Singapore Expats

Hi, based on my discussion with various PRs, I understood that I can apply for PR after 6 months of being in Singapore. I went thru some posts in this forum and was surprised to read that probability of getting a PR is "practically" non existent, if applied before 1-2 yrs.

I am a CPA holding a P1 pass and working as a VP with a foreign bank. Should I wait for some more time before applying for a PR? I have an appointment with ICA on 30th. Should I cancel my appointment? Can this cancellation be viewed negatively?

Welcome your views...

Nah, do not worry about it. Yours will be thrown a red carpet and welcome with open arms. I would be surprise if ICA rejected you but the process will take some time like between one to three months

You did not indicate your ethnicity. While I would agree with MS, if you are a Caucasian they may make you wait as lots of Caucasian upper level types abused the PR system over the past 10 years. Also there is the 'perceived' assimilation problem. But, aside from that, otherwise, you should be a shoe-in.

Thanks mad scientist and SMS. I am an Indian. Does this fact has a bearing on your reply and "my chances"?

MS, VP in an investment bank is not the same as VP in a company in a different sector. In Investment Banks, the lowest designation for guy in charge of a team is AVP and VP is just above that. Directors are above VP. Thats just a smart way of employee retention

So while P1 pass helps, your ethinicity works to your disadvantage, had you completed 2 years and bought a condo or something may be you would have had better chances. I wouldn't be surprised if you were rejected.

Just curious why did you chosoe 30 Dec? Not sure if that would be considered under 2010's quota which might already be full. Again not sure. But I would have rather chosen 1st Jan 2011.

revhappy wrote:MS, VP in an investment bank is not the same as VP in a company in a different sector. In Investment Banks, the lowest designation for guy in charge of a team is AVP and VP is just above that. Directors are above VP. Thats just a smart way of employee retention

OK , something new for me to learn. Again, his P1 outweighs the position.
ICA looks at years work in SG, Income tax return, Marriage , Pass held among other things.
IMHO, let him try be it now or later , it does not make any diff. As both dates will be before the election. If he got rejected at least he knows he is not wanted here and the pass he held has no bearing at all and if he has met all the requirement like tax etc....