If you’re a foreign student studying in Singapore, we know what’s running through your mind right now. Yes, getting Singapore permanent residency under the student scheme. While that is a possible option, there are a few crucial points you must know.
You can, of course, get the Singapore PR as an international student in Singapore. But it’s not something you can do by just being a student at a local university in Singapore. In fact, it’s the bare minimum to get you into the student PR scheme.
So what’s more? Well, there’s a handful of information you need to have if you want to qualify for PR in Singapore. Let’s discuss everything you need to know – shall we dive right in?
Eligibility for Singapore PR for International Students
While being an international student is an important qualification, there are a few other criteria you must meet to become a Singapore PR under the international student scheme.
- You should have been residing in Singapore for more than 2 years at the time of application for PR.
- You should have passed at least one examination (PSLE or GCE N’/’O’/’A’ levels) or be in the Integrated Programme (IP)
Documents Required for International Students’ PR Application
You must submit the following documents when applying for Singapore PR under the student scheme:
- A copy of your valid passport
- Birth certificate, official household census details, or a legal document with your parents’ names
- Student pass
- Copies of your educational certificates
- Copies of the professional license certificate
- Result slips
- Verification from the school, if it’s an IP
- Copies of immigration documents
- Photograph
- Vocational trader certificate
Recommended Documents to Submit
- Attach relevant documents if you have any approved scholarship
- Attach relevant documents if you have any achievements
- Attach proof of participation in social services or leadership roles you’ve had
Translated Documents For Foreign Students
Another essential part of the Singapore PR application is having the relevant documents translated. These documents must be translated by a certified translator. When submitting the documents online, it’s mandatory to have them translated into English if they are in another language.
Documents that require translation are:
- Higher educational certificates
- Immigration documents
- Legal documents
- Documents used to apply for student pass
- Documents related to your medical status
How to Apply?
After you have all the documents ready for the lodgement, you can then log into the e-PR system. You must then download an offline form to enter all your details along with those of your parents.
For the next step, you have to upload the completed application form along with all the necessary documents and copies, one at a time. Based on the information you enter, the system will inform you about the documents you must upload.
After uploading all the documents, you must make the required payment. You will receive a receipt for the payment made.
What is the Processing Time for a PR application?
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority will review every application carefully. Therefore, the process will take around 6 months, though some applications might take longer than that. However, you can check on the status of your PR application online by using the e-Services on the ICA website or the MyICA app.
You will be notified as soon as your application has been processed.
Singapore PR for Foreign Student and National Service Liability
Male students who get their PR under the student scheme or through their parents’ sponsorship must register for National Service upon reaching the age of 16 years and a half. They will then be enlisted at the earliest possible by the time they reach 18 years old.
So it’s vital to keep in mind that first-generation PR are not exempt from National Service. However, the exemption is available for those who apply for PR under PTS, which is a scheme for foreign workers.
FAQ:
1. Is it hard to get Singapore PR?
Yes, it is harder to get a Singaporean PR as compared to other countries, as Singapore doesn’t have a point-based system. So if you are applying and waiting for your PR or are interested in doing so, remember approval for your application is solely in the hands of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.
2. Can a student visa holder apply for PR?
Yes, a student visa holder can apply for Singapore PR, but only after completing their studies. For this to work out, the applicant must be eligible for a skilled worker or employer-sponsored visa.
3. How can international students apply for Singapore PR?
Students studying in Singapore are allowed to submit their PR application to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. The application should be submitted through the electronic Permanent Residence (e-PR) system.
4. Can I get a Singapore PR after completing my higher education?
Yes, you can apply for PR if you have been living and studying in Singapore for two years or more.
5. How can I increase my chances of getting my PR as a foreign student?
You can try two things:
- Try to get a scholarship from a Singapore (local) statutory board. This proves that you want to study, live, and work in Singapore and not just receive benefits from the country.
- As you already know, it’s not easy to get through this scheme, so you need to step up your game. Apart from good grades, you can also get involved in social groups and the local community as a foreign student.
Conclusion
While getting PR under the student scheme sounds cool, it’s not that simple. Most foreign students who wish to get PR under this scheme are unaware of the complexity behind this. One of the main reasons to get help from PR consultants is to iron out these complexities and make the
procedure smooth for themselves.
