I am a Singaporean U.S. immigration attorney based in Los Angeles specializing in H-1B1 visas for Singaporeans. My California State Bar record can be found here and my law firm website can be found here. Feel free to connect with me on Linkedin.
For Singaporeans who will be having visa interviews at the US Embassy in Singapore in 2025, I have been informed that starting January 2, 2025, the standard and premium dropoff/pickup locations will change, as follows.
Standard Location Option (Free)
Until January 1, 2025, you may drop off / pick up your documents at no charge at Aramex c/o Bstone Travel Pte Ltd-People's Park Centre (near Chinatown MRT station).
From January 2, 2025 onwards, the free drop off / pick up location will be Aramex International Logistics Pte Ltd, No. 3 Changi South Street 1 #01-01, Singapore 486795 (the Aramex office in Changi)
Premium Location Option (Required to pay SGD 18)
Until January 1, 2025, you may drop off / pick up your documents at Aramex International Logistics Pte Ltd, No. 3 Changi South Street 1 #01-01 (the Aramex office in Changi).
From January 2, 2025 onwards, the premium drop off / pick up location will be LBC Express Airfreight (S) Pte. Ltd., 304 Orchard Road, #03-46, Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863 (New Orchard Road location)
Summary
Based on the foregoing, it appears that, starting January 2, 2025:
1. The Aramex location near Chinatown MRT station will be discontinued.
2. The Standard Drop off / Pick up location (free) will be at the Aramex office in Changi.
3. The Premium Drop off / Pick up location (SGD 18) will be at the New Orchard Road location above.
It is currently unclear whether this upcoming change will affect the efficiency of picking up your passport after your visa interview at the US Embassy in Singapore.
I have previously written about the problems regarding dropping off documents at the Changi location under the interview waiver drop off process here. These problems may persist at the Changi location in the context of the interview waiver process if it is still available next year, although I have explained why interview waivers will likely be discontinued in 2025 here.
Conversely, if you will not be utilizing the Interview Waiver process next year and you will instead be attending an in-person interview, then the Changi location will probably suffice for document pickup after the interview.
Having said that, only time will tell whether it is worthwhile to just pay an extra SGD 18 if using the New Orchard Road location is more efficient and/or reliable.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice.
