Will my SPR application be cancelled?

[odini]

I've been working in Singapore for the past 10-11 months on a P1 visa.
However, just about a month ago, I filed my Singaporean Permanent Residency application at the ICA because I really would love to stay in Singapore and also make it easier for me if I was to change employer, etc. They were telling me that I might have to wait up to 3 months for the result.

Unfortunately, a week ago my employer decided to shut down the work place in Singapore, and basically gave everyone one month's notice. Which means my work visa is valid until end of April. This came as a bit of a shock as you can imagine.

So what shall I do now? What would be the best option for me?
Do I need to tell the ICA about the fact that I lost my job, or shall I stay in Singapore and just wait for the result (hopefully before end of May - I might have to get a one month's social visit pass though)?

If anyone out there have any good advice, it would be greatly appreciated!


Thank you,

Odini

[Bafana]

Go to ICA and request an interview to explain the situation.

Hopefully they will be able to guide you on what to do as your EP iks through MOM not ICA and the PR is through ICA not MOM.

If worst comes to worst exit and re-enter on tourist visa which depending on your country of origin will give you up to 90 days stay but you will not be allowed to work - You can however search for another employer to sponser an EP durign that time.

A fianl word of advice is that the tax department will sting your last two months salary whilct they work out your tax payable as you are on EP. Make sure you have enough moeny to tide you over or you may end up short as Singapore not cheap cheap lah.

BTW what nationality are you?

[Strong Eagle]

I don't know the answer but there is one element of the process of which you should be aware.

When you receive your approval letter, you will also receive medical checkup forms AND a form which must be signed by your employer, ascertaining your status and stating no objection to your PR. If you are lucky and get your PR approval before your last day of work, then have your employer sign it and you are good to go... a PR looking for a job. However, if your approval is received after your termination date I don't know what you can do except go to ICA and explain.

In doing so, I think you have some things in your favor. For example, you are already approved, which means the only thing lacking is the actual job. You could see meanwhile, what can be done to find a job or at the very least be prepared to supply a list of contacts and job hunting plan and possibly some sort of statistical evidence that what you do is in demand.

[odini]

Thank you so much for your advice! I have to say I am a bit concerned about the fact that I need another form signed by my employer - even after the approval of the SPR application.

Hopefully I can get an approval within April so that I can still get the signature I need from my employer. I am planning to stay in Singapore until end of May, so I really hope I get the approval letter before then.

Regarding the tax matters, though. Say, in case I do not get my SPR application approved, I presume I need to pay 15% flat on all four months from January to April, right? Because I have been here for longer than 60 days, but shorter than 183 days (in 2008 that is) - hence I am not a non-resident..?

I am from a country which has a tax treaty with Singapore, so no double taxation.

[zirano]

Hi There,

According to ICA's website FAQ section, your application will be treated as cancelled if you have changed of employer.

ref: http://app.ica.gov.sg/serv_pr/per_res/a ... aq.asp#q26

Good luck!

[odini]

Ok, that put the final nail in the coffin.

So, on a related note... Anyone out there who knows where to buy removal boxes here in Singapore? And can anyone recommend any good and cheap shipping/freight companies that operate between Singapore and Australia?

In advance, thank you!

[Strong Eagle]

Ok, that put the final nail in the coffin.

So, on a related note... Anyone out there who knows where to buy removal boxes here in Singapore? And can anyone recommend any good and cheap shipping/freight companies that operate between Singapore and Australia?

In advance, thank you!

Just note that if you get your approval letter before you leave this employer that you have not changed employer as of the time of picking up the PR.