Singapore is home to an estimated six million people and has one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia. Over the years, the country has witnessed an influx of foreigners seeking to call it home.
The current number of Permanent Residents (PR) in Singapore is around about half a million. Foreigners are drawn to the country for many different reasons. Its healthcare services are among the world’s best and most affordable, and it stands as one of the most politically stable countries in the Asian region.
Many people apply for a Singapore PR but are often surprised when they get rejected. One reason is that in today’s world of information overload, it is often hard to differentiate between what is valuable and what may be just useless.
To help you achieve a successful Singapore PR application, this article highlights some valuable tips to start your journey.
Are you Eligible?
Before you start the process, you should first check your eligibility. Having a desire to become a PR in Singapore is probably the first requirement, but understanding if the Singaporean government sees you fit to be granted PR status is a totally different thing.
At the end of the day, it all boils down to the eligibility criteria. The Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) oversees all immigration and PR applications. To avoid filtering through an enormous number of applications, ICA has identified six categories of applicants who are eligible to become Singapore PR.
You are eligible for a Singapore PR if you are :
- The spouse of a citizen or a PR in Singapore.
- A current holder of an Employment Pass or S Pass.
- A child born from a legal marriage or adopted by a citizen or PR in Singapore. You must be single and under 21 years at the time of applying.
- A foreign investor looking to invest in Singapore.
- A student currently studying in Singapore
- The aged parent of a Singapore citizen.
Do you Have all the Necessary Documents?
Getting the necessary documents for your application shouldn’t be left as an afterthought. To avoid mistakes during the application process, ensure you have a checklist for all the documents you need to provide.
Applying for a Singapore PR can be overwhelming in itself. So you should at least take some pressure off by ensuring you check all the boxes on the checklist of needed documents.
Imagine you are an ICA officer assigned to look through thousands of applications. Naturally, you wouldn’t want to waste much time on applications that have incomplete or incorrect documentation.
To help out, here are some of the common documents you should have with you before you begin the application process. Since different eligibility categories have unique documentation requirements, this checklist is more of a guide. You can find out about the exact documents needed for each category at the official ICA website.
- Valid travel documents. This should include the passport pages showing your personal details.
- Highest level educational certificates.
- Birth certificate.
- Identification card, where applicable.
- Employment Pass or S Pass.
- Bank account statement or payslip for the last six months.
- Letter of recommendation/testimonial from a previous employer.
- Current employers letter.
Filling a Successful Singapore PR Application Form
Set out a convenient time to begin your PR application and with all the necessary documents within easy reach. Avoid any form of distraction as much as possible.
Many Singapore PR applications get rejected because of either major or minor mistakes on the application form. So to begin, here are a few questions to which you should know the answer before you proceed.
Which PR Category are you Applying Under?
You are probably excited or anxious as you begin your Singapore PR journey. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having that rush of emotions. First, however, double-check that you have the right form for the PR category you wish to apply for.
What is the Official Language of ICA?
As far as the application for Singapore PR goes, the language used must be English, which is the official language of ICA. Therefore, everything you submit must be written in or translated into English.
Irrespective of your level of proficiency in the English language, ensure that the writing on your application is clear, simple, and correct. On the application form, you will be provided with a maximum of 3,500 characters to highlight your achievements in your profession/occupation.
As mentioned, all documents should be translated to English or at least be accompanied by a letter of explanation in English.
The same goes for scanned documents. They must be clear and easily readable.
What is the Duration of the Application Process?
The ICA gives applicants seven days to complete their application from the moment they begin the process. Once you submit the form, you have seven days to upload all supporting documents for the application to stay valid.
This shouldn’t be a problem if you have adhered to the previous tip of getting your documents ready.
Are you Able to Convince the ICA?
You are allowed to submit supporting documents like a cover letter. But, like any cover letter, use this opportunity to convince the ICA officer handling your case why you’re a right fit for a Singapore PR. Remember to keep your writing clear and simple for easy understanding.
Other supporting documents could show proof of your professional achievements, business successes, or performance evaluation reports.
Are you Ready to Submit the PR Application?
You should apply only when you are confident that you have provided all the correct answers in your application form. Ensure you double-check or have someone else look it over to be extra sure.
When you’re ready, submit the application and hope for the best.
Conclusion
As the economy of Singapore continues to grow, it will no doubt be a preferred destination for many foreigners. As a result, there’s a continuous increase in Singapore PR applications, but not all can be approved.
Applying for a Singapore PR can be stressful and tiring if you don’t know how to go about it. There’s no denying that there are thousands of competing applications received almost daily through the ICA website.
You must submit an application that proves that you are the right candidate for a Singapore PR. The tips provided here are one sure way to make your application stand out from the many others.
If you are still not confident or don’t want to waste an opportunity, you should engage an immigration consultant to file your PR application. They would ensure all the documentation is on point, highlight your achievements and contributions as well as appeal to ICA in case of a rejection. Contact us today for a hassle-free experience.
