@keith you can apply anytime after 6 months, since you need to give 6 months payslip. but your chance of approval is lower unless you are P1. I read somewhere that P1 - recommended 6mths-1year, P2 1-2 years, Q 2-3 years, S ... 3years+? Dunno how accurate is that info.

ha? if you have a work permit obviously you have permission to remain in singapore right?

i don't understand what you're confused about. when a country issues you a work permit, that country is giving you permission to work there, right? by extension therefore you are also automatically granted permission to stay there as well. where got such thing as a country saying "here's your work permit, but u not allowed to stay here so u gotta commute in every morning and leave the country every night ...?"