The sheer volume of paperwork that needs to be submitted can feel overwhelming. Missing out on critical documents or adding unnecessary supplementation can prevent you from attaining PR status and lead to rejection.

The assessment process is one that is privy to officials only, and no explanation is offered if you have been rejected. Without knowing where you have gone wrong, how can you boost your new application effectively?

Although there are thousands of applicants, not everyone is rewarded with a PR status. With no change in the acceptance numbers and a bigger pool of competitors, your application needs to well and truly outshine that of your peers.

With its excellent education system, low crime rates, renowned healthcare, and best-in-class public transport system, it’s no wonder many families choose to raise their kids in Singapore.

A globalised island city, Singapore can provide a unique and colourful experience for people of all ages. If you and your family have chosen to become permanent residents of this Little Red Dot, you must all meet the relevant criteria — yes, even your little ones.

Read on to find out how you can assess your child’s Singapore PR eligibility.

1. Singaporean or PR Parents is Key to A Child’s Singapore PR Eligibility

By far the most straightforward route, offspring of parents who are either Singaporeans or PRs may be eligible for Permanent Residency with you as their sponsor. The criteria your children have to meet include:

• Under 21 years of age
• Unmarried
• Born to or legally adopted by legally married parents

Any male children who have been granted the PR status through this route will have to serve National Service once they turn 18.

2. Singapore PR Eligibility for Parents Under the PTS Scheme or GIP

You can include both your spouse and your children when applying for PR via the Professionals, Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers scheme (PTS) or Global Investors Programme (GIP). Your little one will need to fulfil these criteria:

• Under 21 years of age
• Unmarried
• Born to or legally adopted by legally married parents

Similar to the above category, male children are mandated to serve National Service once they are 18. Do note that if your little one does not meet the criteria stated above, they would have to apply on their own merits.

3. Singapore PR Eligibility for International Students

A different route is available to international students — applying on their own merits as a student enrolled in local education institutes. The chances of approval are generally high through this route. However, they should meet the criteria listed below:

• Residing in the city-state for two years or more
• Sat for and passed at least one national examination (e.g. GCE ‘N’/‘O’/‘A’ Levels or PSLE) or enrolled in the Integrated Programme

As a parent, you will not act as a sponsor. However, the Immigrations & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA) may require some submission of documents on your end.

Upon turning 18, it is also mandatory for all male international students to serve National Service.

4. Singapore PR Eligibility for Those Above the Age of 21

At the age of 21, all children are considered legal adults in the Lion City. They may then  apply for PR on their own merits. To do so, they can either possess an Employment Pass or an S Pass and apply for permanent residency via the PTS or GIP Scheme.

Alternatively, if they are married to a local citizen or Permanent Resident, their spouse can choose to act as their sponsor instead. As the parent of a legal adult, you will not be required to participate in the application in either scenario.