Singapore has been recognised in various editorials and polls as a great destination for families to call home, thanks partly to the multiple perks that Singapore citizens (SCs) and permanent residents (SPRs) enjoy.
Subsidised public housing, easy savings through the country’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) program, or even baby incentives that assist in family growth make Singapore the family-friendly refuge it is currently.
However, what good are any of these advantages if one’s spouse is unable to make use of them because of the lack of a PR status?
If you’re reading this, likely, applying for Singapore PR for your spouse has been on your mind for some time, but you’re just unsure about the prospects of success.
To make the situation worse for legitimate applicants, immigration authorities are aware that some people have tried to obtain a PR status just to selfishly take advantage of the various privileges that come with it.
As a result, immigration authorities have become more stringent in assessing applications, only approving those from individuals who are committed to contributing to the country for the long term.
However, you need not be too concerned. Whether you’re unsure of your spouse’s prospects of getting a permanent residency or you’re unsure of how to enhance your spouse’s PR application, read on for six recommendations on how to boost your spouse’s PR application, plus learn how to overcome the odds.
6 Tips to Help You Apply for a Singapore PR for Your Spouse
Apply for Permanent Residency Using a Dependant’s Pass
Some may believe that permanent residency may be obtained without first obtaining a Dependant’s Pass.
However, your partner should file for the Dependant’s Pass first as it permits them to reside in the state for a longer period. Your Dependant’s Pass, on average, lasts roughly two years.
Your partner would be able to demonstrate his or her dedication to the state and acclimate to the transition during that period spent inside the country before making the permanent transfer.
It’s possible that by doing so, they’ll have a better chance of getting permanent residency.
You must complete the following requirements for your partner to be qualified for a Dependant’s Pass:
- Possess a valid Employment or S Pass.
- Receive a monthly minimum regular salary of $6,000 from a Singapore-based corporation.
- The application must, on behalf of your partner, be channelled through your workplace or a recognised employment agency.
Before Applying for PR, Seek Employment in Singapore
If your partner has a Dependant’s Pass, it’s often a good time to look for work so that you can show that you’re prepared to make a positive impact on Singapore’s economy. The below stages illustrate how you and your partner can do it:
Get a Job In Singapore
The initial step is to look for work. Certain sectors are more in demand than others, and he/she can use them as a springboard.
Those with the expertise and qualifications for the analytics and information professions, such as data scientists or product managers, are in luck, according to top recruiting agencies.
Others looking for work in finance as well as banking might have a similarly pleasant experience because the demand for qualified financial experts is usually high.
Finally, for your partner to promote themselves as a desirable job prospect, they should draw on their international professional experience to distinguish them from the competition.
Possess a Work Permit or a Letter of Consent
After securing suitable employment, your partner should obtain a Work Permit or even a Letter of Consent (LOC), the application form which must be submitted by your partner’s employer.
Reinforce the PR Application with Letters of Support
Letter of Intent
Provide a personalised cover letter that explains why ICA should approve your partner’s PR request.
This letter must showcase your partner’s talents and accomplishments, providing the reader with an overview of his or her worth as a PR candidate.
As a result, make sure that your partner spends time explaining his or her intentions in Singapore, why they want to stay, and a full description of the roles he or she intends to play in society.
Because this letter is intended to appeal, examine it before sending it to verify that the information is correct and devoid of grammatical mistakes.
A Letter from the Member of Parliament
If your partner has made a significant contribution to Singapore, consider attaching a recommendation from your local Member of Parliament (MP).
Even though a recommendation letter from an MP may not appear to be essential, if it is personalised enough to reflect your spouse’s important skills and talents, it may help reverse the tide when the chances are not good.
The absence of materials that showcase the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments is the main cause why so many of these recommendation letters would not seem to provide much worth in comparison to other individuals’ PR applications.
If your partner has anything that does highlight his or her abilities, be sure to mention it in the application.
Personal Recommendations
Personal recommendations from high-ranking officials will boost your overall profile significantly.
Obtaining a recommendation letter from a government official who’s in a powerful position would assist your partner in coming closer to fulfilling his or her aim of becoming a Singapore PR, provided your partner has previously worked for the government or was involved in major national initiatives.
However, keep in mind that the paperwork necessary for these types of situations may differ from that needed for an MP recommendation letter.
Participate in Community Initiatives
As a potential Singapore PR, your partner must rise to the challenge to familiarise himself or herself with and understand Singapore’s cultural differences in-depth.
He or she can achieve this by stepping outside of their own social circles and becoming more active in the community by participating in neighbourhood events or volunteering for charities or even non-profit organisations.
Going to ex-pat clubs or associations to meet other friendly people from the same hometown might be another good place to start.
Regular Engagement in Community Events
Your neighbourhood’s Residents’ Committee (RC) will often host community events to bring the community together.
Some of it may be in the form of cultural events but don’t be shocked if, for example, you’re invited to join a trip to discover Singapore’s hidden gems.
While you’re doing so, you will expand your horizons beyond your immediate friends and family because you will begin to appreciate cultures that are different from your own.
This will also provide immigration inspectors with a sense of how eager you are to adapt to the Singaporean culture and community in general.
Voluntary Work for Charities or Non-Profit Organizations
Your volunteer work for a charity might be included in the PR application since it demonstrates an altruistic devotion and dedication to others, which could help you stand out to immigration authorities.
There are hundreds of such charities and non-profit organisations in Singapore that support individuals in need. The majority of these might use some assistance as well, as they frequently encounter personnel and budgetary constraints.
Furthermore, when you volunteer for a charity and serve others from outside your circle of friends, you are also doing good for this world by aiding those in need.
Have Your Children When Requesting Singapore PR
If you happen to have kids from your marriage, you should list them in the current PR application.
As previously said, the validity of your request is decided by a variety of variables, one being the amount of contribution your household can make to the country in the immediate and long term.
If you include your children in the application, you are signalling to immigration authorities that you want to belong to Singapore and that you want to stay in Singapore for the foreseeable future and beyond.
Furthermore, enabling your kids to grow up within the country’s welcoming and supporting atmosphere increases the likelihood that they will one day be able to also contribute to Singapore’s economy.
Furthermore, if you have a son, he will be required to complete National Service as a national obligation if he is granted a Singapore PR.
The 2-year military service is viewed as a method for male citizens as well as Singapore PRs to unite to ensure the country’s security and safety.
If you don’t want your son to participate in NS, it’s advisable to leave them out of the application. Renouncing his PR status right before he is called up is one mistake that should be avoided.
Defaulting on National Service is indeed a serious offence that can have serious implications for both the NS defaulter and the family.
Apply for PR After Some Years of Being Married
After several years of marriage, requesting PR from your spouse demonstrates the strength of your relationship and your dedication to staying and helping the community as a whole.
Undoubtedly, this will significantly improve your spouse’s chances of success.
The Singapore government lays a significant premium on a close-knit and stable nuclear family. As a result, if you have children, you should consider also applying for PR on their behalf, as doing so will improve your partner’s chances of gaining the status as well.
Consult a Professional in the Field of Immigration
Applying for a Singapore PR for your spouse may be difficult and can be considerably more difficult when you’re doing it alone.
Consider consulting with an immigration specialist if you require assistance while applying for a PR. This will not only improve your partner’s prospects of being a PR in Singapore but also lower the odds of rejection.
An immigration professional is familiar with the dos and don’ts of the Singapore immigration procedure.
Years of experience have given them the knowledge needed to build a PR application that shows the best sides of the candidate. Combining their expertise and perspective with your spouse’s own actual skills might help give you a big advantage.
Conclusion
With so much on the line, applying for permanent residency has grown more difficult and time-consuming than ever before.
Before making your move, be sure to talk to your spouse about the possibilities of obtaining Singapore PR jointly. Consider hiring a PR application consultant if you ever need help fulfilling any of the above recommendations.
