How Long Does It Take To Apply for PR in Singapore?

Many prospects and clients have asked, how long does it take to apply for PR in Singapore? Applying for Permanent Residency (PR) in Singapore can be a lengthy and complex process, with the timeline varying significantly based on multiple factors. The time it takes to gather all necessary documents, ensure the completeness of the application, and submit it can differ from one applicant to another. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) plays a crucial role in processing the application, and their processing time can be unpredictable.

Singapore PR Application Timeline

Below is a brief PR application process that every applicant goes through.

1. Preparation of Documents – around 4 weeks to around 3 months: Gathering all required documents varies and largely depends on the applicant. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks or even a few months, depending on how quickly an applicant can obtain necessary paperwork such as employment records, financial statements, and other documents. 

Based on IASG’s experience, there can be delays when applicants have problems obtaining official documents that are mandatory for submission such as birth certificates and/or getting their foreign-printed documents translated and notarised. Issues such as improper scanning of documents can also delay the process. Other issues such as getting testimonials from friends and company might also take time, depending on the availability and efficiency of both applicants and their network.

1. Submission of Application – up to 3-5 hours: Once you have all the documents, submitting the application online through the ICA’s e-PR system is relatively quick, usually taking a few hours. 

However, many errors can easily happen during this process such as typos and proper uploading of documents. Filling up the form throughout the process is also tedious and needs dedicated time and effort.

1. Processing Time – from 1 month to over 1 year: After submission, the processing time by ICA typically ranges from 4 to 6 months. However, it can sometimes take longer, especially if additional information or documents are requested by ICA. IASG had clients receiving their results after 1 year of waiting. 

IASG had many clients reaching out to us asking why they have not heard from ICA yet. We understand that the waiting process can be frustrating and anxious, but be rest assured that ICA has not forgotten about your application. Many things can also happen during the waiting period and IASG can help to update these changes to ICA.

1. Outcome Notification – from a few weeks to over 6 months: You will be notified of the outcome of your application via mail. If approved, you will need to complete the necessary formalities, which can take an additional few weeks. 

If PR is rejected, applicants have the option to appeal immediately or submit a new application after 6 months. Depending on the applicant’s situation, it is advisable to seek help from immigration agencies such as IASG to decide whether an appeal or a reapplication best suits the applicant. 

Time Taken to Apply for Singapore PR

So, how long does it take to apply for PR in Singapore? On average, the entire process can take between 3 to 12 months. It’s advisable to prepare thoroughly and ensure all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays. This article gives a brief overview of what to expect when applying for Singapore PR. For more information on Singapore PR application process and timeline, Whatsapp IASG at 8766 1966 or email to info@iasg.com.sg.

IASG provides comprehensive support in preparing and submitting PR applications, ensuring all necessary documents are in order, and offering advice on improving the chances of approval. We leverage our knowledge and expertise of Singapore’s immigration policies and procedures to provide tailored advice and support, aiming to increase the success rate of PR applications and ensure a smooth immigration process for our clients.