Woah Really! 98% Approval for PR Application?

Spoiler: No! And here’s what you can do instead.

If you’ve started researching how to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR), you’ve likely come across claims like:

• “100% guaranteed approval”

• “98% success rate”

• “Get your PR fast with our exclusive methods”

These promises can be very tempting, especially if you're eager to settle down long-term in Singapore. But the reality is that no PR application can ever be guaranteed—and believing otherwise can lead to disappointment or even costly mistakes.

Let’s unpack why that is, and what you can do to improve your chances.

❓ Why There’s No Such Thing as Guaranteed PR Approval

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is the only authority responsible for approving PR applications. It does not outsource this responsibility, and there are no official agents or shortcuts.

Each application is assessed individually and holistically. ICA takes into account various factors:

• Type of PR scheme you are applying under (e.g., PTS Scheme, Family Ties Scheme, GIP)

• Employment history, job stability, and salary

• Educational background and qualifications

• Duration and consistency of stay in Singapore

• Family ties and dependents

• Community engagement and contribution to society

• Age and overall personal profile

Importantly, ICA does not disclose the weight of each criterion, and no one—including former applicants—knows exactly how ICA evaluates a case. This is why no consultant, agency, or advisor can offer a "guarantee."

📊 What Do the Numbers Say?

While ICA does not publicly release annual PR approval rates by applicant type, here are some known figures:

• In 2023, 23,472 individuals were granted citizenship and 34,491 individuals were granted permanent residency.

• This represents approximately 15–20% of the total estimated applications submitted annually.

• The remaining 80–85% were either rejected or pending further review.

In short, approval is selective. And the process is designed to maintain population balance, economic contribution, and social harmony.

🧯 Don’t Be Misled by "Success Rate" Claims

You might come across advertisements claiming “95%” or “98%” success rates. These numbers are often used for marketing purposes and don’t tell the whole story.

• Many filter out lower-profile applicants before taking them on, which skews their success stats.

• Others define “success” differently, such as counting partial document acceptance or pre-approval screening.

• And most importantly, ICA doesn’t work with third parties to influence decisions, so the claim itself becomes irrelevant.

When you see numbers that sound too good to be true, they likely are.

✅ What You Can Actually Do to Strengthen Your Application

🔍 1. Know Your Strengths and Gaps

Many applicants don’t realize where their shortfalls lie. For example:

• Do you have a strong income but little community engagement?

• Have you lived in Singapore for only a short time?

• Are your dependents contributing or dependent-only profiles?

Being honest about your starting point helps guide what to work on.

🌏 2. Engage With Society

Singapore values individuals who show signs of integration and contribution. This might include:

• Participating in local community events

• Supporting charitable initiatives

• Volunteering with associations or grassroots programs

• Taking part in cultural exchange activities

Even if it doesn't directly influence approval, it provides documented intent to be part of Singapore society.

🧾 3. Submit a Complete, High-Quality Application

Make sure your documents are organized, accurate, and relevant:

• Include tax records, CPF statements, education certificates, employment letters, and dependent documents.

• Use a cover letter to explain your intent and connection to Singapore.

• Ensure any non-English documents are officially translated.

A professional and thorough application can only help—while a rushed or careless one can reflect poorly.

🧠 The Role of the Singapore Expat Association

The Singapore Expat Association exists to educate and empower expatriates and long-term residents. We share facts, clarify myths, and offer insights into the immigration journey—not by making promises, but by promoting transparency and informed decision-making.

We encourage applicants to focus on what they can improve, while accepting that final decisions are solely made by ICA, not anyone else.

💬 Final Thoughts

There is no “magic formula” for PR approval in Singapore. But there are smarter, better-prepared, and more sincere approaches that can enhance your application over time.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Don’t fall for inflated success rates or guarantees

• Be honest about your profile and what can be improved

• Engage genuinely in the community

• Submit a strong, complete application backed with purpose

PR approval may not be assured—but with the right preparation and intent, it’s far from impossible.

Let’s keep the conversation grounded in facts, not fiction.

And let’s build a community of well-informed, future-ready residents—together.

Get in Touch for Personalized Support Whether you’re applying for the first time or planning a reapplication, we’re ready to assist you. 📧 Email us at: members@expatassociation.com Let’s work together to build your future in Singapore.