Recently, the Singapore government announced major reforms and system upgrades to the Permanent Resident (PR) application process and the student guardian visa system. These changes offer more opportunities and convenience for international students and their families who wish to study or settle in Singapore.
1. Comprehensive Upgrades to the PR Application Policy
1. Removal of 2-Year Residency Requirement for International Students
Previously, international students were required to reside in Singapore for at least two years before they could apply for PR. Under the new policy, this requirement has been removed. Students may now apply as long as they meet any of the following conditions:
Have passed at least one national exam (e.g., PSLE, GCE N/O/A Levels)
Are enrolled in the Integrated Programme (IP)
Students aged 15 and above can submit their applications via Singpass. Those under 15 can apply via the non-Singpass method on the official Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website.
2. PR Processing Time Reduced to Within 6 Months
According to the ICA, PR applications will now be processed within 6 months if all documents are complete. This is a significant improvement from the previous average processing time of 9 months, helping applicants make life plans more quickly and with less uncertainty and anxiety.
3. Simplified Application Forms: Form 4A and Annex A Removed
Under the new system, applicants no longer need to complete Form 4A or Annex A. Only the following documents are required:
Proof of employment for the past 3 months
Payslips for the past 6 months
Income tax assessments for the past 3 years (for overseas employment only)
Self-employed Employment Pass (EP) holders must additionally provide business registration documents, financial statements for the past 3 years, bank statements, and staffing details for both local and foreign employees.
4. Clearer National Service (NS) Requirements
The Ministry of Defence has clarified that all males who acquire PR or citizenship via student visas or parent sponsorship must serve National Service:
Those who have not completed A-levels, polytechnic diplomas, or equivalent can defer NS until after graduation
However, if PR is obtained during university studies, students must pause their studies to serve NS immediately—deferment will no longer be allowed
5. Complete Family Member Information Required
Applicants must now provide full details of all immediate and extended family members (e.g., parents, siblings), including their occupations, education levels, and incomes. This helps the government better assess applicants’ backgrounds and economic potential.
6. Residence History Requirement Shortened to 6 Years
The previous requirement to submit a 10-year residence history has been reduced to 6 years. For overseas addresses, only the province-level administrative area is now required, lowering the burden on applicants.
7. No Marriage Certificate Needed for Individual PR Applications
Married individuals applying for PR on their own no longer need to submit a marriage certificate. It is only required when spouses apply jointly.
8. Pilot “SG PR Journey” Introduced for Cultural Integration
Some successful PR applicants may be selected to participate in the pilot “SG PR Journey” program before their PR is finalized. This program includes online courses, quizzes, and community events that teach Singapore’s history, culture, and societal systems to help new residents integrate more quickly.
Singapore’s Second Minister for Home Affairs, Josephine Teo, noted that over 80% of international applicants eventually receive PR, and the government places a high emphasis on applicants’ ability to integrate into society and contribute to the country.
2. Student Guardian Visa (LTVP) System Reformed
Starting from June 26, 2024, significant changes will be made to the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) policy:
Male Guardians Can Now Apply
Previously, only mothers, maternal grandmothers, or paternal grandmothers were eligible to accompany student pass holders. This restriction has been lifted, and now fathers, grandfathers, and maternal grandfathers may also apply to accompany the student.
⚠️ The “one guardian per student” rule still applies:
Only one guardian may accompany each student. Even if multiple children in a family are studying in Singapore, only one family member may hold an LTVP as a guardian.
According to data from the Ministry of Education and ICA, as of January 2023, over 79,300 international students held student passes in Singapore. These changes make the guardian policy much more practical for families.
3. Talent Shortage Drives Policy Change
According to the Q1 2024 Labour Market Report from Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower, as of March, there were 81,900 job vacancies, up from 79,800 in December 2023. The job vacancy-to-applicant ratio stood at 1:1.56, indicating a persistent shortage of local talent.
Therefore, streamlining the process to attract high-quality international talent has become a top priority for Singapore to sustain its economic growth and demographic development.
