People desirous of becoming Permanent Residents (PR) in Singapore must apply online from December 18 onwards, as the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will be introducing a new electronic application system, christened electronic-Permanent Residence (e-PR) system.
Presently, people applying for permanent residency in Singapore must make an appointment with the ICA and submit physical copies of the relevant documents in person. However, with the new system applicants will no longer need to make an appointment to submit their PR applications.
“Instead, with the new e-PR system, applicants can key in the required information into an electronic application form on ICA’s website. Supporting documents can also be scanned and submitted electronically,” said ICA in a press release.
The fees for the applicants of the Permanent Residency have also been increased.
“ICA will revise the PR application fees, to charge a processing fee of SGD100 per applicant at the point of submission of PR application. Successful applicants will also pay a SGD20 fee for the Entry Permit. The total fees payable for each successful PR applicant is therefore SGD120. The new fees will be applicable for all PR applications submitted from 18 December 2017 onwards,” said ICA in the press release.
Processing time for the PR application can take four to six months. The process can take a longer time in some cases.
Those who have already secured in-person appointments with the ICA before December 18 are not affected, and can continue to submit their hard copy applications under the current system. They will not be affected by the higher fee structure, said ICA.
The authority added, however, that all available in-person appointment slots before December 18 have been taken up, and that no additional slots will be added.
Members of the public can also refer to the Frequently-Asked-Questions on ICA’s website for more information on the e-PR system and processing fee.
