Since the implementation of ICA's e-PR Submission on 18 December 2017, many applicants have expressed their concern on the limitations brought about through their online submission experience. While the online form is time consuming to navigate, applicants are also concern on the inability to express the full extent of their profile now that they are unable to upload their additional supporting documents.

The introduction of the online submission system for Permanent Residency (PR) applications has left doubts in the minds of many applicants. Although moving to digital mediums is convenient in many ways, it can leave some aspects of the application process a bit more ambiguous.

In this blog post, we discuss some of the challenges brought about by the implementation of e-PR applications. Ultimately, the team at IASG are able to address all concerns inherent to this new process with our 20 years of combined experience within the Singapore immigration sector. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch today to organise a free consultation!

We are at the end of the first week since the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) launch of the new e-PR submission system for Singapore PR Applications.  With this, Immigration@SG (IASG) has been receiving increased enquiries from individuals to help them negotiate this transition smoothly.

At the close of the first week of ICA's newly implemented ePR Submission system, we notice increased enquiries and comments from potential clients and members of the public pertaining the challenges they face. Largely negative in nature, we can empathise with them on the matter. What used to be a more traditional method of physical form submission has now gave way to a purely online-based process. And this comes with a few unnerving points on top what public feels is a hefty $100 per applicant submission fees.

A letter from your MP will provide you with a little help in getting your PR application approved. This is because such letters are merely general in nature and does not indicate your key strengths as a candidate for PR. Further, in order to get a letter from your MP, you must be active in taking part and organizing activities in your neighbourhood for some time as part of the social and community integration. 

We cannot guarantee 100% PR approvals since we do not have direct control over the Singapore Government’s and ICA decision making. In fact, no agencies or business should be so bold to be giving you such guarantees as it, after all, not true.

Residing and studying in Singapore will definitely provide an advantage when applying for PR. Students who physically study in Singapore, will inevitably mingle and receive exposure to local cultural traditions and nuances. Such interactions allow applicants to adapt easily and integrate with the society and this is one of the critical factors for a strong profile.

As long as you are a stable candidate and do not switch jobs often or give the reviewing officers the impression that you are a ‘job-hopper’, it will not affect your chances of PR approval.

By Elena Kwa
Lead Consultant, Immigration@SG LLP (IASG)

The decision to take up a Singapore Citizenship is an entirely personal choice / decision. It is not based on the ethnicity or nationality of the individual. Although majority of the conversion to Singapore Citizenship come from neighbouring countries, South East Asians (i.e. Malaysians, Indonesians, Indians, etc) and Chinese, statistics have shown that an increasing number of Caucasians taking up Singapore Citizenship in recent years.

Short answer: no.

Only the following categories of foreigners are eligible to apply for permanent residence:

• Spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years old) of a Singapore Citizen (SC) or Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR)
• Aged Parents of a SC
• Employment Pass/ S Pass holders
• Investors