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Social Visit Pass & Long Term Social Visit Pass

Social Visit Pass

  • What is the SVP and who needs it?

    A social visit visa (mainly for short visits and tourism purposes) is dependent on the origin country of the foreigner. Individuals from some countries (e.g. South East Asian countries) may automatically be given one for a stay of up to 30 days and for other countries it can be up to 90 days (e.g. USA, UK, Australia). It is advisable to check with the relevant Malaysian Embassy/ High Commission in your origin country for the SVP requirements before making any travel plans.

  • How many times can you extend SVP or obtain a Special Pass while waiting for LTSVP approval?

    A Special Pass may be given through special consideration e.g. due to illness, accident, war in home country etc. The visitor must furnish evidence, and present a confirmed return ticket to their home country or third country. A Special Pass is also given when the SVP has expired and you are in the process of submitting your application for a LTSVP or awaiting the approval of the LTSVP.

  • What if I overstay on my SVP?

    If you know you are going to overstay, please contact/ visit your local Immigration Office to seek advise on what is needed. Be prepared with legitimate reasons for your overstay (eg: a medical letter/ report; or any other proof of why you need to overstay) and the estimated duration of the overstay period. Depending on your situation, the Immigration Officer will advise on your options and penalties (if any) for overstaying.

  • Can spouses with expired SVP travel to different states within Malaysia by air?

    https://www.facebook.com/FSSGMY/posts/1577789245737374

    No, this is not possible unless special permission is given. In order to travel to Sabah and Sarawak, a valid SVP is needed. Sarawak and Sabah have independent immigration laws. You would need a valid visa to travel to either of these states.

Long Term Social Visit Pass

  • I just got married. How do I get a spouse visa?

    Upon submission of documents for the spouse visa, the application could take up to one month to be approved, if all the documents are in order. You should submit the documents to open a file in the place of residence of your Malaysian spouse which would be mentioned on his/her Identity Card (IC). The first pass is usually valid for 6 months and you will not be allowed to work. If the subsequent pass is valid for one year, you could get an endorsement to work from immigration.

    To obtain the endorsement to work, you must have secured an offer for employment.

    Ideally before you get married, you should check with immigration on the rules and regulations. Always collect the latest forms and checklists from the immigration office. Your Malaysian spouse should always accompany you to the Immigration department for the submission of documents. The decision of the Immigration Officer is final.

  • What are the requirements to submit a new LTSVP application?

    The Long Term Social Visit pass may be issued to a foreigner for a temporary stay in Malaysia for a period of not less than six months. Extensions of the period of stay can be given based on the eligibility and fulfilment of certain conditions.

    Foreign husbands/wives to Malaysians can be given the Social Visit Pass for a period of 5 years on condition that they comply with all the requirements.

    They are also allowed to engage in any form of paid employment or in any business or professional occupation without converting the Social Visit Pass to the Employment Pass or Visitor’s Pass (Temporary employment).

    • Applicants must be present with a spouse.
    • All original documents need to be brought along for verification and only complete applications are accepted.
    • Checklist of required documents:
    • Form Imm.12
    • Form Imm.38  (2 copies)
    • Form Imm.55  (2 copies)
    • Sponsor statement form
    • Security bond – stamped RM10.00
    • Affidavit of oath with photograph and stamped by the Commissioner of Oaths
    • Identity card and birth certificate of husband / wife
    • Marriage registration certificate
    • Proof of divorce letter/ death certificate (if applicable)
    • Postcard -sized wedding photos
    • Child’s birth certificate (confirmation letter from the court if stepchild)
    • Business license/ company ROC/ Form J  (If self -employed)
    • Confirmation letter from the employer with  letter head (If working)
    • Proof of income (last 3 months salary slip/ ​​bank book/ form J)
    • Proof of residential address (utility bill)
    • Husband / wife’s Malaysian passport (all pages)
    • Other documents if required
  • If I am unemployed, can I provide my bank statement to prove my savings or do I still need a sponsor to apply for an LTSVP?

    Generally, if the Malaysian spouse is not working, another person, who is earning more than RM2000 can stand in as the sponsor. A bank statement by the Malaysian Spouse or a Statutory Declaration declaring the amount earned would be required as proof.

  • What is the criteria to be a ‘sponsor’ for an LTSVP application? What is the Malaysian Spouse is unemployed? What is the minimum salary for a family member to be a sponsor?
    • The sponsor has to earn more than RM2000 per month and pay tax.
    • If the Spouse is unemployed or does not earn the minimum RM2000 per month, a family member residing in the same state can become the sponsor. However he/she should be present at the time of submission of documents.
    • Provide proof of income, which could sometimes include criteria such as the provision of EPF deposits made by the Employer for the entire company.
  • If I am a Malaysian Muslim, can I use my temporary marriage paper (after the Akad Nikah process) or do I need to submit the original marriage certificate during the LTSVP application?

    You would need to submit the original marriage certificate.

  • What is the typical approval time for an LTSVP application?

    Prior to the Movement Control Order (MCO), it took one month for the LTSVP approval. Nowadays, it may take three to five months at some state Immigration departments.

  • I am being asked to return to my home country and re-enter Malaysia so I can apply for a spouse visa. What are my options?

    Apply for the “Journey Performed” visa; write a letter to the Director of Immigration stating the reason why you cannot travel. It is best to list numerous reasons. This will cost RM520 and is up to the discretion of the immigration officer

    When you go to collect the visa after 30 days, the new LTSVP will come with a single entry visa sticker with “Journey Performed” stamp. The sticker cost an extra RM50.

  • How much earlier can I go for renewal of my LTSVP

    You usually would need to go a week in advance. It is always best to make a visit to immigration 3 weeks prior to collect the forms, checklist and to find out about the timeline.

  • What are the required documents for renewal of spouse visa?
    1. Form IMM 55 and IMM 38 (these forms cannot be downloaded online. You can get these forms from the information counter at the “Pass and Permit Division”)
    2. Surat Akuan Form (collect this form at the information counter. After filling it, visit the Commission of Oaths office to get the stamp. This will cost you RM 4 or RM 15 if you need them to help you fill up the forms)
    3. Original and copy of Malaysian Spouse’s MyKad (Front and Back)
    4. Original and copy of passport of Foreign Spouse (all printed pages)
    5. 1 passport photo of Malaysian Spouse
    6. 1 passport photo of foreign Spouse
    7. Original and copy of birth certificates (if you have children)

    Note: The Malaysian spouse has to be present at the renewal appointment.

    It is best to bring extra copies too.

    You can download some of the forms here: http://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/resources-and-archives/download-forms-i.html

  • What documents do I need in order to apply for the extension of my spouse’s visit pass?
    1. Borang Imm.55 (Borang Imm.55)
    2. Borang Imm.58 (Borang Imm.38)
    3. Statutory Declaration by husband and wife that the marriage is still binding
    4. Children’s birth certificates (if any)
    5. Identity cards of both spouses
    6. Marriage certificate
    7. Passports of both spouses (all printed pages)

    Note:
    Both spouses must be present
    For nationals of China and African countries, the completed application form must be submitted at the Malaysian Immigration Department Headquarters.

  • What if my spouse visa expired while I was overseas, before I could return to Malaysia

    You can apply for a tourist visa or, if Malaysia allows for your nationality, visa upon entry. Then you come in and apply for the renewal. Usually this may be done within 3 months.

  • What if my current status expires before my next appointment with Immigration?

    Firstly, you must ensure that you have a valid visa at all time. You can make an appointment for visa renewal. You would need to fill up a form to state the reasons for late renewal and this will be attached to your renewal application form. There is usually a penatly for overstay. However, there some lienency can be expected during the pandemic.

Endorsement to Work

  • How do I apply for an ‘endorsement to work’? (Including checklist of required documents and necessary forms)

    As of January 2021

    • Confirmation letter from company + RM10 stamp duty from LHDN | Surat pengesahan jawatan dari majikan + duit setem RM10 di LHDN
    • Company registration (SSM MyData/ e-Info print out) + business license from government agencies, e.g. DBKL + income tax statement | Pendaftaran syarikat yang terkini (cetakan SSM MyData/ e-Info) + lesen perniagaan + penyata cukai pendapatan-
    • Permission to work letter from spouse | Surat kebenaran bekerja daripada pasangan
    • Copy of recent passport and visa | Salinan passport terkini pemohon

    Note:

    • Both the husband and wife need to be present when submitting the application
    • The Immigration officer will contact the company for verification of the applicant’s position in the company
    • The Immigration officer is allowed to submit additional documents if needed
    • An incomplete application will not be accepted
  • How do I renew my work endorsement?

    The work endorsement will expire along with your LTSVP, so make sure you renew it if you wish to continue working. You can renew your work endorsement together with your LTSVP, on the same day.
    The documents needed are:

    1. Stamped employment contract (RM 10): Please get your company to amend the date of your original employment contract to current date and send it for stamping.
    2. Office photos (exterior and interior)
    3. Company form 9, 24 and 49 if you’re working for a different company. But, it is recommended to bring these along just in case the immigration officer asks for them.
  • If I am a spouse on an LTSVP, what will the tax rate be?

    If you have lived in Malaysia for more than 182 days (the days need not be continuous), you pay the same tax as a Malaysian. If you have lived and worked in Malaysia for less than 182 days, then you will be charged a flat rate. However, you can do an e-filing with the Inland Revenue Board (Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri) and to get a tax return.

Residence Pass, Permanent Residence & Citizenship

Permanent Residence

  • What is the eligibility for PR?

    You must reside continuously in Malaysia for 5 years on a Long Term Social Visit Pass (LTVSP) This does not include any visas which are given for less than a year. You will be required to have at least two Malaysian witnesses from the same state that you are living in (not including your Malaysian spouse).

    You will be required to have basic knowledge of BM, be able to answer some of the questions on Malaysia in BM. General knowledge questions on Malaysia include the number of states in the country and the national flower. You can also be asked to recite the Rukun Negara or sing the national anthem Negaraku.

    (Note: The PR may be revoked at any time if the authorities deem it necessary.)

  • What’s the procedure for PR?
    • Go to the “Permit Masuk” counter at the Pass and Permit division at the immigration branch where you applied for your LTVSP.
    • Get a number ticket and wait your turn.
    • You will be required to show your passport and all your previous LTVSP in order for the immigration officer to verify your eligibility.
    • If you are eligible, the officer will pass you the checklist and application forms.
    • Kindly note that the forms are in BM and it would be best to fill in the form in BM.

    Below are documents required to be submitted as listed on the checklist:

    1. Entry Permit Application Form (IM.4)
    2. Form (IMM.270)
    3. Passport sized photo with blue background: You will need 4 copies. One picture will be placed on the ‘Surat Akuan Sumpah Perkahwinan’ Form (Declaration of Marriage). You should also bring a photo of your Malaysian spouse.
    4. Marriage photo or family photo
    5. Applicant’s Birth Certificate: Photocopy and original (required for verification)
    6. Applicant’s Passport Pages: Photocopy of each passport page, including the first page, travel stamps and all previous LTSVP. Empty pages are not required. Original passport is required for verification.
    7. Malaysian Marriage Certificate: Photocopy and original (required for verification)
    8. Overseas Marriage Certificate: For those who registered their marriage overseas. Both photocopy and original (required for verification).
    9. Surat Akuan Sumpah Perkahwinan form: This is the same as the one you submitted for your application and renewal of your LTSVP. You will need to fill in all the required information and visit the Commissioner of Oaths office to do some stamping.
    10. Death / divorce certificate from your previous marriage (If Any)
    11. 1 Malaysian sponsor Photo: You will need 1 passport sized photo of your Malaysian sponsor with a blue background.
    12. Malaysian sponsor’s MyKad: Both photocopy and original (for verification) are required
    13. Malaysian sponsor’s birth certificate: Both photocopy and original (for verification) are required
    14. Malaysian spouse’s passport page (if married moverseas)
    15. Applicant’s children’s MyKad & birth certificate: Both photocopy and original (for verification) are required
    16. Applicant’s Children’s passport: Both photocopy and original (for verification) are required
    17. Security bond receipt: You should receive a receipt after you have made payment for your security bond during your first LTSVP application. Both photocopy and original (for verification) are required
    18. Proof of Residence: You can either submit a photocopy of your water or electricity bill in order to prove your residence address. Do remember to bring along the original for verification.
    19. Cover Letter: You will need to submit a letter of application in Bahasa Melayu. In the letter, you must mention your name, passport number, your spouse’s name and MyKad number, and the purpose of the letter.
    20. Malaysian sponsor’s proof of income: This can be a few months payslip
    21. Malaysian sponsor’s proof of employment: The company HR can issue an employment confirmation letter to prove employment.
    22. Company Registration (If Self-Employed)

    It is recommended to get the documents ready before you visit the immigration office. But unlike the LTSVP, you do not have to visit the immigration too early because the queue should not be very long as there are not many people who are eligible to apply for PR in Malaysia.

    You then submit the PR documents at the State Immigration Department. After submission, both you and your spouse have to wait for the Interview Call, then another longer wait for the Police check. You can track the progress on the Immigration website.

  • What status should I hold while waiting for PR?

    The approval for PR can take years. You will have to continue renewing your LTSVP.

  • How much will it cost to get a PR?

    The upfront fee to process your documents is RM40 and the entry permit fee is RM120, this is while awaiting your Red IC.

  • What is the estimated timeline of the PR process?

    It takes a minimum of 2 years for approval of PR.

  • Can I submit a copy of the required document to apply for a PR if the original copy is in my home country?

    An original is needed for every required document stated. It is advisable to have yours sent from your home country.

  • Do I need to get the required document translated if it is neither in English nor Bahasa Malaysia?

    Yes, it needs to be translated if it is not in English or Bahasa Malaysia.

    Refer: https://www.facebook.com/FSSGMY/posts/1827584220757874

  • Will I still be able to apply for a PR if I have a Residence Pass?

    It is dependent on each state. They will offer a Residence Pass before applying for a PR. You may need to wait 5 years before being able to apply for a PR.

    Refer: https://www.facebook.com/FSSGMY/posts/1819046458278317

Residence Pass

  • What is a Residence Pass?

    A Residence Pass is a pass issued to any foreign national who falls under any category specified under Regulation 16A, Immigration Regulations 1963.

  • How does the Residence Pass differ from a Permanent Residence?

    The Residence Pass is given to those who have already been in the country for 5 years and are eligible to apply for Permanent Residence. As a Permanent Resident, you will be issued a Red IC. However, you will not have the right to vote and you will retain your nationality and passport. If your application for PR is rejected, you would be given a Residence Pass which is a pass for 10 years and can be renewed in 5 years.

  • How does the Residence Pass differ from the LTSVP?

    The years spent on the LTSVP would count towards a PR application and you will require an endorsement to work from Immigration. Residence Pass holders are allowed to work and study in Malaysia without any restrictions.

  • What is the benefit of a Residence Pass? Is it better than the LTSVP?

    Residence Pass holders are eligible to work, study and set up a business without having to convert to another pass, subject to the conditions of other relevant authorities. It also allows you to open a bank account.

  • What are the conditions required for a Residence Pass?

    https://www.imi.gov.my/portal2017/index.php/en/pass.html?id=284

    Residence Pass is a pass issued to any foreign national who falls under any category specified under Regulation 16A, Immigration Regulations 1963.

    RESIDENCE PASS CATEGORIES

    A. Category 3: A person with family ties with a Malaysian citizen

    1. Husband / wife of a citizen;
    2. Biological child / step-child / adopted child to a citizen aged 18 and below;
    3. Divorcee / widow / widower to citizens with a biological child who is a Malaysian citizen
    4. Biological mother/father to a Malaysian citizen;
    5. Mother/father-in-law to a Malaysia citizen who is holding a valid pass in Malaysia. CONDITIONS TO

    APPLY FOR A RESIDENCE PASS (OTHER CATEGORIES)

    1. The applicant must have a valid travel document or passport with a validity of at least six (6) months;
    2. The applicant has been staying in Malaysia on a valid long term pass;
    3. For Category 3, the applicant has resided in Malaysia for at least three (3) years on a valid long term pass;
    4. The application must be sponsored by a Malaysian aged 21 years and above;
    5. For Category 3 and Category 4, application may be submitted to the nearest Immigration office or the Immigration Headquarters, Putrajaya or on-line via https://eservices.imi.gov.my/myimms/myPR ;
    6. For Category 3(iii), divorcee / widow / widower to a Malaysian citizen who has been granted a full or joint custody of the biological child by the relevant court of law;
    7. All photocopied documents issued by a foreign country MUST be certified by the corresponding foreign missions in Malaysia;
    8. Applications in West Malaysia must be sponsored by a Malaysia citizen;
    9. Applications in Sabah and Sarawak must be sponsored by a Malaysian citizen of Sabah or Sarawak origin;
    10. Both sponsor and applicant MUST be present during submission of documents at the Immigration office;
  • What’s the procedure for a Residence Pass?
    1. The applicant must have a valid travel document or passport with a validity of at least six (6) months
    2. The applicant has been staying in Malaysia on a valid long term pass
    3. The applicant has resided in Malaysia for at least three (3) years on a valid long term pass
    4. The applicant must be sponsored by a Malaysian aged 21 years and above
    5. The application may be submitted to the nearest Immigration office or the Immigration Headquarters in Putrajaya or on-line via https://eservices.imi.gov.my/myimms/myPR
    6. All photocopied documents issued by a foreign country MUST be certified by the corresponding foreign missions in Malaysia
    7. Applications in West Malaysia must be sponsored by a Malaysian citizen
    8. Applications in Sabah and Sarawak must be sponsored by a Malaysian citizen of Sabah or Sarawak origin
    9. Both sponsor and applicant MUST be present during submission of documents at the Immigration office
  • What documents do I need to apply for a Residence Pass?
    1. Form IMM 16a.
    2. Photocopy of applicant’s passport (new and old).
    3. Passport size photo (2 copies).
    4. Photocopy of husband’s or wife’s identity card.
    5. Photocopy of the sponsor’s identity card (2 copies).
    6. Photocopy of marriage certificate of applicants.
    7. Photocopy of birth certificate and identity card of biological children (if any).
  • How much does a Residence Pass cost?
    1. Residence Pass RM 500.00 for five years.
    2. Multiple Entry Visa rate is by country
  • What is the estimated timeline of the application process for a Residence Pass?

    Immigration officers have said that it would take up to 90 days. If there’s an MCO, it would take longer. However, a number of applicants have waited for many years.

Citizenship

  • What are the requirements to apply for citizenship?
    • Eligibility for citizenship for the wife of a Malaysian is 2 years after PR, approval may take 2-3 years.
    • Eligibility for citizenship for the husband of a Malaysian is 10 years after PR, approval may take 2-3 years.
    • Application and Checklist may be collected at JPN.

    Note: Permanent Residence and citizenship is not our right but a privilege accorded by the Government.

  • What is the procedure to apply for citizenship?

    The applicant is required to go to the counter at the Citizenship Division of the Putrajaya JPN headquarters or state JPN headquarters/branch, bringing along originals and copies of required documents.

    All applications for citizenship matters require the use of original forms. Forms may be obtained from the Putrajaya JPN headquarters or state JPN headquarters/branches. Application forms for registration of birth in a foreign country and renunciation of citizenship may be obtained from consulates abroad.

    There will also be a BM Proficiency Test:

    • For those below 50 – There are two parts to it: 25 objective questions on grammar and a 1000 word essay.The essay topic will be on life or tourism in Malaysia in general. Standard of exam is of PT3 (Form 3) exams of Malaysian government schools. You need to study standard 6 and form 3 Malay grammar and essay books. The exam is only to test your Malay language.
    • For those above 60 – it would probably be just an oral exam.

    You will receive a blue IC, and are required to renounce your own country’s citizenship (as Malaysia practices Single Citizenship) and use a Malaysian Passport.

  • What is the estimated timeline for the citizenship process?

    Applications will be examined on a case-by-case basis depending on the laws under the Federal Constitution. Applicants will be informed in writing within 40 days of the Home Minister’s (YB Menteri Dalam Negeri) decision.

  • I have applied for citizenship with JPN and I am going through issues with education/health/travel documents/etc. Can my application be expedited?

    According to the Home Minister’s office, citizenship is the highest award the Malaysian Government gives to a worthy individual who can contribute to the country and pledge loyalty to the ‘Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong’ (King).

    Each application will be processed, taking into consideration national interest as well as the safety and well-being of existing citizens. Any issues to do with education, health, travel documents and others will have to be referenced to the appropriate authorities.

    Before submitting the application, the applicant would be informed that the citizenship application will be processed and completed within one year from the date of complete application received by the JPN Headquarters in Putrajaya. However, applicants can submit a letter by stating the reason to expedite the application process, and it is subject to the Malaysian Government’s jurisdiction.

  • I would like to check the status of my application. How do I contact the respective officer?

    Inquiries on your application status can be directed to the KDN (Home Ministry) counter at Kompleks D Putrajaya or by calling 03-88863367/03-88863172 or sending an email to adminpp@moha.gov.my.

  • My application for citizenship has been rejected. Can I appeal?

    You can appeal. If it is mentioned in the letter, follow the process mentioned there. However, you can also submit a new application at JPN.

  • What are the requirements for naturalization?
    • The applicant shall appear before the Registrar of Citizenship when submitting the application.
    • The applicant must be aged 21 years and above on the date of the application. The applicant has resided in the federation for a period of not less than 10 years in a period of 12 years, including the 12 months immediately preceding the date of application.
    • The applicant intends to reside permanently in the federation.
    • The applicant is of good character.
    • The applicant has adequate knowledge of the Malay language.
    • The applicant must be sponsored by two referees who are citizens aged 21 years and above and who are not relatives, not hired persons, and not advocates or solicitors to the applicant.
    • Form C must be completed and submitted together with copies of the necessary documents.
  • What is the procedure to apply for naturalization?

    The applicant is required to go to the counter at the Citizenship Division of the Putrajaya JPN headquarters or state JPN headquarters/branch, bringing along originals and copies of required documents.

    All applications for citizenship matters require the use of original forms. Forms may be obtained from the Putrajaya JPN headquarters or state JPN headquarters/branches. Application forms for registration of birth in a foreign country and renunciation of citizenship may be obtained from consulates abroad.

    Required documents:

    APPLICANT’S DOCUMENTS (ORIGINALS AND COPIES)

    Identity card
    Entry permit or extract of details from the identity card register
    Passport or other travel document (if any)
    Birth Certificate, latest extract of Birth Certificate or Adoption Certificate (if any)
    Three (3) recent passport-sized photographs with a blue background

    SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (COPIES)

    Identity card
    Birth Certificate or latest extract of Birth Certificate (if any)
    Citizenship Certificate (if any)

    SPOUSE’S AND CHILDREN’S DOCUMENTS (COPIES)

    Identity card (if any)
    Birth Certificate or latest extract of Birth Certificate (if any)
    Citizenship Certificate (if any)

    PARENTS’ AND SIBLING’S DOCUMENTS (COPIES)

    Identity card (if any)

    Note: All copies of supporting documents should be made on A4 paper.

    Form C – Citizenship Application under Articles 19(1)(A)(i) of the Federal Constitution

    Payment:

    RM10.00 for application fee
    RM200.00 to issue Citizenship Certificate for applicants residing in the federation on Independence Day, 31 August 1957 (if approved)
    RM300.00 to issue Citizenship Certificate for applicants not residing in the federation on Independence Day, 31 August 1957 (if approved)

  • I have fulfilled all the requirements but my application was rejected. Can I appeal?

    This means that the government is not yet satisfied with your application. The decision by the minister is final but if you still intend to become a Malaysian citizen, you may submit a new application.

Student Pass & General

Student Pass

  • What is the process for a non-citizen spouse of a Malaysian to apply for a postgraduate course in a Malaysian university?

    First contact your designated university and obtain an offer letter to secure a ‘study authorisation’ from the Ministry of High Education, Department of International student affairs. This may be submitted to the university. However, depending on the university, they may allow you to study on a spouse visa. Do take the study approval and your Malaysian spouse to an immigration office to apply for the study authorization endorsement on your passport.

  • My spouse is on a student pass. Can my spouse apply for a spouse visa right after we get married?

    If you are a foreign husband, it is best to wait it out under the student visa for six months after marriage before proceeding for the spouse visa. The university will need to cancel the student pass and you may be required to get a special pass. It is up to the immigration department to allow you on a special pass to submit the documents for the spouse visa. In many cases, immigration will ask the foreign spouse to exit and reenter the country. However, during the pandemic, there may be some leniency. Refer: https://www.facebook.com/FSSGMY/posts/1680073402175624 https://www.facebook.com/FSSGMY/posts/1421727631343537

General

  • What is the procedure to transfer my file from one Immigration office to another? What documents should I bring along with me?

    You will have to request for a transfer from immigration. You will need to submit some form of evidence to indicate your current place of residence ( e.g. water or electric bill). Do not close your file until the Immigration office you want to transfer to has approved all the documents.

  • Can I apply for spouse visa/PR/RP in Malaysian embassies/consulate offices overseas?

    If your marriage has been registered with the National Registration Department (JPN) of Malaysia or the relevant Malaysian State Islamic Religious Department/State Islamic Religious Council or the relevant Malaysian Embassy/High Commission/Consulate-General abroad, you would be able to enter into Malaysia on an SVP. You can apply for a LTSVP upon entry into the country.

    No matter what your permission letter says, make sure you receive at least a single-entry visa so that the airline can accept you on board.

  • How can I bring my elderly parents here?

    If they are above the age of 60, do not have family in their origin country and are dependent on their family in Malaysia, they can apply for a Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP).

    Documents Required:

    1. Form Imm.12/Imm.55
    2. Form Imm.38
    3. Personal Bond which has been stamped with a RM10.00 revenue stamp
    4. Statutory Declaration from Malaysian /Permanent Resident sponsor
    5. Sponsor’s Identification Card

    Link: https://www.imi.gov.my/portal2017/index.php/en/main-services/pass.html?id=272

    You can also apply for a Visa with Reference (VDR) if they are from Afghanistan, India, China, Vietnam, North Korea or Cuba. You will receive a sealed letter which can be used at the embassy in their country. They will be issued a one-month single entry visa which can be extended once here.

    Link: https://www.imi.gov.my/portal2017/index.php/en/main-services/visa/visa-with-reference.html

  • Can I convert my foreign driver’s license?

    Yes, it is possible on a case by case basis. Contact your local JPJ to properly asses your situation. You can find their contact info at: https://www.jpj.gov.my/web/main-site/putrajaya

    If you are eligible to convert it, you will need to submit an application. After submitting the application, you can check your application via the JPJ portal to see if it’s been approved via: https://www.jpj.gov.my/web/main-site/semakan-pertukaran-lesen-memandu-luar-negara

    If approved, go to your nearest JPJ and bring along your approval document (printed out from the JPJ website and your application acknowledgement; 1 passport photo (white background); your original passport and make a payment.

  • What is the process when I get a new passport?

    When you renew your passport, you are required by law to transfer your LTSVP from your old passport to your new passport. You would be allowed to renew your LTSVP even if you are early. You will be able to collect your passport and LTSVP on the same day, no matter how many years you apply for.

Others & COVID

License

COVID-19

  • What do I need to know when exiting Malaysia?

    Throughout the various movement control order forms, Malaysians exiting Malaysia will need to seek approval via: https://mtp.imi.gov.my/myTravelPass/main?termConditionNXC

    Please note tourism and holiday travels during any form of MCO is prohibited.

    If you are a foreigner, you will not need to apply for any approvals and can leave Malaysia.

    Whether you are a Malaysian or foreigner, we recommend you read up on the requirements of your destination country in view of the pandemic restrictions and quarantine measures, before making any travel plans.

  • What do I need to know when entering Malaysia?

    Malaysian citizens do not need to apply for approval and can enter Malaysia. Please note you will be subjected to quarantine procedures upon entering Malaysia. As quarantine procedures are continuously updated, please check with your Malaysian Embassy/ High Commission on the latest updates before you make your travel plans, as well as check if there is any COVID-19 tests required by the departing country’s authorities and airlines.

    Foreign nationals will need to apply for an approval before entering Malaysia regardless of the visa you hold. Based on your situation, you may apply here: https://mtp.imi.gov.my/myTravelPass/main . After securing an MTP approval, you can proceed with buying your ticket (preferably 2 weeks away to complete any further documentation) and simultaneously, please check with the Malaysian Embassy/ High Commission in your country on whether you still need a Letter of Undertaking (LoU) and Travel Note before departure. We understand certain Embassies no longer require a LoU/ Travel Note as the MTP approval is sufficient but please check! If applying for an LoU and Travel Note is still needed, the Embassy/ High Commission will provide you the documents required which are quite straightforward (travel ticket, passport, the MTP approval, marriage certificate if you have a spouse in Malaysia etc). The LoU and Travel Note will likely be issued within 3-5 working days.

    Please also note you will be subject to quarantine procedures upon entering Malaysia. As quarantine procedures are continuously updated, please check with the Malaysian Embassy/ High Commission on the latest updates before your departure, and if there is any COVID-19 test required by the departing country’s authorities and airlines. Downloading and registering yourself on the MySejahtera Application is a must before entering Malaysia.

Divorce

  • Can the non-citizen spouse remain in the country after a divorce?

    This is dependent on what visa/ pass the foreign spouse holds. If the foreign spouse is on a work permit, it is still possible to stay on if the divorce does not impact their terms of employment. Declared divorces will result in the foreign spouse pass being revoked. But it is possible to still get a residence pass when there are children involved. Please see this pdf https://www.imi.gov.my/portal2017/images/pdf/PAS%20RESIDEN%20PORTAL%20IMIGRESEN.pdf under Section b: Janda / Balu / Duda kepada warganegara yang mempunyai Anak Kandung kepada warganegara ( Divorcée / Widow / Divorcé of a citizen with children)