Step 4: Apply for a Dependant's Pass (for Foreign Child)
The Dependant’s Pass (DP) is an immigration pass issued to a foreign child so that he or she is allowed to remain in Singapore until the adoption proceedings has been completed.
Only prospective adopters with a favourable ASA & LOE with a minimal validity period of 3 months can apply for a DP (eg. LOE expires Sep 2025, Applicant must submit DP application by Jun 2025).
A foreign child can only be placed under your care after obtaining an In-Principle Approval (IPA) for the DP from MSF.
Validity and Fees Involved for a Dependant’s Pass
- Validity: 21 months
- Cost:
- $330 for application and processing fees
- $30 for visa (for child to enter Singapore, if applicable)
If your DP application is successful, you will be issued with an IPA letter. The IPA letter that will be sent to you will detail the exact amount you will be required to pay.
Step 1: Apply for a new Dependant’s Pass by submitting all the required documents. The list of required documents can be found in the New Dependant’s Pass Checklist. Incomplete submissions will not be processed and may be rejected.
Step 2: You will receive an acknowledgement receipt. MSF may contact you for clarification, request for additional documents or document rectifications, and interviews, if required.
Step 3: Applications received with the completed set of forms and documents will be processed within 20 working days. For complex applications where more information/ assessment is required, processing time will be extended.
Step 4: MSF will notify you in writing of the outcome of the DP application.
- If the DP application is successful, an In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter will be issued to you.
- We will highlight the amount to be paid together with information on the payment method within the IPA letter.
- Please indicate the child’s full name and FIN number in the comments during payment and send a screenshot of the completed payment to msf_adoption@msf.gov.sg so that we can verify your transaction.
You will then make an appointment for a virtual interview with MSF. Both applicants and the child must be present during the appointment.
- During the appointment, you are also required to bring the original documents (submitted for the DP application) for MSF’s verification.
- Once the formalities are completed, you will receive an email notification to retrieve the Child’s electronic DP. If you do not receive the email notification within 2 weeks of completing the formalities, please contact
msf_adoption@msf.gov.sg
for assistance.
- If you fail to complete the formalities and retrieve the Child's electronic DP within 3 months upon receiving the IPA letter, you may risk having the DP cancelled.
Note:
- After the Child's DP is issued, you must initiate the adoption proceedings in the Family Justice Courts within 6 months of a valid LOE. Applicants who fail to do so may risk having the DP cancelled.
- If your child is pursuing full-time studies in Singapore, the child may be required to submit a Student Pass application after the DP is approved to obtain a Letter of Consent (LOC) from ICA. Depending on the educational institution, the requirement and procedure may differ. Please contact ICA for more information.
a. Apply for Extension of Dependant’s Pass by submitting all required documents.
b. The DP will only be renewed for valid reasons. If a DP extension is required, please make an extension application with MSF at least 1 month prior to the expiry date. Each extension is valid for 6 months.
| DP Validity | GIA Ongoing | Eligible for DP Extension | Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP expired | Yes | Yes | The Child is required to go to ICA to apply for a valid immigration pass to remain in Singapore. If the DP has expired before the court hearing date, you are advised to apply for leave from the FJC, apply for a Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) with ICA and then a DP extension with MSF. |
| DP expires in less than 2 weeks | Yes | Yes | You must apply for a STVP with ICA before submitting a DP extension application to MSF. |
| DP expires in more than 1 month | Yes | Yes |
NA [Note: The DP extension will only be issued 7 days before current DP expires.] |
| Any of the above | No | No | As the adoption order has been made/withdrawn/struck off, the child is not eligible for a DP pass extension. Please seek ICA’s advice |
c. The list of required documents can be found in the Dependant’s Pass Extension Checklist. Note: All DP extension applications will be processed within 20 working days, provided all the required documents are submitted.
d. Once the DP application is approved, there is a payment of $225 for each DP issuance and $30 in multi-journey visa (if applicable) for the child to enter Singapore. The payment details will be specified in the IPA letter.
Please indicate the child’s full name and FIN number in the comments during payment and send a screenshot of the completed payment to msf_adoption@msf.gov.sg so that we can verify your transaction.
Under the Immigration Act, it is an offence to overstay after the expiry/termination of an immigration pass, including the DP. To avoid overstaying, please apply for and obtain the appropriate immigration pass before the expiry/termination of your child's DP.
Once the Court grants the Adoption Order, your child will be issued with a new birth certificate by ICA. Please apply for a suitable immigration pass in order for your child to continue residing in Singapore. The following scenarios may be applicable to you:
- Child is currently attending school or has enrolled into a school in Singapore:
- You may apply for a Student’s Pass (STP) for your child after completion of the adoption proceedings so that your child
can continue attending school.
- Child is not schooling but wishes to continue residing in Singapore:
- You may apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for your child.
- You may also apply for Singapore Citizenship or Permanent Residency for your child.
Note: Under the Immigration Act, it is an offence to overstay after the expiry/termination of an immigration pass, including the DP. To avoid overstaying, please apply for and obtain the appropriate immigration pass before the expiry/termination of your child’s DP.