As a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR), you enjoy the many rights and privileges of a Singapore Citizen, while also bearing similar obligations.
Your PR status is an important aspect of your life in Singapore and losing it can have serious implications. Let's look into some circumstances that can lead to the revocation of your PR status.
1. Invalid Re-Entry Permit (REP)
Every Singapore PR is issued a Re-Entry Permit (REP) that must be valid while they are living in Singapore.
The REP is crucial as it allows PRs to travel in and out of Singapore without losing their PR status. If your REP expires while you're abroad, or if you do not renew it before it expires, your PR status might be revoked.
In fact, failure to present a valid REP upon entry at the checkpoints authority will lead to you being treated as a foreign visitor.
2. Violation of Laws
Any violation of Singapore laws could put your permanent resident status at risk. This includes serious criminal offences, fraudulent activity, or deliberate evasion of responsibilities such as not fulfilling Central Provident Fund (CPF) obligations or income tax.
3. Extended Stay Abroad
If a Singapore PR remains outside Singapore without a valid REP for extended periods, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority may see this as a lack of commitment to maintaining permanent residence status. This can lead to revocation of the PR status.
4. Non-Renewal of REP
Permanent residents must remember to renew their REPs before it expires. If your current REP expires and you fail to renew it, you could risk losing your PR status. It's essential to pay attention to the REP expiry date and ensure that the renewal process is completed in a timely manner.
5. Failure to Fulfill PR Obligations
As a Singapore PR, you are expected to fulfil certain obligations, such as National Service for eligible males. Failure to oblige could result in your PR status being revoked.
6. False Information on PR Application
If it comes to light that false information or forged documents were used during the Singapore PR application process, your PR status may be revoked.
Additional Considerations: PR Status Revocation
Failure to Maintain a Valid Travel Document
Holding a valid travel document is another key responsibility for maintaining PR status in Singapore. If your travel document is invalid or expired, and you attempt to travel to or from Singapore without a valid document, your PR status may be in jeopardy.
Loss of Employment Status
Your employment status may also affect your PR status, especially if your PR status was initially granted based on your employment in Singapore. A prolonged period of unemployment could potentially lead to a revocation of your PR status, especially if you're unable to find new employment within a reasonable timeframe.
Non-Compliance with National Service Obligations
For male Singapore permanent residents, failure to register for National Service (NS) upon reaching the age of 16.5 years, or failure to serve NS, may result in penalties and/or adverse consequences such as the forfeiture of PR status.
Furthermore, the government could also revoke the PR status of the parents or siblings of those who fail to comply with the NS obligations.
Complications for Family Members
The revocation of a person's PR status can also have implications for their family members. For example, if the PR status of the primary PR holder is revoked, dependent family members who also hold PR status may also risk losing their status.
Conclusion
Maintaining your PR status in Singapore involves staying compliant with the regulations and ensuring that essential documents, including your REP, are valid and updated. It's advisable to be fully aware of your responsibilities as a Singapore permanent resident to continue enjoying the benefits that come with your PR status without any interruptions.
If you're facing any complications or issues with your Singapore PR status, speak to
Frequently Asked Questions On Singapore PR Application For Spouse
Can an LTVP holder apply for Singapore PR?
The foreign spouse of a Singapore PR or citizen who is an LTVP holder can apply for Singapore PR under the sponsored scheme.
A married EP holder and LTVP holder couple can also apply for Singapore PR, with the EP holder being the main applicant.
ICA will evaluate each PR application fairly. Want to know your eligibility chances? Let us calculate for you: https://www.tip.com.sg/pr-application-e-preliminary-profile-analysis.html
What Is the Success Rate for Spouse PR Applications in Singapore?
The success rate for spouse PR applications in Singapore varies based on numerous factors, such as the applicant's qualifications, financial standing, and family ties. The ICA does not release specific success rates, as each application is assessed case by case.
Can My Spouse Work in Singapore While Waiting for The PR Application Outcome?
Your spouse can work in Singapore while waiting for the PR application outcome if they have a valid work pass, such as an Employment Pass or S Pass.
Does My Spouse Need to Be in Singapore During the Application Process?
No, your spouse does not need to be physically present in Singapore throughout the entire application process. However, if the ICA requires, they may need to be in Singapore for certain stages, such as submitting biometrics or attending an interview.
Can My Spouse's Children from A Previous Marriage Also Apply For PR?
Your spouse's children from a previous marriage can apply for PR if they have legal custody over them. You will need to provide custody documents in the PR application.
The ICA will assess their eligibility based on the child's age, relationship with the applicant, and financial support.
Can My Spouse Apply for Citizenship After Obtaining the PR Status?
Yes, after obtaining permanent residency status, your spouse can look forward to applying for Singapore Citizenship.
The selection criteria for a Singapore Citizenship application are much stricter.
They must meet minimum eligibility criteria, which typically include being a PR for at least two years and not losing the PR status due to a case of an expired Re-Entry Permit (REP).
But before considering citizenship status, we encourage keen applicants to ensure that they consistently demonstrate good character, have strong family ties, and are well financially.
Will My Spouse Need to Complete National Service If They Are PR Approved?
From our experience handling PR applications for adult male applicants (typically in their 30s and above) under Sponsored Spouse Scheme, they are generally exempted from the National Service as they are not suitable for full-time NS at that age and did not enjoy any benefits before their PR.
Under the Enlistment Act, all male Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, unless exempted*, must serve National Service (NS). NS-liable persons are required to register for NS upon reaching 16 and a half years old and will be scheduled for enlistment at the earliest opportunity upon reaching 18 years old.
Deferment from NS for university studies will not be granted regardless of whether such studies have begun. Those pursuing full-time GCE ‘A’ Level or Polytechnic Diploma studies (or equivalent) may be granted deferment if they meet the deferment conditions stipulated by the Ministry of Defence.
*All male applicants must access www.cmpb.gov.sg for information on NS deferment, the pre-enlistment process and Exit Permit requirements before proceeding with the application.
Can My Spouse Maintain Their Existing Citizenship After Obtaining Singapore PR?
Yes, your spouse can maintain their foreign citizenship after obtaining Singapore PR.
However, if your spouse later decides to apply for and is granted the Singapore citizenship status, they must renounce their original citizenship, as Singapore does not allow dual citizenship.
Does My Spouse Need a Job Offer in Singapore to Apply For PR?
No, a job offer is not a strict requirement for a Singapore permanent residency application under the sponsored scheme.
However, having a job or a job offer in Singapore can strengthen your spouse's PR application, demonstrating their ability to contribute to the local economy and support themselves and their family.