PR Application for EP Holders | Becoming a Permanent Resident

Applying for Singapore Permanent Residency involves a meticulous process that requires the submission of essential documents to support your application. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) assesses each application carefully, and having the right documents is crucial to increase your chances of approval. Here are the key documents EP holders need for a successful PR application:

 

1. Photograph of Applicant

 

A vital element is the submission of a passport-sized digital colour photograph for each applicant. To meet the requirements, the photo must measure 35mm in width and 45mm in height, taken against a plain white background with a matte or semi-matte finish, and must be a JPEG image format. The full face of the applicant must be captured without any headgear, except for religious or racial customs that permit it. Moreover, the facial image must be positioned between 25mm and 35mm from the chin to the crown.

 

2. Educational Certificates and Qualifications

 

It is essential to provide the highest educational certificates, including all tertiary qualifications, transcripts, professional licences, membership certificates, and vocational trade certificates. These documents serve as crucial evidence of your educational background, professional achievements, and expertise in your field. 

 

3. Valid Travel Documents

 

Your travel document should have a minimum validity of at least 6 months from the date of application submission. Additionally, your passport should have sufficient blank pages to display your personal particulars and official descriptions. These travel documents are essential for verifying your identity, nationality, and travel history. 

 

4. Employer’s Letter

 

Your employer's letter plays a critical role in this process. The letter should include specific details about your company's nature of business and activities. For instance, if your company is involved in manufacturing, it should state the type of product(s) manufactured. Moreover, the employer's letter should contain crucial information about your employment, such as the date of employment, your current position, and your monthly salary for the past six months. The salary breakdown into basic pay, overtime, and allowances per month should be clearly outlined. Note that you should be submitting payslips from the last 6 months. These payslips should reflect your basic salary, which refers to the fixed and regular wage you receive from your employer. It is important to note that certain components should not be included in the basic salary for the PR application. These include, additional payments like overtime, bonus, or commission; allowances for travel, food, or housing; contributions to pension or provident funds; sums provided for special expenses due to the nature of employment; and any gratuity payable upon discharge or retirement. The letter should be addressed to the Controller of Immigration and must be dated within one month from the date of your submission.

 

5. Identification Documents 

 

It is vital to provide accurate and up-to-date identification documents to support your application. These documents serve as essential proof of your identity and family background. If applicable, you should include a copy of your identity card, which helps verify your current residency status in Singapore. Additionally, you will need to submit your birth certificate or an official household census list or family register that displays both your parents' names. This document is crucial in establishing your family ties and background. If there has been a change in your name due to a deed poll or legal process, you should include the relevant certificate to demonstrate the name change.

 

6. Cover Letter

 

This document offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impression, setting you apart as a standout candidate amidst fierce competition. A well-written PR cover letter allows you to showcase your exceptional attributes and key strengths, effectively capturing the reader's attention. With numerous PR application forms being processed for Singapore Citizenship or Permanent Residency, it becomes paramount to make your application stand out from the rest. By maintaining a professional and organised approach and ensuring the completion of all required documents, you can avoid delays and increase your chances of a successful outcome. 

 

In addition to the above-mentioned documents, there are specific requirements based on your individual circumstances. If you are self-employed, you will need to provide a valid Business Registration Certificate that includes the names of partners, along with any relevant occupational licence related to your employment, such as stall licences, business licences, or property agent licence.

 

For applicants who are married, you must include an official marriage certificate and, if applicable, provide the death certificate or divorce certificate related to any previous marriages. If you have children from previous marriages, custody papers for those children must also be submitted.

If submitted a PR application for your spouse, you will need to provide their valid travel document with a valid Immigration Pass and passport pages displaying personal particulars and official descriptions. Additionally, include your spouse's birth certificate showing both parent's names, their identity card (if applicable), and any relevant documents related to previous marriages.

 

If you are including your child(ren) in the application, you must submit their valid travel document with a valid Immigration Pass and passport pages displaying personal particulars and official descriptions. Also, include the child's birth certificate with both the child's and parents' names and any relevant adoption papers or deed poll/change of name certificates if applicable.

 

PR Filing for Your Children

 

If you are married and have children, an important consideration you'll face is whether to apply for PR for your son(s). In accordance with Singapore laws, as the main applicant granted PR under the first-generation PTS scheme, you will be exempted from compulsory military service. However, it's essential to be aware that for all healthy males granted PR status through their parents, there is a requirement to register for national military service at the age of 16½. Subsequently, they will be scheduled for enlistment at the earliest opportunity after turning 18 years old. This service commitment entails 2 years of full-time National Service, followed by 40 days of Operationally Ready National Service per year until they reach the age of 50 (for officers) or 40 years old (for other ranks). 

 

If you are a male who has been granted Singapore PR and were previously a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, regardless of the scheme under which your PR status was granted, you may be liable to be called up for National Service (NS). This means that if you were a citizen or PR before, you would still have to fulfil your NS duties even after obtaining PR status again.

 

This obligation is an integral part of Singapore's commitment to national defence and ensuring the security of the country. As you weigh your decision, it's essential to consider this aspect and its implications for your son's future.