Recently, I needed to apply for visas to several Southeast Asian countries for work, and I found their visa application processes to be quite strange. The methods I found online varied greatly, the official website descriptions were unclear, and many links were inaccurate. Here's a summary to help you avoid the same pitfalls.

Official website/application method

https://www.vfsglobal.com/Singapore/USA/know-your-visa-type.html

The official website states there are three application methods:

1. Visiting the embassy in person (no appointment required) will incur an additional fee of .
2. Visit the embassy in person (by appointment)
3. Mailing Materials – My Application Method

process

Note: They recommend applying for a visa within 30 days of your departure date. I was asked about my departure date multiple times, so they probably care about this. The processing time is very fast, so don't worry. If you have any questions, you can call the number on their website; they might answer after a few tries.

***The first step may not be necessary; see the last paragraph of "Materials" for details.

1. 给 singaporepostalusa@vfsglobal.com Please submit your feedback, including the following:
   1. Applicant’s full name
   2. Full address in the USA with Zip code and Phone number
   3. Specify your visa category.
   4. Your date of birth
   5. Arrival date in Singapore. Please note: You should not apply 30 days prior to your planned arrival date in Singapore
2. They will reply with a payment email within 24-48 hours. At first, I thought it was for VISA fees, but later I realized it was for shipping fees. They will create shipping labels for you; one is for the original shipment, and the other is for the reply.
3. Prepare the materials, then send them by express using the label.
4. After they receive it, they will process it, which means submitting your documents to their internal system. You will receive an email, and then they will send it back to you via courier (it will only contain an introduction, not a visa document).
5. When checking your visa application progress online, please note that the links in the email and on the website are not correct. You need to go to:https://icaeservices.ica.gov.sg/ipsave/index.xhtml
6. Just print out your VISA card and bring it with you.

The application process was actually very fast. In my case, I submitted my application the same day they received my materials, and it was approved the next day. Of course, it's also possible that it was because I communicated with them beforehand and urged them to hurry up.

Material

If you rely solely on the information on the official website, you might find it confusing because it's written in a very complex way. I only understood it after emailing them. Below is the official response:

• 14A [Visa application form] – You can download it from the official website. The email says it's best to add your contact phone number and email address on the last page (just write it in the blank space).
• One recent photograph – the information online is unclear, but a 2-inch photo with a white background for a US visa is acceptable.
• Copy of valid USA visa status – F1 or H1 I-797, or green card.
• A photocopy of your current passport bio-page is sufficient; the original is not required. If the observation page contains any information, a photocopy is also necessary.
• Hotel and flight booking confirmations
• If you are staying at a friend's house, you need to fill out V39A (available on the official website) and copy your friend's Singapore ID.
• Money order / cashier’s check of .00 per application payable to VFS Services USA Inc

His email stated that a shipping label was not required, but in steps 1-2 of the process, I spent a lot of money to buy a UPS shipping label, and the returned package only contained two pieces of paper telling me that I had submitted an application and how to check (in fact, they had already sent me an email when I submitted the application), so I felt that I could send the package to them myself.

However, the package contains their address and your number, which can be very confusing. If you have the money, it's best to follow the normal procedure or call to inquire about the details.