Student Pass Application

Student Pass Application Process

The following preparation guide and checklist details the Student Pass application process for the American Center for Education (ACE), Singapore, based on their international student admissions and ICA processing guidelines:

1. Document Checklist

All photocopies must be verified/certified true copies. Any documents not originally in English must be accompanied by an official English translation and notarization.

  • Applicant’s Passport: Copy of the particulars page (must have at least 6 months validity).

  • Passport-Sized Photographs: Recent photographs with a white background.

  • Birth Certificate: Original and notarized copy.

  • Highest Educational Certificates & Transcripts: Graduation diplomas/degrees and academic transcripts with grading schemes (original and notarized).

  • Proof of Financial Capability: Bank deposit statement/certificate showing a minimum balance (ACE typically requires a minimum of SGD 30,000, original and notarized).

  • Parents’ Employment & Financial Statements: Statement of parents’ employment, job designation, and monthly/annual income.

  • English Proficiency Proof: IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent test scores (if applicable; otherwise, ACE internal placement testing applies).

  • Study / Employment Gap Records:

    • Letters of employment certification or service record if working after graduation.

    • Personal study plan or CV detailing background and future study plans.

  • Singapore Pass History (if applicable): Copy of current or expired Singapore passes (Student’s Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass, DP, EP, S-Pass, or NRIC).

2. Application & Enrolment Procedure

  1. Pre-Course Counseling & Enrolment:

    • Complete the Pre-Course Counseling Acknowledgement and submit the ACE International Student Application Form (online or hard copy).

    • Pay the initial non-refundable Application Fee to ACE.

  2. ICA eForm Submission (SOLAR):

    • Review and complete the ICA Student’s Pass eForm details (Form 16 / V36).

    • ACE submits the registration on the ICA Student’s Pass Online Application & Registration (SOLAR) system on your behalf.

  3. Processing Timeline:

    • ICA standard processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks (longer during peak intake months). Submit materials at least 1 to 2 months before the course intake starts.

  4. Student Contract & Course Fee Payment:

    • Under SWDA regulations, you must sign the Standard PEI-Student Contract and the Advisory Note to Students before paying any course tuition fees.

    • Do not pay tuition fees until the Student Contract is signed and the Student’s Pass (IPA) is approved.

3. Arrival in Singapore & Pass Formalities

  • In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter: Once approved by ICA, ACE issues the IPA letter. For visa-required nationals, the IPA acts as a single-journey entry visa to enter Singapore.

  • Medical Examination: Complete the mandatory medical check-up (HIV screening and chest X-ray) at an approved clinic in Singapore (cost usually within ~SGD 40–50).

  • Issuance & Biometrics:

    • Settle the ICA Student’s Pass issuance and multiple-journey entry visa fees (SGD 60–90).

    • Complete the completion of formalities / biometrics verification appointment with ICA (or via digital STP issuance through the ICA portal).

  • Reporting to Campus: Report to ACE Admissions at yo:HA @ Tampines, 6 Tampines Street 92, #01-07, Singapore 528893.

4. Essential Regulations for International Students

  • Minimum Attendance: Must maintain a minimum class attendance of 90% each month as mandated by ICA for private education institutions.

  • Strict Employment Ban: Private education institution Student’s Pass holders are strictly prohibited from working in Singapore (full-time, part-time, or freelance), paid or unpaid, without a valid work pass issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

  • Pass Cancellation: You must cancel your Student’s Pass with ICA within 7 days of completing your course or upon withdrawal/termination.

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