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NS liability for PR under Foreign Students scheme

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callmediego
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NS liability for PR under Foreign Students scheme

Post by callmediego » Thu, 07 Feb 2019 3:14 pm

Hi everyone,

I understand that Foreign Students are now able to apply for a Singapore PR under the new Foreign Student scheme:

https://www.ica.gov.sg/apply/PR/apply_PR_who

My only concern is whether I would be liable and also be called up for National Service.

Some background information:

Age: 23 years old
Educational background: Completed my O and A Levels in SG and currently in my 3rd year of my degree at NUS

Parents background: Both are Malaysian citizens, living in Malaysia and non-PRs

I have been in Singapore for the past 9 years and am considering applying for a PR now.

I understand that the ICA website states that:

"Main applicants who are granted PR status as a Foreign Student or under their parents’ sponsorship are required to register for NS upon reaching 16 1⁄2 years old and will be scheduled for enlistment at the earliest opportunity upon reaching 18 years old."

However, as I am already past the age of 18 years old and about to start work next year, it does not make much sense for me to give up 2 years of working for NS.

Furthermore, I am also under the MOE tuition grant and am liable to work in SG for 3 years after graduation.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!
Last edited by callmediego on Thu, 07 Feb 2019 3:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Wd40
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Re: NS liability for PR under Foreign Students scheme

Post by Wd40 » Thu, 07 Feb 2019 3:29 pm

I guess it depends on which scheme you apply under. If you apply under PTS, then no NS. If you apply as a student then you have NS.

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callmediego
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Re: NS liability for PR under Foreign Students scheme

Post by callmediego » Thu, 07 Feb 2019 3:34 pm

Wd40 wrote:I guess it depends on which scheme you apply under. If you apply under PTS, then no NS. If you apply as a student then you have NS.

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Hi, I am applying under the Foreign Student scheme. However, I have read on this forum of cases whereby first-generation PRs rarely serve NS, especially if you are above the typical age of service.

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singaporeflyer
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Re: NS liability for PR under Foreign Students scheme

Post by singaporeflyer » Thu, 07 Feb 2019 8:17 pm

callmediego wrote:
Wd40 wrote:I guess it depends on which scheme you apply under. If you apply under PTS, then no NS. If you apply as a student then you have NS.

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Hi, I am applying under the Foreign Student scheme. However, I have read on this forum of cases whereby first-generation PRs rarely serve NS, especially if you are above the typical age of service.
What is your age?

callmediego
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Re: NS liability for PR under Foreign Students scheme

Post by callmediego » Thu, 07 Feb 2019 9:05 pm

I am 23 years old

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singaporeflyer
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Re: NS liability for PR under Foreign Students scheme

Post by singaporeflyer » Thu, 07 Feb 2019 10:11 pm

callmediego wrote:I am 23 years old
There is a decent chance that you might be called to do NS if you get your PR.

callmediego
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Re: NS liability for PR under Foreign Students scheme

Post by callmediego » Thu, 07 Feb 2019 10:22 pm

singaporeflyer wrote:
callmediego wrote:I am 23 years old
There is a decent chance that you might be called to do NS if you get your PR.
Appreciate the response. Is this based on personal experience or from a friend of yours?

I am aware that I am definitely liable for NS. However, I have heard of some cases whereby new PRs are just required to register for NS on the system but are subsequently not called up to serve due to their age (Late 20s and beyond)

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singaporeflyer
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Re: NS liability for PR under Foreign Students scheme

Post by singaporeflyer » Thu, 07 Feb 2019 10:31 pm

callmediego wrote:
singaporeflyer wrote:
callmediego wrote:I am 23 years old
There is a decent chance that you might be called to do NS if you get your PR.
Appreciate the response. Is this based on personal experience or from a friend of yours?

I am aware that I am definitely liable for NS. However, I have heard of some cases whereby new PRs are just required to register for NS on the system but are subsequently not called up to serve due to their age (Late 20s and beyond)

If you are trying to avoid NS, then I guess PR is not for you.

You want to have the cake and eat it too?

bro75
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Re: NS liability for PR under Foreign Students scheme

Post by bro75 » Fri, 08 Feb 2019 8:30 am

callmediego wrote:
singaporeflyer wrote:
callmediego wrote:I am 23 years old
There is a decent chance that you might be called to do NS if you get your PR.
Appreciate the response. Is this based on personal experience or from a friend of yours?

I am aware that I am definitely liable for NS. However, I have heard of some cases whereby new PRs are just required to register for NS on the system but are subsequently not called up to serve due to their age (Late 20s and beyond)
In these cases you mentioned, these males are sponsored by their wives who are PRs or they have applied together as a couple or family with the wife as the main applicant. Technically, since the husbands are dependent PRs, they are liable for NS but in reality, they are rarely called up due to their age.

The foreign student eligibility for PR is new enough that there is not a lot of information regarding whether older students are called up but in reading the requirements, it is clear that all who go through this path is liable.

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Wd40
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Re: NS liability for PR under Foreign Students scheme

Post by Wd40 » Fri, 08 Feb 2019 8:38 am

I think as a NS liable PR, it is better to go and complete those 2 years of NS during peace time. Imagine, you are NS liable PR and you haven't yet been called for NS because of age. Then there is a sudden outbreak of war, who are the first people they are going to come looking for?

This is a extreme extreme scenario though.

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therat
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Re: NS liability for PR under Foreign Students scheme

Post by therat » Fri, 08 Feb 2019 8:45 am

If NS is really a concern to you.
Best dont take it.

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PNGMK
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Re: NS liability for PR under Foreign Students scheme

Post by PNGMK » Fri, 08 Feb 2019 11:33 am

I'd add that there is a VERY strong chance you will be called up ASAP and your studies interrupted.

CMPB would want you in their system before you age out or flee.
I not lawyer/teacher/CPA.
You've been arrested? Law Society of Singapore can provide referrals.
You want an International School job? School website or http://www.ISS.edu
Your rugrat needs a School? Avoid for profit schools
You need Tax advice? Ask a CPA
You ran away without doing NS? Shame on you!

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