Singapore Eases PR Norms for International Students

Singapore has introduced new policies to make it easier for international students to apply for Permanent Residency (PR). Under the new regulations, Student Pass holders are eligible to apply for PR if they have completed at least one national exam or are enrolled in the Integrated Programme. This is a major shift from the previous requirement, which mandated a minimum two-year wait before applying for PR to study in Singapore.

National Exams Qualifying for Singapore PR

The national exams qualifying international students for PR would now include the Primary School Leaving Examination and the General Certificate of Education N/O/A level exams. The Integrated Program, which offers a route to the General Certificate of Education A-Level, International Baccalaureate Diploma, or NUS High School Diploma, is also included.

New Support Measures for Student Guardianship

In a move to support students further, Singapore now permits male guardians, such as fathers and grandfathers, to apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) to accompany students. Previously, only female guardians were eligible for this pass. However, only one guardian, either male or female, can accompany the student at any given time.

Requirements for Studying in Singapore

International students aiming to study in Singapore must apply for a student visa for Singapore i.e., the Student Pass unless they hold a valid Dependant’s Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass, or Short-Term Visit Pass. The course of study must be full-time, as part-time and evening/weekend courses are not eligible for a Student Pass.

Benefits of Permanent Residency in Singapore

Now, obtaining PR status in Singapore will come with several benefits:

• Residency and Work Flexibility: PRs can live, work, and travel to and from the country without any visa restrictions.
  
• CPF Contributions: Employers contribute to the Central Provident Fund (CPF), which supports retirement, healthcare, and housing.
  
• Housing Opportunities: PRs can purchase resale public HDB housing, providing more affordable living options.
  
• Pathway to Citizenship: PR status can eventually lead to Singapore citizenship, offering additional benefits, including a powerful passport for visa-free travel to many countries.
  

Application Process for PR

The revised policies also outline the steps for applying for PR in Singapore. Applicants must first submit their application through the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) eService. They are required to provide necessary documents such as birth certificates, academic qualifications, and employment testimonials. An interview at the ICA building follows the submission, where documents are verified. The processing time typically ranges from 4 to 6 months, although it may extend if additional information is needed.

By easing the path to permanent residency and allowing male guardians to join students, Singapore is taking big moves to make it easier for international students to pursue higher education here. This is a huge plus point for students from South Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

If you are from these regions looking for more information on this new PR policy or seeking guidance on popular courses such as a Master’s in Science or an MBA in Singapore, KC Overseas can provide all the information and support you need. Our expert advisors offer personalized support to help you with the complexities of studying abroad and make informed decisions about your future.