Top 8 Reasons Singapore PR Applications Get Rejected
By David Tan, Principal Consultant
ICA does not disclose the specific reasons for rejecting a Singapore PR application. The standard rejection letter simply states that the application was “not successful.” However, based on our experience handling thousands of applications \u2014 including many appeal and re-application cases \u2014 we have identified the 8 most common reasons.
1Insufficient Salary Relative to Peers
ICA benchmarks your salary against others in your industry, age group, and experience level. Even if you meet the minimum EP/S Pass threshold, earning significantly below the median for your peer group is a red flag.
How to avoid this:
Wait for a salary increase or promotion before applying. If your salary is borderline, compensate with exceptional strengths in other areas. Alternatively, highlight total compensation including bonuses, stock options, and benefits.
2Weak or Generic Cover Letter
Many applicants submit a basic cover letter that reads like a resume summary. ICA officers review thousands of applications — a generic letter fails to distinguish your application. The cover letter is your opportunity to make a compelling case for why Singapore should grant you PR.
How to avoid this:
Write (or have professionally written) a tailored cover letter that addresses: why you chose Singapore, your contributions to the economy, your community involvement, your long-term plans, and your family’s integration. See our cover letter guide for detailed guidance.
3Incomplete Documentation
Missing a single document can result in rejection or significant delays. ICA may request additional documents, but if your application appears careless or incomplete, it creates a negative impression.
How to avoid this:
Use a comprehensive document checklist and verify every item before submission. Have someone else review your complete application package. Our document checklist page covers every required document by applicant type.
4Short Tenure in Singapore
Applying with less than 1 year of employment in Singapore signals that you may not be committed to staying long-term. ICA prefers applicants who have demonstrated sustained presence and contribution.
How to avoid this:
Wait until you have at least 2 years of continuous employment in Singapore. Use the additional time to build CPF contribution history, community involvement, and financial roots.
5Frequent Job Changes
Multiple employer changes within a short period suggests instability. ICA wants to see career stability and consistent economic contribution. Job-hopping can also indicate difficulty finding long-term employment.
How to avoid this:
If possible, stay with your current employer for at least 2 years before applying. If you’ve had multiple jobs, your cover letter should explain career progression — frame each move as upward mobility, not instability.
6Lack of Community Integration
ICA assesses whether you are genuinely integrating into Singapore society or simply working here. Applicants who show no evidence of community involvement, volunteering, or social integration beyond their workplace are at a disadvantage.
How to avoid this:
Start participating in community activities well before you apply: volunteer work, neighbourhood events, religious community, hobby groups, professional associations. Document everything with certificates, photos, and references.
7Industry Not Aligned with National Priorities
Singapore prioritises certain industries in its economic planning: technology, biomedical sciences, financial services, healthcare, advanced manufacturing. Applicants in sectors that are not strategic priorities may face higher bars.
How to avoid this:
Your cover letter should explicitly connect your professional skills and industry to Singapore’s economic needs. Even if you’re not in a “priority” sector, you can highlight how your work supports the broader economy.
8Previous Immigration Issues
Any past immigration problems — overstaying a visa, work pass cancellation, involvement in legal proceedings — will appear in ICA’s records and significantly affect your application.
How to avoid this:
If you have any past immigration issues, address them proactively and transparently in your cover letter. Trying to hide past issues is worse than disclosing them. A professional agency can help you frame past issues in the best possible light.
What to Do If You've Been Rejected
A rejection is not the end. You can re-apply after 6 months, and many of our most successful clients were applicants who had been previously rejected. The key is understanding why you were rejected and addressing those specific weaknesses.
- Don’t re-apply with the same application — something needs to change
- Consider hiring a professional for your re-application if you applied DIY previously
- Use the 6-month waiting period to strengthen your profile (salary increase, community involvement)
- Get a professional assessment of your rejected application to identify weaknesses
Read our comprehensive PR appeal and re-application guide for detailed strategies.
Been Rejected? We Can Help.
Our team specialises in re-applications. We\u2019ll analyse your previous application, identify the weaknesses, and build a stronger case.