What is my PR chance

[sundaymorningstaple]

Frankly, on an off note, I'm still puzzled why you want to pursue PR in this country. Especially considering the old Confucius saying about a blade of grass between Warring Elephants (especially a country who spends all of it's time sucking up to both). Add to that you are in the wrong country to be flying the rainbow flag. This, regardless of your credentials, could see you rejected. I know a few who have tried for years, but to no avail all of which were given EP's and even some given LTVPs (Not DPs) for their partners. Maybe you want to think twice. You seem like a nice guy and a good thinker if you've had papers published, etc. But I wonder about playing Don Quixote here.

[RobSg]

As some posters might recognize here, I lived in Singapore for 25 years. I gave up my PR to return to the US in 2013 to retire. Like you, I considered Singapore home, and quite honestly, I miss the food courts, the convenience of not needing a car, the safety, and relative honesty of its citizens. I totally understand and appreciate your calling Singapore "home". I still think that in some way.

However, for 25 years I lived a gay life apart from my straight existence, and that was unhealthy. I'm of a generation (74 yo) where it's difficult to be open about this sort of thing, and I'm still that way. However, when I see people like Pete Buttigieg or the governor of Colorado being openly gay and accepted, I'm inspired and know I made the right choice to come home.

I live in the US but am 20 miles from downtown Vancouver, Canada, where my partner lives. We have 2 homes. I say all this to let you know that you have options. With your great qualifications it would not be a bad idea to have a back-up plan. I'm not sure if Vietnam is doing the research you have expertise in, but I know Canada is. They accepted more than 400,000 immigrants last year, and the standards are straight forward.

I think your desire is very noble, but having another option would relieve some of the stress that becoming a Singapore PR entails. I have gay Singapore friends in Vancouver who are very happy and successful, including my partner. They had options, and now they're in Canada.

Just a friendly suggestion.

[sundaymorningstaple]

You must have been reading my mind Rob! How's it going? Staying safe I hope. I think Singapore is the only country that hasn't come out of the closet with Covid as well. Oh, and I hear you on the 74. in 6 months I'll hit my diamond jubilee! And in 3 months I will be celebrating my 4th decade anniversary on The Little Red Dot!

[Myasis Dragon]

Rob, I agree with everything you've said. I'm a member of the Mankind Project and did my weekend 20 years ago. There are many gay men in the organization, and almost to a man, all have cited the emotional distress and upheaval of not only hiding in the closet, but living and always wondering if the others are "right"... there is something unnatural about you.

One man told me that once he came out of the closet, he had been living his persona for so long, he didn't know how to form relationships as his real self. I feel for the pain and harassment that gay men have been subject to, and I agree with you... find some place where you can live what you are without fear of discrimination and repercussion.

[dukesun99]

Well based on what I heard, a* indeed has the ability to make someone instant SC to be able to hold their scholarship (and skipping PR)...