SINGAPORE — Those who wish to become Permanent Residents (PR) here must apply online from next month, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Thursday (Nov 02) as it announced a new electronic application system as well as changes to the fees involved.
Currently, those applying for permanent residency must make an appointment with the ICA and submit physical copies of the relevant documents in person.
From Dec 18, applicants no longer need to make an appointment to submit their applications, said the ICA.
Instead, they can fill up an online application form on the ICA’s website, and electronically submit scanned copies of the necessary documents.
The total fees paid by successful applicants will increase by S$20 to S$120 under the new system.
Applicants are currently not charged a processing fee. Those whose applications are successful will be required to pay for a S$100 entry permit.
Under the new system, all applicants will be charged a S$100 processing fee when they submit their forms online.
Those who are successful will pay an additional S$20 for the entry permit.
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 Dec 18 are not affected, and can continue to submit their hardcopy 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 Dec 18 have been taken up, and that no additional slots will be added.
Details on how to submit PR applications using the e-PR system. Infographic: ICA
