If you’re a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) and you want your spouse to join you as a PR, choosing the right scheme for their application is crucial. The Professional, Technical Personnel, and Skilled Workers (PTS) Scheme and the Family Scheme are the two options available for your spouse’s PR appeal or Singapore PR application.
It’s important to understand the eligibility requirements, benefits, and drawbacks of each scheme to make an informed decision.
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of both schemes and highlight the key factors you need to consider to select the right scheme for your spouse’s PR application.
Understanding the PTS Scheme
The PTS Scheme is designed for foreign professionals, technical personnel, and skilled workers who are looking to work and settle down in Singapore. Here are some of the eligibility requirements for the scheme:
- Employment Pass
- Personalised Employment Pass
- EntrePass
- S Pass
Some benefits of applying through the PTS Scheme include faster processing times and a higher chance of approval if the applicant meets the eligibility criteria. However, the scheme can be competitive, and not all applicants may qualify.
Understanding the Family Scheme (Under Sponsorship)
The Family Scheme is designed for foreigners who have family members who are Singapore citizens or PRs. PR applicants would still be assessed beyond their relationship to the Citizen or PR.
In other words, you are not the only person who can affect your spouse’s ability to obtain PR approval.
Here are some of the eligibility requirements for the scheme:
- Employment Pass
- Personalised Employment Pass
- EntrePass
- S Pass
- Work Permit
- Dependant’s Pass
- Long-Term Visit Pass
One benefit of applying through the Family Scheme is that it is less competitive compared to the PTS Scheme. However, processing times can be longer, and the applicant’s eligibility is dependent on their sponsor’s status.
Factors to consider when deciding between PTS Scheme and Family Scheme
When choosing between the PTS Scheme and the Family Scheme for your spouse’s PR application, there are several factors to consider:
Your Nationality or Status: If you are either a Singapore PR or Citizen, your spouse should apply for permanent residency under the Family Scheme.
Length of Marriage: In light of the frequency with which sham marriages occur, rushing into a PR application under the Family Scheme immediately after your marriage will inevitably trigger red flags.
Regardless of the sincerity of your connection, ICA officers rarely issue PR status to a Non-Resident spouse whose union to a Citizen or PR is too recent.
Presence of Children: Wait until you have children before applying for permanent residency under the Family Scheme, especially if you have the means to raise them in the future.
Cost and fees: Consider the costs associated with each scheme, such as application fees and the cost of hiring a professional immigration consultant.
Making the decision
To make an informed decision, you need to analyse the pros and cons of each scheme based on the factors above. Weigh the importance of each factor for your unique situation and identify which scheme aligns with your spouse’s qualifications and work experience.
If you are unsure, consider seeking professional advice from an immigration consultant.
Conclusion
Choosing the right PR scheme for your spouse’s application is crucial. Understanding the eligibility requirements, benefits, and drawbacks of both the PTS Scheme and the Family Scheme will help you make an informed decision. Take the time to consider the factors mentioned.
With over 6 years of experience, Singapore Top Immigration is a trusted immigration consultancy firm in Singapore that has secured over 20,000 Singapore PR application approvals for their clients.
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