Singapore Permanent Residency for Students Made Easier for Foreign Students
Just recently, Singapore set policies allowing students to apply for permanent residency. This is its effort towards transforming the country into a very competitive education hub for the global markets.
New International Students' PR Criteria
In this respect, only national exams passed can allow international students the chance to apply for the PR status. This may be through the PSLE or even other Singapore-Cambridge GCE levels, either of the ‘N’, ‘O’, or ‘A’ levels.
Whereas in the past, as it was stipulated, international students had to wait for a minimum period of two years before they could apply for PR. While applying for PR, in the case of integrated programs, the students could become eligible much earlier, which will make the complete process easier for so many.
Through this, all students who are 15 years old and older can apply for PR online. Also, this service is convenient because applicants can access the service through either the ‘Singpass’ or ‘non-Singpass’ options.
Greater Support for International Students
Besides making the PR application process easier, Singapore has also liberalised its policies relating to the guardians of foreign students. Not only does the enhancement allow male guardians to apply for long-term visit passes to accompany foreign students, but it is actually a step away from a policy previously mandating that applications had been limited to female guardians, such as a mother or grandmother. Of course, only one guardian is allowed to accompany each student.
Foreign students enrolled in universities in Singapore are required to obtain a student pass, except for those who hold a valid dependent’s Pass or long-term visit pass (LTVP) or who have been issued a short-term visit pass. ICA has stated that the student pass is not a valid document for an individual taking up part-time courses or courses during evening times or weekends.
It bestows numerous benefits on international students to acquire the status of PR in Singapore. Permanent residents can live and work in Singapore without any restriction over the issuing of visas, gain access to social security services, and even become citizens in the times to come.
The application process is not, however, based on academic criteria only. According to Josephine Teo, Singapore’s Second Minister of Home Affairs, the assessment for PR or citizenship also relates to the issue of integration with the local population and the potential contribution to the country.Teo pointed out that a very important consideration when considering an applicant’s eligibility for PR or citizenship of Singapore is if the person is able to integrate with the local community and contribute to society in the future.
Singapore's Evergreen Appeal as a Hub of International Learning
By the end of January 2023, the Ministry of Education, together with ICA, reported more than 79,300 international student pass holders. This establishes Singapore as one of the global education hubs, appealing to many students from across borders due to its very best institutions and friendly immigration policies.
Recent changes in the application criteria for PR have made Singapore so much more attractive for international students who would wish to seek education and long-term residency in the city-state.
Conclusion
On the basis of the policies taken by Singapore, international students will get the opportunity to secure permanent residency easily and hassle-free. This initiative is to benefit not only the student but will help Singapore realise its ambition of becoming a global education and talent hub.
