If you want the highest chances of getting a successful Singapore PR application status, then the secret hiding in plain sight for many newcomers or new immigrants is actually showing successful social integration into Singapore.
What Is Social Integration In Singapore?
Social integration in Singapore is the process in which foreigners or immigrants to Singapore integrate into Singapore’s society and how they socially interact in Singapore and with the locals in Singapore and their culture.
Successful Social Integration By Foreigners Into Singapore’s Community
The relevant authorities in Singapore used to look more at qualifications for applications for PR – especially financial. However, due to new changing sentiments by both the existing Singaporean population, and hence the government, a more balanced approach of also looking at new immigrants’ successful social integration in Singapore is taken now.
In fact, that is why immigration applicants who have also studied in Singapore before and have integrated well into their school life in Singapore with Singaporeans is also taken into account and these people have a higher success rate! For a deeper read on this topic, read our post on whether studying locally can improve your chances of application success.
Ways immigrants to Singapore can show interaction and social integration in Singapore
If you have not already done so, yet are serious about wanting to be a permanent resident, then also start focusing on successful social integration efforts with Singaporeans on top of economic contribution and work on a balanced profile. This way, you stand the highest chance of success going forward. The key is to make sure that the activities you do are recognized by ICA too. For example, you loving Singapore food has no bearing on whether you can get your PR approved or not. But the following activities will.
Spend time at local sports or cultural community events
There are lots of ways in which immigrants can show that you have socially integrated into the Singapore community and Singaporean culture. For example, spending documented time at local sports or cultural community events with Singaporeans will be one of them.
Donate to legally recognized local causes in Singapore
Another great way of showing social integration into Singapore is to be donating to local registered causes in Singapore.
Volunteer at recognized charities in Singapore
Volunteering at legally recognized charities in Singapore is yet another great way in which expats can show social integration.
In fact, some of the most common reasons for rejections, and hence people trying to appeal to ICA against rejection, is largely due to two reasons – qualifications and proof of social integration into Singapore. So if you are a new immigrant who wants to stay in Singapore for good, make sure to work on and demonstrate your efforts in social integration!