2021 Singapore PR Approval Rate: What You Need to Know

Singapore PR Application Approval Statistics

One of the most common questions that we get asked is: "What is your PR approval success rate?"

No immigration agencies are supposed to be affiliated with the ICA. Only the ICA can decide on the outcome of your PR application. As professional immigration consultants, we use our in-depth knowledge and experience to assist in maximising the approval chances of our clients.

To understand the success rate of PR applications, we must first understand the Singapore PR Application approval statistics.

As one of the most sought-after countries to migrate to, Singapore's Permanent Residency application is highly competitive, and the Government has always taken a proactive stance to ensure the country is well-prepared for the influx of foreign talent.

As shared in Parliament's written reply on the number of Permanent Residence granted in 2021, 33,400 new Singapore PR and 21,500 new Singapore Citizenship applications were approved in 2021.

* In 2021, the grant figure included some applicants who were approved in principle but had yet to complete all necessary processes to be granted PR by the end of 2020. Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, some applicants could not complete these processes in person.

The number of PR and Citizenship approvals for 2022 has yet to be released.

But looking at the PR application approval trends, we can assume that there is a cap to the number of PR approvals granted annually. It also explains why obtaining permanent residence status has become increasingly complex, despite checking out all the eligibility criteria.

Strict & Selective Immigration Policy

Singapore has a strict and selective immigration policy aims to ensure only the most qualified individuals are allowed to enter the country, attracting highly skilled professionals who can help drive innovation and economic growth.

The highly selective screening process is designed to protect the security of Singapore citizens and the economy and promote social cohesion. It also ensures that immigrants can integrate into Singaporean society and contribute positively towards its development.

Aside from zero explanations stated in a rejection letter and new adjustments implemented on immigration policies, the majority of the non-citizens in Singapore would find it difficult.

As Singapore is welcoming foreigners with skills to come here, immigration policy changes and maintaining a strict screening process are strategised to ensure a 'careful balance' between foreigners and Singapore citizens.

COMPASS Framework for Employment Pass holders

One of the latest immigration changes announced in 2022 was the COMPASS Framework for EP holders. The Complementarity Assessment (COMPASS) Framework is a points-based framework designed to evaluate an EP applicant's complementarity to Singapore's workforce.

In other words, the first tangible eligibility requirement that will provide more clarity and predictability.

However, the COMPASS Framework is said to be more stringent in its evaluation - to have more targeted EP holders filling the employment gap. It will be implemented from 1st September 2023, affecting new EP applications and current EP applicants due to renew from 1st September 2024.

The COMPASS system evaluates EP applications based on individual and firm-related attributes. Four foundational criteria of the COMPASS system:

• Salary,
• Qualification,
• Diversity, and
• Support for local employment.
• Skills and strategic economic priorities (BONUS).

Since September 2022, the new minimum qualifying salaries for EP holders have increased to S$5,000. In financial services, S$5,500. Older EP applicants' salary requirements will increase with age.

These higher minimum qualifying salaries might result in companies choosing local employees instead.

The Singapore immigration landscape will only get more challenging and highly contested with the influx of highly skilled professionals seeking better job opportunities and stability in their personal and family lives amidst volatile world events escalating rapidly around them.

To learn more about the new COMPASS system, watch the video below:

Industry Plays an Important Factor

For those considering applying for Singapore permanent residency via the PTS scheme, your economic contribution is a prominent key factor in your PR application.

Singapore PR applicants who can fill in the gap in in-demand industries are often the favourite choice of the ICA.

Some examples of the booming industries that could potentially help you increase your chances of approval:

• Aerospace
• Biotechnology
• Construction and Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence

In 2021, the number of approved Singapore PR applications reached a record high despite the pandemic and lockdown period.

The number indicates that the demand for foreign professionals remains strong, and the Government recognises the value and contributions to Singapore's growing economy.

With the right qualifications and skill set, it is possible to achieve your dream of becoming a Singapore PR or citizen and reap all the benefits that come with it.

Singapore's Current Gaps and Challenges

Despite the strict immigration policies, Singapore has another problem that would continue to motivate eligible foreigners to attempt Permanent Residency in Singapore.

It is widely known Singapore has been dealing with low birth rates and an ageing population for years now.

Singapore's fertility rate is one of the lowest in the world. With more couples postponing their marriages and delay in starting a family, the nation's total fertility rate hit its lowest at 1.05 in 2022.

While the Singapore government provides more subsidies and support, the population growth of just Singapore citizens would need to meet the labour demands faster.

Undeniably, immigration is also strategically integral to the economic growth of the nation.

In other words, the Government evaluates and are potentially more favourable towards foreigners committed to starting a family in Singapore - possibly showcasing a stronger profile with their social contribution and increasing their chances of approval.

Singapore Government's Three Strategies

The Government has been encouraging Singaporean and Permanent Resident couples to start families. For years, the Singapore government has launched campaigns to raise awareness about the downsides of an ageing population.

To tackle the matter at hand, the Government has three strategies:

• Build a Singapore 'Made for Families'.
• Moderating the impact of low birth rates and ageing through selective immigration.
• Strengthening our workforce by complementing it with a foreign workforce will also provide Singaporeans with employment opportunities.

.. We can now continue to develop a strong and skilled Singaporean workforce while enabling employers to meet genuine manpower needs by hiring foreigners with relevant skills to complement our local workforce through increases in the minimum qualifying salaries for work passes and the compass points-based framework.”

– Minister Indranee Rajah during the Parliamentary debate 2022.

As you can see, for our economic needs to evolve, we need to balance the talent of Singapore citizens with talent from overseas who bring valuable skills, networks, and expertise.

So, is Singapore still looking to retain skilled foreign professionals? Yes.

If your profile is ready, you can calculate your Singapore PR or Singapore Citizenship chances with our E-Preliminary Profile Analysis (EPPA).

Applying Singapore PR for You and Your Family

The increased PR and Citizenship approval rate in 2021 will attract more foreign talent to Singapore, contributing significantly to the country's economic growth.

It will also help create a more diverse population that can bring fresh perspectives on how businesses operate in this rapidly changing world. With this new influx of people, Singapore can become an even more vibrant city offering its citizens a higher quality of life.

Avoid being affected by the constantly challenging work pass policies and uncertainties about your future in Singapore.

We advise applying for Singapore PR within one or two years left on your Employment Pass. A robust Singapore PR application will take three to four months to prepare.

With over 25 years of collective experience in the Singapore immigration industry, we have a wealth of knowledge to guide work pass holders to a more seamless application process and secure their Singapore PR status!

Gaining the coveted status of Singapore permanent residency is achievable with the right immigration partner. Whether online or in-person, schedule your complimentary one-on-one consultation for an initial profile analysis with us today.