FAQs

What is a Singapore Permanent Resident (Singapore PR)?
A permanent resident (PR) refers to someone who has been given Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) status by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). They are not fully Singapore citizens but yet entitled to enjoy some of the partial benefits of a Singapore Citizen.

By having a Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) status, he/she and their family will be entitled to live, work and blend into the Singaporean society just like ordinary Singapore citizens. He/She will get to enjoy the freedom of travelling in and out of Singapore without the need for additional visas and passes.
What are some of the benefits of being a Singapore Permanent Resident (Singapore PR)? 
Some of the benefits that a Singapore Permanent Resident (Singapore PR) can enjoy includes leaving and entering Singapore without visa restrictions, availability to government schooling options for their children, opportunities to more employment and careers within Singapore without needing any work passes, financial benefits in the form of the Central Provident Fund (CPF) and ease of getting housing loans through local banks.

Moreover, should an individual wish to convert to become a Singapore Citizen, holding their Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) status is one of the legit and accepted ways for the Singapore government to consider.
How can I be eligible to apply for Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR)?
To be eligible for Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR), you will need to apply based on one of the following categories:

-Spouse of a Singapore Citizen/Singapore Permanent Resident (Singapore PR).
-Child (unmarried and below 21 years old) of a Singapore Citizen/Singapore Permanent Resident (Singapore PR).

-Aged Parents of a Singapore Citizen
-S Pass holders
-Employment Pass holders
-Personalized Employment Pass holders
-Investors
What is the most desirable time period to wait before applying for Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR)?
There isn’t any specific employment period which foreigners have to wait before applying for Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR). In general, employment Pass (P or Q work pass) or S pass are eligible to submit their Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) applications under Scheme for Professional/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers(PTS) for ICA’s consideration.

Singapore Immigration Specialist have successful clients who got their Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) approved with only 6 months of duration in Singapore.
How can we schedule the e-Appointment to submit the Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application at an earlier date?
Singapore Immigration Specialist system tracks reschedule changes for other applicants appointments and allow us to find a slot for you. You can provide us with your ideal period for attending the ICA appointment and we will do our utmost best to secure your desired slot but we cannot guarantee specific dates due to the availability of appointment slots.
How long will my Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application process take?
The processing time will take about 6 to 13 months after you submit your mandatory documents and Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application forms.
What is this new ICA e-PR system? What should I do to apply for my Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR)? 
The Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) e-PR system now allow applicants to submit their PR applications online without walking in to ICA Building and booking for an appointment with ICA. If you are unable to fix an ICA appointment before 18 December 2017, you can submit your application online from 18 December onwards after the ICA e-PR system is implemented.

Singapore Immigration Specialist will advise you on the new ICA e-PR System so that you can submit your application with the existing eligibility requirements for the approval of your Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR).
I don’t know how to use the ICA online e-PR system, can I submit my Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application via walk-in over the counter? 
All Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) applications must be submitted online from 18 December 2017 onwards via ICA e-PR system to qualify for ICA assessment. If you did not secure an appointment date before 18 December 2017, you will not be allowed to submit your Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application over the counter.

Singapore Immigration Specialist will walk you through the entire process on the documents that you need to prepare and help you to submit your Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application online through the ICA e-PR system.
 Will my chances be better to wait for the new ICA e-PR system before I submit my Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application?
If you have already secured an appointment slot before 18 December 2017, you can continue to submit your application on the allocated date over the counter at ICA building. Alternatively, you can submit your Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application via the ICA e-PR system without making an appointment.

Singapore Immigration Specialist will explain the entire ICA e-PR System process and advise you on the submission process via ICA e-PR system for your Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application.
With the implementation of ICA e-PR system, are there any changes to the Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application assessment criteria?
The assessment criteria for Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application remain unchanged. Applicants will need to satisfy ICA eligibility requirements for the grant of their Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR).

Singapore Immigration Specialist will guide you through the latest information that you need to know. All eligibility requirements for the approval of Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) will be followed accordingly with regards to your profile to ensure the highest chance of approval.
Why is more and more difficult to get a Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR)?
Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) was easily granted before 2009 and many people took advantage of that opportunity, using Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) as a way to make money by buying properties for investments and treating Singapore as a holiday home.

According to statistics, most of them did not reside, work or contribute to Singapore after getting their Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR). This situation also caused overpopulation and unhappiness among the Singapore Citizens.

The government became stricter with the whole immigration policy after the general elections in 2015 and start to be more selective and grant Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) to those who are worthy and able to contribute to Singapore economy.
What is the Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) approval quota or statistics?
The quota is confidential and revised regularly by Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The Singapore government only disclose quota statistics for previous years. Based on statistics for year 2010, the number of approved Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) applications was 29,265.
Why did my Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application get rejected by Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)?
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) does not give any reason for rejecting the application. One of the reasons for rejection includes exceeding the quota. Our Singapore government analyze data such as existing Singapore Permanent Resident (Singapore PR) over the total Singapore population to determine the assigned quota each year.

Another reason for rejection includes messy and incomplete documentation in the application. Therefore, a neat and error-free application together with the required supporting documents and cover letter will help to increase the rate in getting your application approved.
Can I appeal if my Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application was rejected? 
Yes, you can appeal for your rejected Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application case. It is recommended to meet up with one of our consultants to assess your profile and advise you on the appeal process. If we see that you are eligible and capable of furnishing additional reasons or supporting documents for ICA re-consideration, we will assist you to file an appeal within six months from the date of rejection.

Singapore Immigration Specialist do have successful cases of our client who got their Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) approved through an appeal.
Will Re-Entry Permit renewal applications get rejected?
Renewals applications only get rejected when the client do not stay in Singapore for a decent period of time after being granted Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) status. The government approves an applicant’s Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) because they believe the individual will be committed to Singapore on a long term basis. If you are residing in Singapore and fulfil your contributions to Singapore’s economy, you will less likely get rejected.
Why should I engage Singapore Immigration Specialist for my Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application?
Singapore Immigration Specialist in an expert in the Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application process and immigration industry. We know what is the proper documentation and submission process that will significantly help to boost your chances of getting your Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application approved.
What is Singapore Immigration Specialist success rate of getting Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) approved?

Singapore Immigration Specialist does not have a quantifiable number for our success rate. The reason for our clients’ approval success is that we focus on error-free documentation and watch small details that can affect your approval rate. We are very strict and only select suitable and eligible clients that we feel comfortable to work with.

Singapore Immigration Specialist work closely with government authorities such as Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and SingPass to ensure that we follow all their regulations and abiding to their accepted standards for all of our clients’ Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) applications.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) status?
There are many advantages of being a Singapore Permanent Resident (Singapore PR) :

-Affordable housing due to the lower stamp duty. Singapore Permanent Resident (Singapore PR) pays half the stamp duty compared to a foreigne. Singapore Citizen pays less than half of what a Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) pays. By being a Singapore Permanent Resident (Singapore PR), you would be eligible to purchase a Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat after three years if your income does not exceed the eligible amount.

-Job stability. Employers prefer hiring a local (either a Singapore Permanent Resident (Singapore PR) or Singapore Citizen) as it saves them the hassle of applying for work passes. Moreover, with more locals in the their company means the employer will have a higher quota for hiring foreigners.

-Affordable medical services with the ability of utilising your Medisave.

-Government schooling options for you and your children.

-Central Provident Fund (CPF). The CPF acts like a retirement plan so that you can feel secure as you get older. You can use the CPF to pay for medical expenses, housing, and even investments. The company that you are working for is required to contribute Employer’s CPF into your CPF account based on a percentage of your salary. A portion of your income known as Employee’s CPF is also automatically withheld and saved into your CPF account. You will not have access to your CPF until the age of 55. You will be able to withdraw the full sum of your CPF if you leave and renounce your Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR).

One disadvantage of having Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) status is that your son will need to partake and enlist in National Service (NS) under Singapore law.

Another disadvantage is your company may adjust your salary package into local terms, which means you will no longer be entitled to benefits such as housing and car allowance as compared to your expat salary package previously.

Singapore Immigration Specialist believes that there are more advantages than disadvantages to being a Singapore Permanent Resident (Singapore PR). We will only be able to help and guide you to get your application approved using our years of expertise in the industry. The choice of your path in life still lies with you.
How will you know what are the details in the customized cover letter that you should write for me? 
After engaging our services to apply for your Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR), our professional writer will contact you to conduct an interview for us to understand your background and profile better. We will send you a draft for review and amend accordingly based on your additional given information.
My colleague’s Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application was approved. Why did I get rejected even though his education and salary is same as me?   
Your case may seem to be exactly the same as your friend but there are definitely differences for both you and his backgrounds. Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will look at your Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application generally but yet paying attention to every single detail as there are no two entirely identical cases. on your additional given information.
 Why didn’t the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) ask for the cover letter and additional documents if they are important? 
Everybody will be sending cover letters if the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) asks for a cover letter. The same applies for additional documents as applicants will just be busy searching for as much documents as possible to support their case.

Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) does not require these things because it will take them a longer time to process everything. Your application will only stand out if you submit a cover letter and additional documents that have genuine value and supports your application.
Why should I engage Singapore Immigration Specialist to tell me what additional documents I need to submit?
Many applicants make mistakes by submitting documents that do not have any relevance or substantial value to assist their Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application. For example, submitting your driving license does not help at all. Singapore Immigration Specialist allows us to identify which additional documents will help increase your chances of getting approved based on our experience.
Will the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) look at all my documents thoroughly?
Rest assured that your documents will be reviewed thoroughly even though Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officials have to vet through thousands of Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) applications on a daily basis, especially true if your submitted documents are neat and orderly.
Will the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) reject and refuse to take in my additional documents?
You may encounter an Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer saying that they don’t need your additional documents. The reason is not because they are useless but due to the fact on the extra paperwork for them to process. Singapore Immigration Specialist will guide you and ensure that the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer will accept all your additional documents.
Why are your fees so high for your Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application services?
Singapore Immigration Specialist is a government relations consultancy. We work the same way as law firms do. We possess the expertise to process your Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application and offers you professional and value-added advice.

Singapore Immigration Specialist is the best local goverment relations consultancy that specializes solely in acquiring Singapore PR and Singapore Citizenship as we possess vast amount of knowledge and experience that can assist you greatly.
What will happen if I get rejected after engaging your Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application services?
Rest assured that we will do our utmost part for your application and help you to get your application approved with the highest success rate. After your Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application is approved, we suggest you to keep all your documents in a safe place as you will need to furnish them when applying for your Singapore citizenship in the future.
How can I get an S Pass?
It depends on your company’s quota and your salary. We are unable to assist you with this as your company will have to apply for the S Pass for you.
Before applying for Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR), should I upgrade to an Employment Pass (EP) or a Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) first if I am currently holding an S Pass?
There is no significant increase in your Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) approval rate if you wait. Thus, you should apply as soon as you have the mandatory documents and become eligible to apply for Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR).
I just received my Employment Pass (EP). How long should I wait before I can apply for my Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR)?
Generally, employment pass (P or Q work pass) or S pass are eligible to submit their applications for Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) under the Scheme for Professional / Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) for Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) consideration as there isn’t any stipulated employment period to wait out before applying for Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR).
Both me and my spouse are residing in Singapore, should we apply separately or together?
We always recommend families to apply together as it shows to Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) your commitment and intention to live in Singapore.
Can I sponsor my children to get Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) if they are above 21 years old?
No, if your children are above 21 years old, they will have to apply for Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) based on their own merits
Can my father or mother who is a Singapore Citizen/Singapore PR sponsor me for my Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR)?
Your parents who are either Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents (Singapore PR) can only be your sponsor if you are below 21 years of age. If you are past 21, you will have to apply for Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) based on your own merits.
Can I apply Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) together with my family even though they are currently not with me in Singapore? 
It is always ideal to apply for Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) together with your family to show unity and commitment if your salary is sufficient for the entire family to live with you comfortably. If you are earning less than $4000 a month, it may be better to apply for yourself first.
I am a Work Permit holder. Will my chances be better if my parents are Singapore Citizen/Singapore PR when applying for my Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR)?
You will not be eligible to apply for Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) if you only have a Work Permit. The basic requirement is that you should have an S Pass to be eligible to apply.
I studied in Singapore previously. Will this give me an advantage when applying for my Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR)?
You will have an edge over other applicants if you went to a local school as the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officials take it into consideration that you were able to blend in with the local community. It might not be advantageous if you attended international schools or private institutes.
Am I still eligible to apply for Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) if my age is above 50 years old?
You may submit an application for Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA)’s consideration as each application will still be considered based on its own merits.

Singapore Immigration Specialist have successful cases of our client who got their Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) approved above the age of 50.
Will my approval chances be affected if I wish to change my job while Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is still processing my Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application?
Your chance will not be greatly affected if you don’t job hop. The important thing for assessment is that Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) needs to view you as a stable and responsible candidate.

Before changing jobs/companies, we suggest that you contact them via ica_pr@ica.gov.sg. You may also choose to go down to their office personally.

Provide them with:
-A letter explaining your current situation
-A copy of your new work pass
-Passport biometric page copy
-Annex A from new employer
What if my company does not want to support me and refuse to give me the Annex A documents?
Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) considers the fact that some employers are unwilling to provide the Annex A document as their employees might leave them after their Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) is granted.

Try to convince your company as having Annex A in your application may increase your approval chances. However, don’t worry if your company insist not to provide you with the Annex A documents as the purpose of showing the Annex A is to prove that you are working in the company which you can also show the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) via other documents such as pay slips.
 Will I be able to apply for Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) if I lost my education certificates?
If you lose any of your mandatory documents, you will have to provide a declaration letter to explain your situation to Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Singapore Immigration Specialist offer the service of drafting such letters.
Can I defer National Service for my son if he is not in Singapore but required to serve National Service in the future?
National service deferment is usually granted for those who pursue tertiary education but most eligible males are still expected to serve the National Service before attending university. You may write a letter asking for further deferment but it’s acceptance is at the discretion of the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).
I don’t want my son to serve National Service. Can I leave him out of the Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application?
You may exclude your son from the application but the chances of your Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) getting approved are always better when you include your whole family especially your children as Singapore government will see them as potential contributors to Singapore society and the economy in the future.
Can I give up my son’s Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) before he is eligible to be part of the National Service?
Singapore government released a statement on 5 August 2014 that there will be consequences to those who renounce their Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) to avoid being part of the National Service. We suggest that if you do not wish your son to undergo National Service, keep them out of the Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application.
Do I need to serve National Service if my Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) is granted? 
Singapore Permanent Resident (Singapore PR) under the Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) Scheme or Investor Scheme are exempted from the National Service. Male children who are granted Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) status under their parents’ sponsorship are liable for National Service under the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Enlistment Act.
After I get my Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR), can I apply for my parents to stay in Singapore?
Yes, you can sponsor your parents to stay in Singapore via long term social visit pass (LTVP) which is valid for 5 years and renewable after you have successfully attained your Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) status.
Can I get a Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) status and stay out of Singapore for reasons such as work commitments?
Yes, but you will need to apply for a Re-Entry Permit. This Re-Entry permit will be valid for five years. We always advise our clients that for the first 3 years, they can do whatever they wish as long as it is not illegal but for the latest recent 2 years, it would be best to stay and work in Singapore so that they can pay income tax and show the Singapore government their contribution towards Singapore. If you are sent out of Singapore for work by your company due to unforeseen circumstances, Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) might ask you to explain your situation when it is time for your renewal.
How do I know if my Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application is successful?
Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) takes at least six to twelve months to process a Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) application and the outcome for your Singapore Permanent Residence (Singapore PR) will be informed via mail to your Singapore residential address.
Why should I apply for Singapore Citizenship instead of remaining as a Singapore Permanent Resident (Singapore PR)?
First, the stamp duty to purchase properties is lower for Singapore Citizens. Foreigners pay double of what Singapore Permanent Residents (Singapore PR) pay and Singapore Permanent Residents (Singapore PR) pay more than double of what Singapore Citizens pay.

Second, you get living and job security. The Re-Entry Permit of a Singapore Permanent Resident (Singapore PR) has to be renewed every five years or so. Therefore, we usually advise our clients to stay in Singapore and work if they wish to continue being a Singapore Permanent Resident (Singapore PR).

If they do not reside and work within Singapore for a significant amount of time, their application for a Re-Entry Permit might be rejected. On the other hand, Singapore Citizens are not necessarily required to stay or contribute to Singapore. They have more options available to them.

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