After answering many similar questions from concerned Singapore Permanent Residence or Singapore Citizen applicants, we have decided to address the elephant in the room.

Will Covid-19, Circuit Breaker, and the gradual re-opening, impact my Singapore PR application? Yes and no, let us explain

Singapore PR Application Processing Time

Since the start of COVID-19, more Government resources are exerted to contain the community spread and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is one of the main government agencies involved to ensure the inflow and outflow of locals and foreigners during this period. This is why the processing time for PR and Citizenship applications is expected to take longer than usual. However, foreigners still remain as one of the driving forces of Singapore’s economy and the applications to approve new PRs and Citizens will still be processed.

The industry you are in

In Singapore, there are industries that are sorely lacking in local talent and we require the foreign talent pool to supplement our local workforce. Essential industries for Singapore’s need in the near future, would be, Healthcare, Biotechnology, urban farming, digitalisation, IT, AI, Cyber-Security, etc. That being said, this does not mean that other industries will have less opportunities

Hence, the quota for Singapore PR or Singapore Citizenship will vary proportionately according to the need for foreign talent with specialised skills in industries of high demand.

We, at The Immigration People have helped countless from across a wide range of industries achieve their Singapore immigration dream.

No change in quota for new PRs

The immigration quota for Singapore, in 2020 and 2021, has already been set in advance as the Singapore Government always plans forward. In order to supplement our nation’s falling birth rate, Singapore would still need to meet her long-term goal of admitting new Singapore PRs.

As seen from (Chart 1) below, the citizen population size grew by 0.8% between 2018 to 2019 due to citizen births and immigration, while the PR population has remained relatively stable. The Government’s aim is to reach 6.9 million in population size by 2030 and with 10 more years to go, Singapore is still relying on immigration to achieve this goal.

Now is the best time to apply

Many foreigners are hesitant to apply due to the impact of Covid-19 on the Singapore economy, and from uncertainties in their employment. The Ministry of Manpower had stopped processing new work pass applications since March 2020. Some work passes are not being renewed, some receiving a pay cut, with some even suffering retrenchment. A good handful of potential candidates for Singapore PR have decreased due to COVID-related problems. With less people applying, you would stand a much higher chance of getting your Singapore PR as the quota does not change! There is simply less competition! For foreign talents who seek to call Singapore their home, a Singapore PR or Singapore Citizenship status provides much-needed stability during trying times.

While the number of Singapore PR and Citizenship have decreased, there is still a relatively huge volume of applications filed to the ICA on a yearly basis. Hence, it is of utmost importance that you ensure your application is the strongest it can be, with all key information presented in your documents package so the reviewing ICA officer is able to evaluate your application easily and favourably.

Permanent Residency hopefuls will have to be extremely sure-footed in the next/first try in their application. Take the preliminary assessment here