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ICA Student Pass

Singapore ICA Student's Pass & SOLAR Application Guide 2026

Complete guide to applying for a Singapore Student's Pass via ICA's SOLAR system. Explains eForm 16, In-Principle Approval (IPA), fees, & 16-hr work rules.

Statutory Overview & Academic Framework

All foreign nationals accepted into full-time educational programs in Singapore must hold a valid Student's Pass issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) under the Immigration Act (Cap. 133). The application process is managed online via the Student's Pass On-Line Application and Registration (SOLAR) system. Once an educational institution registers a student on SOLAR, the student completes eForm 16 and pays the S$45 ICA processing fee. Upon approval, ICA issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which serves as a single-entry visa to enter Singapore. Final digital Student's Pass issuance costs S$60 to S$90. Full-time undergraduate students at Autonomous Universities are permitted to work part-time up to 16 hours per week during term time.

Key Academic Regulations & Legal Mandates

SOLAR Registration & eForm 16 SubmissionSOLAR System

University registers student details in SOLAR; student logs in with SOLAR reference number to file eForm 16.

In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter Visa IssuanceIPA Letter

Serves as single-entry entry visa allowing student to travel to Singapore and pass immigration checkpoints.

Medical Examination & Formalities CompletionMedical Screening

Requires HIV test and chest X-ray at Singapore clinic before final digital Student's Pass release.

MOM Part-Time Work Regulation ExemptionPart-Time Work

Undergraduate students at public AUs can work up to 16 hours/week during term and full-time during vacation.

Admission & Eligibility Criteria

Must have an unconditional offer of admission from an MOE-approved educational institution in Singapore.

Must submit Student's Pass application via SOLAR at least 1 to 2 months prior to course commencement.

Must pass ICA medical examination (HIV & Tuberculosis screening) upon arrival in Singapore.

Student's Pass holders must maintain 90%+ school attendance to prevent pass cancellation.

Statutory Application & Academic Checklist

Immigration Act (Cap. 133) & ICA Student's Pass Regulations

SOLAR Application Reference Number & Registration Slip

Passport Valid for at least 6 Months & Passport Photograph

ICA In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter

Singapore Medical Examination Report (HIV & X-Ray Result)

Step-by-Step University & Visa Application Process

Receive SOLAR Application Reference Number from University

University uploads student enrolment details to ICA SOLAR system upon offer acceptance.

Log into ICA SOLAR Portal & Complete eForm 16

Fill out personal, passport, and educational background details on ICA e-Services website.

Pay S$45 ICA Application Processing Fee

Pay S$45 fee online via credit/debit card on SOLAR portal.

Download ICA In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter

Upon approval (approx 1-2 weeks), print IPA letter to enter Singapore.

Complete Medical Exam & Receive Digital Student's Pass

Undergo medical exam in Singapore, pay S$60 issuance fee, and receive Digital Pass in MyICA app.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

SOLAR (Student's Pass On-Line Application and Registration) is the official online portal operated by ICA for processing Student's Pass applications.

ICA typically processes Student's Pass applications within 1 to 2 weeks (or up to 4 weeks during peak admissions in July/August).

Yes. Full-time undergraduate students enrolled at Autonomous Universities (NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, SIT, SUSS) are permitted by MOM to work up to 16 hours per week during term time and full-time during official university vacations without a work permit.

An In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter is issued by ICA upon approving your Student's Pass application. It acts as a single-entry visa to enter Singapore.

The application processing fee is S$45, and the Student's Pass issuance fee is S$60 (plus S$30 for a Multiple-Entry Visa if applicable).

ICA requires international students to maintain a minimum monthly class attendance of 90%. Failure to meet attendance thresholds can lead to pass revocation.

Statutory Benchmark Metrics

Issuing Authority

ICA Singapore

Application System

SOLAR System (ICA Portal)

Processing Fee

S$45 ICA Processing Fee

Term Part-Time Work

Max 16 Hours / Week Allowed

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Verify official MOE tuition grants, ICA SOLAR Student's Pass applications, university admissions, and CPE EduTrust certifications on official Singapore portals.

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