Advice on getting SG citizenship (am PR) within limited timeframe, lived overseas for 10 years. What are my odds?

[harrythepug]

Singapore-born and raised, age early 30s, female, holding citizenship of a preferred race/nationality. I've been a PR all my life. I lived in SG till I left for university, got a Masters at a top school, and have worked for 5 years overseas. SG is being very strict on renewing my REP (only 1 year instead of the usual 5 years, and the last time I checked they did not want to renew it as I had "lived overseas for too long" even if 6 of the 11 years was for studies). Anger aside, my entire family are SG citizens who took up citizenship over the last few years as they realized they weren't going back to the original country.

I plan on returning to SG this year and am trying to get citizenship within 12-18 months - is this possible? I have no issues renouncing my current nationality - I have zero ties to it apart from the fact that my parents were born there. Once I get a job, how long should I be working for before applying? I have a limited timeframe because I also hold a green card and another country's PR which I intend to keep - and can only stay "abroad" in SG for less than 2 years total. Will the other PRs count against my application? Thank you.

[harrythepug]

I'm not sure how relevant this may be - but I am married to a non-SG citizen, but our marriage isn't recognized in SG, so to speak. My assumption is that I am considered "single" for all intents of this application.

Edit to add for those who do not seem to understand: Section 12 of the Women’s Charter explicitly states that a marriage solemnised in Singapore or elsewhere between persons who are not male and female at the time of the marriage shall be rendered void, i.e. the couple will be treated as though they were never married.

[PNGMK]

I'm not sure how relevant this may be - but I am married to a non-SG citizen, but our marriage isn't recognized in SG, so to speak. My assumption is that I am considered "single" for all intents of this application.

So you're committing fraud? Why don't you just phuck off then. We don't want you in Singapore.

[bro75]

Because you are non-resident for a long time, your chances are low but going for you is the fact that you are of the preferred race/nationality. Your additional PRs will also be taken against you as a sign that you may be thinking of permanently settling outside of Singapore.

I'm not sure how relevant this may be - but I am married to a non-SG citizen, but our marriage isn't recognized in SG, so to speak. My assumption is that I am considered "single" for all intents of this application.

Why did you assume that your marriage is not recognized in sg? Once you are married legally, then it is your duty to report this accurately on any government form. I believe it is an offense not to do so.

[harrythepug]

That's what I thought might happen regarding the PRs, thank you. Even if my entire birth family are citizens, it wouldn't help much?

Why did you assume that your marriage is not recognized in sg? Once you are married legally, then it is your duty to report this accurately on any government form. I believe it is an offense not to do so.

Because it's not legally recognized in SG - if that's the case, would I still be considered married? I would be happy to list it if so, I wasn't sure how laws from different countries intersect in this area. Cue homophobic comments on this forum, including the one above.

Edit to add: upon further reading, unions between non-opposite genders are rendered void in SG so it's unfortunate. Considered single. (Chapter 12 https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/WC1961#pr12-)

[bro75]

I did not know that your marriage is same sex. That clears it up. You could be correct there.

As an adult, your citizenship application will be based mostly on your own merits. Your family ties to Singapore is a plus but your prolonged absence from Singapore will weigh negatively.

[PNGMK]

I don't see OP succeeding the current climate to be honest - too many red flags and a hell of a lot of other candidates lining up. However if she doesn't try she won't know either.