US/ Singapore citizenship

rong8 · Post by **rong8** » Mon, 12 Jul 2010 9:00 pm

Not sure if this is the right forum to post this...

I'm 21 this year, turning 22 this coming October, I was born in the United States to Singaporean parents and I have to choose which citizenship I want to take up before October. I'm having a dilemma as to the benefits of either citizenship and any advice would be much appreciated.

I am going to apply for my first job when I graduate from a US college in December this year. I would go to wherever I can find a job (preferably US or Singapore and have no preference over the 2 country). If I take up US citizenship and choose to apply for a job in Singapore, would I be at a disadvantage? and how about taking up the Singapore citizenship and applying for jobs in the US? From what I have gathered, it's easier for foreigners to work in Singapore compared to foreigners working in the United States? How about the ease of getting PR status in both countries?

What is the best path to take for a girl who is about to graduate from college but has no idea where she wants to be in the future? thank you!

Post by **sundaymorningstaple** » Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:42 pm

I can tell you this much. If you give up your Singapore Citizenship, you can forget getting PR here in the future. It's possible to get an employment pass however, but you will have to qualify just like any other person.

Post by **nakatago** » Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:49 pm

You have to decide first what you want in life. Both citizenships have their pros and cons which also depend on whom you ask. List them all down (if it will help) and decide if each point is a positive or negative for you.

You're lucky you don't have to face the apparently-dreaded NS question, being female and all (but a future son will). On the other hand, being an American, you get taxed pretty much anywhere you work anyway. You get the idea how either citizenship can go either way.

Mad Scientist · Post by **Mad Scientist** » Tue, 13 Jul 2010 6:10 am

rong8 wrote: If I take up US citizenship and choose to apply for a job in Singapore, would I be at a disadvantage?

Your application will be treated individually on its own merit

and how about taking up the Singapore citizenship and applying for jobs in the US?

You can try this way too. It is your choice. Home is where the heart is : NOT ANY COUNTRY

From what I have gathered, it's easier for foreigners to work in Singapore compared to foreigners working in the United States?

In this current climate as election is looming in SG, it is getting harder.
Working in US , well, it depends what you are looking for

How about the ease of getting PR status in both countries?

PR in SG after renounce is IMPOSSIBLE. Not sure about US

What is the best path to take for a girl who is about to graduate from college but has no idea where she wants to be in the future? thank you!
You are in a dilemma and you want the best of both world.Talk to your parents is one way . Unfortunately in SG there is only one choice. I am not sure if you can regain US citizenship after renounce like UK does , .
Asia is at the crossroad of unimaginable growth. Anywhere you go there will be trials and tribulations. You have to make that choice

rong8 · Post by **rong8** » Sat, 17 Jul 2010 11:06 pm

ok... thanks guys!

joyxoxo · Post by **joyxoxo** » Sat, 24 Jul 2010 1:35 am

I'm in the same situation as rong8. I'm living in Singapore now. I will be enrolling into University of Buffalo in Singapore soon and I will have to decide which citizenship I want by May 2011. If I choose to give up my Singaporean Citizenship, does that mean I can't be a Singaporean PR and I would need a Visa and a student pass to be able to continue studying in Singapore?

Most of my family and friends here and I wouldn't know what to do if I give up my Singapore citizenship although I do want to explore my opportunities.
Rong8, have you decided on what to choose and what do you suggest?

Post by **singaporeflyer** » Sat, 24 Jul 2010 2:05 am

If I choose to give up my Singaporean Citizenship, does that mean I can't be a Singaporean PR and I would need a Visa and a student pass to be able to continue studying in Singapore?

If you choose to give up your Singaporean Citizenship, then you may apply for a Singapore PR or apply for a Student Visa

But for the Singapore PR, ICA will surely remember that you were offered citizenship to live here and you have not taken that up.. So they might not be willing to give PR to you as currently they are looking for more good talented people to become citizens rather than PR's and it may be viewed by them as you do not want to stay here for long and you are taking PR just for convenience .. When they have offered Citizenship to you and when you turn that down, I doubt if they would grant you PR. You may have a chance and am not sure abt that

But for sure you can apply for a Student Visa that will be assessed based on its own merits

Thanks

Mad Scientist · Post by **Mad Scientist** » Sat, 24 Jul 2010 4:00 am

singaporeflyer wrote:If I choose to give up my Singaporean Citizenship, does that mean I can't be a Singaporean PR and I would need a Visa and a student pass to be able to continue studying in Singapore?

If you choose to give up your Singaporean Citizenship, then you may apply for a Singapore PR or apply for a Student Visa

But for the Singapore PR, ICA will surely remember that you were offered citizenship to live here and you have not taken that up.. So they might not be willing to give PR to you as currently they are looking for more good talented people to become citizens rather than PR's and it may be viewed by them as you do not want to stay here for long and you are taking PR just for convenience .. When they have offered Citizenship to you and when you turn that down, I doubt if they would grant you PR. You may have a chance and am not sure abt that

But for sure you can apply for a Student Visa that will be assessed based on its own merits

Thanks

OP. This is incorrect.
@SF please do not provide something that you are not aware of and it is misleading

1. If you are a Sger, if you chose to give up your SG citzienship, you CANNOT return to apply for SPR nor student visa after that.
2. If you are a male, you have to complete your NS duties and 3 years of reservist after that before renounce
Go to www.ica.gov.sg for more .

Below is one of the transcript
1.

ou will cease to be a citizen of Singapore.
2.

Citizen benefits such as subsidies in health-care, education, taxation, employment and other privileges will cease to be applicable.
3.

There is no provision for reinstatement.
4.

There is also no assurance that you can continue to work or reside in Singapore as a foreigner on any type of employment permit or as a Permanent Resident.

Eligibility Criteria

Under Article 128(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, anyone who wishes to renounce Singapore citizenship must fulfill the following three conditions:

1.

He/she must be 21 years of age or above
2.

Must be of sound mind
3.

Is or is about to become a citizen of another country

In addition, for a male citizen, the government may withhold the registration of declaration of renunciation of Singapore Citizenship under Article 128(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, the provisions which are listed below:

If the declaration is made during any war in which Singapore is engaged

Or

If the declaration is made by a person subject to the Enlistment Act unless he has:

1.

Discharged his liability for full-time service under Section 12 of the Act
2.

Rendered at least 3 years of service under Section 13 of the Act in lieu of such full-time service
3.

Complied with such conditions as may be determined by the Government

joyxoxo · Post by **joyxoxo** » Sat, 24 Jul 2010 12:32 pm

So this basically means if I give up my SG citizenship, I cannot apply for Student Visa and I cannot even finish my studies here? Is there any other alternative?

Mad Scientist · Post by **Mad Scientist** » Sat, 24 Jul 2010 12:45 pm

joyxoxo wrote:So this basically means if I give up my SG citizenship, I cannot apply for Student Visa and I cannot even finish my studies here? Is there any other alternative?

Yup., Nope . Do not give SG citizenship

joyxoxo · Post by **joyxoxo** » Sat, 24 Jul 2010 1:08 pm

There has to be another way. If I give up my SG citizenship and would be considered a foreigner, then why I can't apply for Student Visa?

Mad Scientist · Post by **Mad Scientist** » Sat, 24 Jul 2010 2:00 pm

joyxoxo wrote:There has to be another way. If I give up my SG citizenship and would be considered a foreigner, then why I can't apply for Student Visa?

Do you care to read the transcript I posted earlier. ?

Many have tried and failed. Go ahead if you do not believe me

FaeLLe · Post by **FaeLLe** » Tue, 27 Jul 2010 2:45 pm

I would say keep your SG citizenship for now since you do not have to do NS.
Too many hassles if you do not keep your Singapore citizenship now because you wont have a passport and the USA one would take forever to come (unless you have both atm).

If ever in the future you decide Singapore is not for you then just renounce your SG citizenship and apply for USA one.

Others pls correct me if I am born but being born in the USA you are considered a citizen by right even if you do not hold their passport.
As such you can apply for a USA passport anytime you wish.

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