maoxz]

Originally Posted by plain

Sorry if i dig up old threads.

The above isn't true. my friend's friend working for a diving company, lowly educated, low pay, married a beautiful vietnamese girl for 6 years already and they have 2 children and SHE STILL HASN'T GOT HER PR STATUS YET.
Not Even Long term Pass

As I said earlier on, procreate may or may not be sure ticket for his spouse to attain SPR or remain in singapore indefinitely. Those that I have helped before know what I'm talking about. Your friend's fatal weakness is his low pay, and ICA view this criteria significantly. 6 yrs and can't attain a LTSVP, I guess your friend didn't improve much on his payscale. Nothing much ICA, or even his MP can do. Such things are very practical upfront.

[Rof|maoxz]

Originally Posted by plain

Just to add this...

I find it very weird.

1. Why use the words "Not Eligible" for LTSVP ? It sounds like he/she is NOT able to get LTSVP at all, no matter what.

2. Why use the words "Non-renewable", sounds like after 6-months, he/she can't extend at all.

3. Firstly they mentioned she can "look for a job and apply" for work permit/employment pass BUT next line says "Why on social visit pass", can not blah blah blah... 6-months pass = Social visit pass right ??? Very confusing

Is this a Common Letter every one receives ? I hope some one can help answer this few questions for me cos' this vietnamese girl is so stress already. 6 years ....

Also have another friend from philippines, same case... same words... and went to ICA to ask, No One Can Help her or answer her question. This girl got Professional Visit Pass for 6-years as Singer. Now married to SGP and get this kind of letter from ICA.

As per #1 - I believe you are referring to the same friend. As for the applicant, LTSVP is entirely depend on the spouse, [Financial dependency] or his relatives as the local sponsor. Past 6 mths of CPF contribution can paint a rough picture of the local sponsor's financial status. There's no clear guidelines as how high a sponsor should be in order for LTSVP application. I have come across a 24K/per annum incomer having no problem for his spouse application.

As per #2 - I do not know your frd's spouse past immigration history. So I can't comment much, "Not Eligible" and "Non-renewable" status possibly indicate that she has some immigration problems before. [Eg. A person being charge and punished under Sec. 57(1)(VI) Immigration Act, Cap 133 or Sec 36 of Cap 133] Or the couple is married overseas, thus such predicament do happen. Or your frd's employment history is unpleasant.

As per #3 - After she is being granted "Non-renewable" 6 mth LTSVP, she is allowed to work, but have to apply for a valid working permit from MOM controller. Those having LTSVP who worked without a working permit will be commiting an immigration act chap 133.

Some may recieve letter with remark like "You didn't meet the residential requirement" etc... some are general remarks.

Those having professional visit pass who eventually married to their singaporean spouse, they have to give up the former pass in order to apply for a LTSVP. Maybe you would like funish abit more details on the spouse age group, residential staus and median salary etc...

[plain]

Originally Posted by Rof|maoxz

As per #2 - I do not know your frd's spouse past immigration history. So I can't comment much, "Not Eligible" and "Non-renewable" status possibly indicate that she has some immigration problems before. [Eg. A person being charge and punished under Sec. 57(1)(VI) Immigration Act, Cap 133 or Sec 36 of Cap 133] Or the couple is married overseas, thus such predicament do happen. Or your frd's employment history is unpleasant.

very fast response !! thank you !!

I just called her and asked some brief questions as I don't want to intrude into her life ( at the moment ) She's just to nice not to help.

From your comment above, it seems my guess was right. it seems she does have some sort of immgration problems. I've asked and she has Not been charged before. She has however, for the past 3-4 years been in and out of singapore to spend time with her boyfriend (then) and she also have siblings here who has PR status. Since was employed as with a PVP (i dunno what this is... she says Professional Visit Pass) as a Singer for 6 years. Thereafter she stopped and only come here to visit her relatives/sisters/brothers.

I've asked her about her "PVP" and according to her, she does not need to go to MOM like others.

Anyway, if she's been charged before. She won't be able to come in Singapore. right ?

I asked her about her husband and she mentioned that her application might have been rejected becos' her spouse is self-employed and submit his 3-year income tax and all were "Minus", meaning for the past 3-years his company has been making losses. I think this might be the reason cos' after reading the entire posting here... Income tax, CPF contribution seems paramount, could this be the likley culprit for getting "not eligible"

her age group :30-35
his age group : 35-40

residential status : not sure. she's staying with husband now @ his flat.
he just got his divorce in Jan 06, married her in Feb 2006 in singapore. he's doing up his hdb flat and taking over the current flat from his ex-wife.

her median salary : $0 - not working
his media salary : $2600-3000, self-employed for 15 years and contributes to cpf

[Rof|maoxz]

Originally Posted by plain

I've asked her about her "PVP" and according to her, she does not need to go to MOM like others.

Anyway, if she's been charged before. She won't be able to come in Singapore. right ?

I asked her about her husband and she mentioned that her application might have been rejected becos' her spouse is self-employed and submit his 3-year income tax and all were "Minus", meaning for the past 3-years his company has been making losses. I think this might be the reason cos' after reading the entire posting here... Income tax, CPF contribution seems paramount, could this be the likley culprit for getting "not eligible"

her age group :30-35
his age group : 35-40

residential status : not sure. she's staying with husband now @ his flat.
he just got his divorce in Jan 06, married her in Feb 2006 in singapore. he's doing up his hdb flat and taking over the current flat from his ex-wife.

her median salary : $0 - not working
his media salary : $2600-3000, self-employed for 15 years and contributes to CPF

It would be very complex to pinpoint what actually contribute to the problem. If a social visitor was let off by either police or ICA, her passport will be inked w/o she actually know. Although not as serious compared to being charged, but this minor issues put into ICA's consideration into the future.

So he is a divorcee right now, after finalising his divorce, he may/may not be able to give maintenance to his ex-wife. So this further worsen his application. She could still be holding the "PVP", which is under ICA preview. Another remedy is your friend can seek his siblings' help to sponsor the wife on his behalf at the moment.

[plain]

she can't be holding PVP any longer cos' the last employment was 5-6 years ago.

one thing was hghlighted to me, in the letter from ICA. the header shows.

Application for Long Term Visit Pass for XXX-name-XXXX FxxxxxxxX xx-date-of-birth-xx

As far as i know, the numbers followed by her name "USUALLY" represents the Passport Number. She told me, the number given is NOT her passport. i am wondering where they get that number from.

According to her, she even checked with ICA officer if she's got any records. they said "No"

... getting complicated ...

[Rof|maoxz]

Originally Posted by plain

she can't be holding PVP any longer cos' the last employment was 5-6 years ago.

one thing was hghlighted to me, in the letter from ICA. the header shows.

Application for Long Term Visit Pass for XXX-name-XXXX FxxxxxxxX xx-date-of-birth-xx

As far as i know, the numbers followed by her name "USUALLY" represents the Passport Number. She told me, the number given is NOT her passport. i am wondering where they get that number from.

According to her, she even checked with ICA officer if she's got any records. they said "No"

... getting complicated ...

This FIN number is either her passport no, birth cert no. or her social visitor pass no.

[cereal-killer]

Originally Posted by Rof|maoxz

As per #2 - I do not know your frd's spouse past immigration history. So I can't comment much, "Not Eligible" and "Non-renewable" status possibly indicate that she has some immigration problems before. [Eg. A person being charge and punished under Sec. 57(1)(VI) Immigration Act, Cap 133 or Sec 36 of Cap 133] Or the couple is married overseas, thus such predicament do happen. Or your frd's employment history is unpleasant....

Sis Plain....

Key word here is POSSIBLY

Like you said, if its immgration problems, she would be here so long. moreever she got sibilings here and i am quite sure ICA have records of it, all depends if the officer wants to pull it out or not.

Would approaching ICA for further clarification help ? I don't know really cos' not an expert in any of these field. But chances are, they'll turn your friend/husband away.

[johnny88]

Originally Posted by Rof|maoxz

身份证 no need to be translated. But bring if she has it. High street can be located @ here.

Bro, I know where is High Street lah. Just need to know whether you are mentioning New Supreme high court or Supreme high court? Or some kind of embassy to get documents translated.

Thanks...

[Xine]

1. Why use the words "Not Eligible" for LTSVP ? It sounds like he/she is NOT able to get LTSVP at all, no matter what.

2. Why use the words "Non-renewable", sounds like after 6-months, he/she can't extend at all.

3. Firstly they mentioned she can "look for a job and apply" for work permit/employment pass BUT next line says "Why on social visit pass", can not blah blah blah... 6-months pass = Social visit pass right ??? Very confusing



Anything more than the usual 30days rubber stamp is a LTSVP. I just got married exactly 1 year ago to a PRC and I had the same questions you have.

Firstly you have to understand that ICA has 'granted' more leeway/'power'/strength to a LTSVP. I got this answer from the ICA officer when i queried him on why POSB refused to let my wife open up a savings account. The officer told me to look for the bank manager and he said "LTSVP can already sign for a HDB flat so whats the problem?" Which is true because i bought a flat using both our names during December.

As for the PR problem its not only due to the spouse income and kids. I'm not boasting about my salary but its in the top 15% category and my wife has a degree in language (unfortunately its a China Uni). I pay loads of tax yearly, but my wife still failed her PR application. In fact according to the PR rejection letter, she is not allowed to apply for PR again until 18months later!

But my 2nd elder brother who has a shanghainese wife manage to get her PR within 1 year. He opened up a CPF account for her and dutifully places a few hundred a month in there. Maybe thats the trick?

I'm sure there is a point system ICA uses and through the postings we are sure the following are Bonus/Plus Points.

1. Kids
2. Spouse income higher than 30k p.a. (at least 3 years of assessment)
3. CPF contribution into the applicant's account.
4. Spouse education (rust timez no stardee? go apply for govn approved courses before you apply the PR)
5. Applicants Income, what better way to fake it if the husband is self employed. Just as long as you pay the taxes. Employ her as Executive Director (learning from Ass Loong can't be wrong, right?) Remember to report and pay the taxes.
6. Put her name in your property.

Hope this helps and best of luck!

[Rof|maoxz]

Originally Posted by Xine

.........Which is true because I bought a flat using both our names during December.

As for the PR problem its not only due to the spouse income and kids. I'm not boasting about my salary but its in the top 15% category and my wife has a degree in language (unfortunately its a China Uni). I pay loads of tax yearly, but my wife still failed her PR application. In fact according to the PR rejection letter, she is not allowed to apply for PR again until 18months later!

But my 2nd elder brother who has a shanghainese wife manage to get her PR within 1 year. He opened up a CPF account for her and dutifully places a few hundred a month in there. Maybe thats the trick?

I'm sure there is a point system ICA uses and through the postings we are sure the following are Bonus/Plus Points.

1. Kids
2. Spouse income higher than 30k p.a. (at least 3 years of assessment)
3. CPF contribution into the applicant's account.
4. Spouse education (rust timez no stardee? go apply for govn approved courses before you apply the PR)
5. Applicants Income, what better way to fake it if the husband is self employed. Just as long as you pay the taxes. Employ her as Executive Director (learning from Ass Loong can't be wrong, right?) Remember to report and pay the taxes.
6. Put her name in your property.

Hope this helps and best of luck!

Quite puzzling as why POSB/DBS do not allow foreigners to open at least an ordinary account. Call themselves "Government bank" somemore. At least UOB or OCBC do not pose such restrictions.

I assume that you have applied the PR application during May-June time. First-time rejection is the norm, citing you "Your spouse does not meet residential requirement." But at least you have the chips [Both of you have decent qualifications.] 18 mths lead time to get PR consider pretty good achievement.

As per your #5, I do have doubts. Before attaining PR, she is not allowed to be employed as a director or shareholder, because she's holding a LTSVP. She need to obtain an "Approval-In-Principle Employment Pass" from the Employment Pass Department before proceeding to the RCB for business registration. The procedure applies to foreigners who want to become local managers, local company directors or agents for foreign companies.

Alternatively, application of Employment Pass (EP) is subject to the foreigner successfully registering the business or company. The Employment Pass Department will process the EP application within two weeks of receipt of the registration certificate issued by RCB.

[Durex_69]

Originally Posted by Rof|maoxz

Quite puzzling as why POSB/DBS do not allow foreigners to open at least an ordinary account. Call themselves "Government bank" somemore. At least UOB or OCBC do not pose such restrictions.

Either I'm lucky or the POSB staff made a mistake. I went with a LTSVP holder and managed to open an Individual saving account for her leh.

[Rof|maoxz]

Originally Posted by Durex_69

Either I'm lucky or the POSB staff made a mistake. I went with a LTSVP holder and managed to open an Individual saving account for her leh.

PDMMs are allowed to open such accounts, for the deduction of quarterly school fees.

[Xine]

POSB counter staff made a mistake when they rejected me. Some of the old birds in POSB still think that Dependant Pass is 'bigger' than LTSVP. It is the other way now.

As for employment of your own spouse, She can be a non-share holder director with executive functions. Just pay her 'salary'. Its a lot of hassle I know, but if one is desperate and have the $$$, i think its possible.

I applied for the PR during Nov 05. But its disheartening to see you can only apply after 18months. Consider my staff who has an aussie wife. She got her PR within 3months. I still feel our stat boards have a thing for yellow skin.

Another of my bros friend who's wife is Thai, have 2 kids and finally on the 3rd try after 3.5years she got her PR.

Thanks for sharing all these experiences

[johnny88]

After reading some of the bros posting here and I get a bit worry and pessimistic. Just went to apply for LTSVP and they given me two months extension, paid $40 bucks having to wait for the LTSVP result.

I thought of applying for PR during the wait and now it seems like not that easy afterall. Even though I have been paying quite a bit of taxes over the last three years but that does not gaurantee a successful PR application. Haiz, sian liao..It really make it impossible to understand what is ICA requiremnt before they approve PR application. Is like striking TOTO/4D, depends on luck...

Wish me luck anyway as I will be trying for PR next month...

[Rof|maoxz]

Originally Posted by johnny88

After reading some of the bros posting here and I get a bit worry and pessimistic. Just went to apply for LTSVP and they given me two months extension, paid $40 bucks having to wait for the LTSVP result.

I thought of applying for PR during the wait and now it seems like not that easy afterall. Even though I have been paying quite a bit of taxes over the last three years but that does not gaurantee a successful PR application. Haiz, sian liao..It really make it impossible to understand what is ICA requiremnt before they approve PR application. Is like striking TOTO/4D, depends on luck...

Wish me luck anyway as I will be trying for PR next month...

How can I able to wish you good luck if you have not apply? Just go ahead & apply for it, dun ponder and wait. Why be afraid of rejection? That's not the end of the world anyway, although it's troublesome paying for $60 for every extension, or to bring your foreign spouse out for overseas for etc. [Immigration officers will check thoroughly even if you have brought the marriage cert. with you.] Call 63916085 to find out more on your unsuccessful application if your PR application was rejected.