PR eligibility for 25 y.o Australian male

[Cazorla]

Hi All,

I am a 25 year old Australian citizen in a long-term relationship with a Singaporean girl studying here in Melbourne.

We intend to get married next year, at which point I would like to relocate to Singapore with her (she is going back next year following the completion of her studies). However, I have read on this forum and elsewhere that the Singaporean government generally wants to see marriage of >2 years before granting the spouse Permanent Residence.

I am wondering if this requirement is stringent where the spouse is male? I'm not wanting to cast aspersions, but I thought the rule might be designed to stop the trafficking of women etc.

I am particularly keen to get a PR as I am concerned about my employability without one. I have a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), BBA and Master of International Tax from the University of Melbourne. I will also have completed the CA program by the end of the year. I have 7 years' work experience, but it has all been in the government sector. I understand that well-qualified accountants are ubiquitous in Singapore, so I don't see why any firm would want to employ a foreigner such as myself. The hope is that a PR would put me on par with other candidates.

I have never lived in Singapore but have frequently visited there. My girlfriend comes from a good middle-class family without any criminal or financial issues.

Sorry for the long-winded message. Any help/advice that can be offered would be great.

[sundaymorningstaple]

You may be allowed in on an LTVP at best for the first couple of years. After that, possibly PR but normally marriage does not give one the right to PR. In fact, if you were to have married in Singapore you would sign a statement at the Registry of Marriages to the effect that marriage to a Singaporean will NOT give you any rights or points to gaining PR. Not saying it doesn't happen. I am one where it did, but that's been a long, long time ago.

Having said that, if you can get the LTVP, after you have been married 3 years, you may be able to upgrade that to the LTVP+ which will give you the ability to work on a letter of consent and not be required to meet certain criteria like the need for an employer to hire a foreigner.

Don't get you hopes up too high, and you won't have too far to fall. But if you are successful, just thank your lucky stars.

[Cazorla]

You may be allowed in on an LTVP at best for the first couple of years. After that, possibly PR but normally marriage does not give one the right to PR. In fact, if you were to have married in Singapore you would sign a statement at the Registry of Marriages to the effect that marriage to a Singaporean will NOT give you any rights or points to gaining PR. Not saying it doesn't happen. I am one where it did, but that's been a long, long time ago.

Having said that, if you can get the LTVP, after you have been married 3 years, you may be able to upgrade that to the LTVP+ which will give you the ability to work on a letter of consent and not be required to meet certain criteria like the need for an employer to hire a foreigner.

Don't get you hopes up too high, and you won't have too far to fall. But if you are successful, just thank your lucky stars.

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply. Your advice is very helpful.