Receiving a rejection for your Singapore PR application can be a tough pill to swallow. While this is undoubtedly a setback for you, it is crucial to not be disheartened by this news. After all, a significant number of PR applications are rejected yearly, with only about 10% making it past the rigorous selection process.
Furthermore, there is a way for you to appeal your PR rejection in Singapore. To do so, you will need to craft an appeal letter. However, it is vital to note that the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) takes about 4 to 6 months to reply to the PR appeal. And during this period, you cannot file a new application. Therefore, you should only submit your appeal if there is a fair chance of success. Also, you need to get the PR appeal letter format correct to prevent another rejection.
Given the stringent criteria, it is understandable to feel a little apprehensive about your appeal. But fret not! Let us share a helpful guide to writing an effective appeal letter.
When should you send in your appeal?
While your natural instinct is to send an appeal letter immediately, it is advisable to re-evaluate your application before submitting your PR appeal hastily. With a generous deadline – within 2 months of your rejection date – to craft your appeal, you have ample time to consider your options.
The additional time can play a crucial factor in improving your chances of getting approval for your PR application. For example, if you have recently been converted into a full-time position from your contract role, you might stand a better chance of receiving a positive response.
How to craft an effective appeal letter?
Many applicants make the common mistake of overemphasising Singapore’s attractiveness to expats as a reason for their PR application. But rather than talking about the nation’s strong economy or its world-renowned education system, you should focus on outlining your strengths and how you can contribute to Singapore.
Furthermore, your appeal letter should not be more than 1 or 1.5 pages. You need to be precise and inform the ICA why you feel they should reconsider your PR application. So avoid crafting a letter that does not stand out from the crowd.
The most important thing to remember is that the ICA is looking for evidence of significant changes made between your initial application and your PR appeal. Therefore, these improvements are the crucial information you need to include in your letter.
Examples include:
1. Work achievement
While a promotion would look impressive on your appeal letter, this is not the only work achievement you can showcase in your PR appeal. Even an incremental change, such as a pay raise or receiving an acknowledgement at work can go a long way in bolstering your chances of getting approval.
This is because your past and current employment are one of several critical aspects an ICA officer will evaluate to determine if you are an ideal candidate who can contribute to the nation. Hence, any progression or achievement serves to demonstrate that you are a hardworking and capable individual.
2. Long-term plans
If you want to be a PR, chances are you have long-term plans in Singapore. Having long-term objectives signifies your willingness to contribute to society and highlights that you are an asset to the country.
So if you have missed out on including your plans in your initial application, feel free to share them in your PR appeal. Whether you are looking to build a business, start a family, or further your career, this helpful information can increase your chances of getting a positive reply.
3. Integration into Singapore society
As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. Part of migrating to a new country involves adapting to a new lifestyle. But contrary to popular belief, having numerous Singaporean friends does not illustrate one’s effectiveness in integrating into Singapore’s society.
Instead, demonstrating your willingness to do your part for society – such as donating to local causes, volunteering at a community centre, or spending documented time at cultural events – is a much better way of showcasing how you are adapting to life in Singapore. Do not hesitate to include such mentions in your PR appeal if applicable.
However, this does not mean you should only volunteer your time and effort to obtain a Singapore PR. Your endeavours need to be sincere. If the ICA officers feel that you are only doing this to stand out from the crowd, it can have an adverse effect on your application.
One last thing to note
We understand your desire to take the quickest and most common route during such situations. However, an appeal may not always be the best option available. A rejected PR appeal can delay your application by months. Therefore, it is wise to assess your initial application and figure out why it was rejected before you appeal your PR rejection.
By evaluating your application, you will have a better understanding of which choice – an appeal or a new application – is more suitable for you. We advise working with a PR application agency in Singapore in these circumstances since the ICA no longer provides the reasons for a rejected PR application.
At Singapore Immigration Partners, we possess years of experience assisting expats in their successful PR applications. Our team can help review your application process and identify reasons for the rejection. From there, we can aid you in crafting an appeal or a new application, depending on your needs. Do not hesitate to contact us today to learn how we can help you.