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Has It Finally Happened? Is It Now Impossible to Get a Singapore PR?

The year is 2005.

It’s your first time applying for a Singapore PR. You have only been here for about 6 months, which is the minimum required period of stay before any application. However, you’ve seen a number of your colleague applying and getting their applications approved.

So, you fill in your forms, send in your application, head down to ICA for an interview, and keep your fingers crossed.

3 months later, an official letter arrives in your letterbox…

You’re officially a Singapore PR!

The Modern Day Application Process

The above scenario might sound far-fetched and almost like a dream. However, before 2008, that was the situation as PR applications were very lenient and almost easy to get.

In fact, it was because there were over 79,000 new PRs in 2008 that the Singapore Government finally listened to the outcry of its citizens and clamped down on immigration policies.

Now, Singapore PR applications are no walk in the park.

The requirements are much stricter, and the process is more complicated. So much so that the application process today is entirely digital and online.

Today, there are no more interviews where a hopeful candidate can present their case to an approving officer. Everything has to be documented and presented through ICA’s ePR submission system.

That means your application must be top-notch, or else…

So, has it finally happened? Is it now impossible to get a Singapore PR?

The answer is: it depends.

Different Types of PR Application

Firstly, you can send your application under the Employment Pass (EP) scheme if you’re already employed in Singapore with a valid work pass. Under this scheme, your employer must submit a detailed justification for why they’re hiring you versus choosing a local for the same job. In other words, they need to show that they’ve already tried to hire a Singaporean or Singapore PR for the position but were unsuccessful.

And if you’re self-employed or don’t have a valid work pass, your application will go through the Professional, Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) scheme. Here, you’ll need to show that you have relevant qualifications and experience for the job you’re applying for.

So, while getting a Singapore PR has become more difficult, it’s not impossible if you have the right qualifications and meet the requirements. In addition, if you follow sound PR application tips designed for expatriates, you’ll be able to set your application apart from your competition.

And with global immigration becoming increasingly complex, it makes perfect sense for everyone to start creating the perfect application profile for themselves.

Of course, Singapore isn’t the only country that’s becoming stricter with its immigration policies. This is a global trend as countries seek to control the inflow of immigrants.

For example, the United States saw a whopping 31% decrease in new PRs in 2020, preceded by a 35% decrease in 2019. This is currently their country’s lowest point in almost 17 years.

Future Trends and Directions

But what does this trend mean for future applicants?

Well, the fact is the process of getting a Singapore PR will likely continue to become more difficult in the coming years as the government seeks to maintain a tight grip on immigration.

Global tension and international affairs will play a bigger role as more immigrants are shifting and trying to relocate to a country known for its stability and security.

Unfortunately, that means the competition is only going to get much tougher.

So, if you’re considering applying for a Singapore PR, it’s best to do so sooner rather than later.

After all, no one can predict what the requirements will be like then.

However, the most important thing is always to ensure that you have a strong profile and continue to work on growing that profile so that when you apply…

You have the highest chance of getting approved.

If you would like to learn how you can go about doing so, do arrange to speak with our friendly account managers, who are always ready to be of assistance.

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