Despite the growing number of PR applicants, the number of approvals remains the same at approximately 30,000. You would have to contend with far more cutthroat competition, making acquiring SPR even more difficult.

The lower approval ratings strongly suggest a stricter application reviewing procedure. Submission of a substandard profile will not set you apart from the masses and can even lead to rejection.

The submission process is an intimidating one with numerous forms and uploading a long list of documents. With only one chance at a submission, an incomplete or error-ridden application can ruin your shot at becoming a PR.

For all the decades of sacrifice your parents have put into your upbringing, it’s no surprise you might be considering Permanent Residency for your folks if you yourself have found a home here.

The Aged Parents scheme provides Singaporeans with the opportunity to care for their folks in old age. If you’re keen to know more, read on to learn about the prerequisites that you and your parents need to meet.

1. Singapore PR Requirement: Only Aged Parents of Singapore Citizens

Only an aged mother or father of a Singapore Citizen can apply for SPR. Unfortunately, if you are a PR, they are not eligible to apply to become PRs. Instead, they can opt for a Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP), which permits them to reside in the Lion City. Another way is to consider your own citizenship here, which would then enable them to apply for permanent residency.

2. Singapore PR Requirement: Prove You Are Your Parents’ Sole Caregiver

In the application, immigration officials will ask for information on your other family members. If you have siblings in other countries, this indicates that there remains a viable alternative for your old folks to retire comfortably in their previous home country. Conversely, if you are their sole caregiver, they will have a higher chance of getting approved for Singapore PR.

3. Singapore PR Requirement: Prove Your Financial Capabilities

Getting approval for applications under the Aged Parents scheme is heavily determined by your ability to support them. It is more likely they are close to or in their retirement years, which means that the financial responsibility lies with you as their sponsor. Immigration officials will want to know how financially well-positioned you are, so it is good to show that you are stably employed for one to two years at your current job with a salary substantial enough to support yourself, as well as your old folks in their current living situation.

4. Singapore PR Requirement: Ensure Your Parents Are Well Integrated

The Lion City prides itself as a diverse yet harmonious society and wants to maintain these strong bonds of social cohesion. It is important to ensure that your mother/father can integrate with the community here. Two ways to encourage this integration are:

• Being able to converse in English, the common language here
• Actively participating in community activities

Proving their integration in society signals their readiness to settle here for good and increase their chances of getting approval for permanent residency. Ultimately, it is also for their benefit that they can meld comfortably into our society.

5. Singapore PR Requirement: Include All Documents in English

If your situation meets the above so far, that’s great. When applying, make sure to have on hand all the important paperwork. Applications are submitted electronically on the e-Service portal, so do check that you have scanned copies of all the relevant documents. On top of that, be sure to include soft copies of the translations of any of the required documents if they are not in English from verified sources.