Engaging US Government on FTA Immigration Commitments and Advocating for Rights of Singaporeans with US Visas

Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Government has been engaging the United States government on (i) maintaining its obligations under the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement in relation to immigration, such as the H-1B1 visa, and (ii) protecting the rights and privileges of Singaporean holders of US visas.

The H-1B1 visa programme applies to foreign skilled labour from Singapore under the United States (US)-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. There are no changes to H-1B1 processes at this time. The US Embassy in Singapore has stated that the US' Presidential Proclamation on 19 September 2025, which imposes a new Restriction on Entry and fee under the H-1B visa programme, is separate from and does not apply to the H-1B1 visa programme for Singapore Citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) will continue to monitor this issue and engage our US counterparts as required, as we regularly do on a broad range of issues.

To date, MFA is not aware of bona fide Singaporean holders of valid US visas whose rights and privileges have been affected by recent immigration enforcement actions in the US. Nonetheless, Singaporeans should take note that possession of a valid US visa does not guarantee automatic entry into the country nor one's stay for the entire validity period of the visa. Singaporeans should also be aware that each country determines its own immigration policies, including policies applicable to existing visa holders.