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This is Part II of the step-by-step guide of applying for Singapore permanent residence under the PTS Scheme.
Here's a recap on what we have covered in Singapore PR Application Filing – Part I:
We will now continue with Part II.
Ensure that you have (a) completed the PR application form; (b) received the completed Annex A back from your employer; and (c) prepared the supporting documents. You will need to submit your PR application and supporting documents online and ensure that all the forms and documents are up-to-date as of the date of the online submission.
It is a simple procedure of submitting your PR application along with the necessary documents to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA) via online submission.
Once you have submitted your PR application, the most anxious time begins – waiting for the application outcome. The more you think about it, the more restless you will be and it will make no difference to the outcome. So sit back and relax.
It can take approximately 6-12 months before you receive a letter from ICA notifying you on the outcome of your PR application. Their processing time may be longer or faster and varies quite extensively. This is solely at the discretion of the ICA. If you do not receive the letter after 6 months and are anxious to know the status, you can call ICA and they will inform you of the current status of your PR application. Most of the time, you will end up hearing “it’s under processing”, unless it has been approved or rejected. You will not be provided with any other explanations or reasons. In reality, the operator answering your phone probably does not know the details anyway; all he or she can see on the computer system is just the status of the application.
If your application has been approved, congratulations! An approval letter will be sent to you and upon receipt, you will need to make a visit to ICA's office within 2 months to complete the formalities. You will need to make an appointment and visit the 5th floor of the ICA building to complete your PR formalities. You can access ICA’s website to make this appointment electronically. The officer will collect all your documents from you and finish the necessary formalities (signing, fingerprinting, etc.). The approval letter will specify the list of documents to be submitted, and you should read the list carefully before making your trip. Typically, the following documents would be required:
The officer will advise you on the date of collection for your identity card (commonly known as National Registration Identity Card, or “NRIC”). You will need to make another appointment to collect this
At the end of all the formalities, you should have the following items:
Once you have completed the above PR formalities, you are a full-fledged Singapore permanent resident. With your new status, you can enjoy many of the benefits given to full citizens, including the freedom to live and work in Singapore without visa restrictions, priority government schooling for your children and compulsory participation in the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Scheme, which grows your pension fund. Don’t forget to:
Although receiving a PR rejection letter can be a very disheartening experience, remember that it’s not end of the world or the end of your pursuit to obtain permanent residence in Singapore. There are no limitations on how many times you can apply for Singapore PR. However, realistically, you should wait at least 6 months before re-submitting your PR application. This is because, in case you are rejected, it is unlikely that your re-application will be approved unless there is a notable change in your circumstances (e.g. higher salary, obtaining new qualifications, etc.). It would be wasted effort to re-apply without such significant changes that would improve and strengthen your application considerably.
Should you engage a professional firm to assist you with your Singapore PR application filing? It depends on your needs. If you feel that you know what you are doing, you can probably go without. But most times, having an experienced set of eyes to review your application and supporting documents, and giving you recommendations to maximise your chances of success could be beneficial for your application.
Hawksford are renowned for supporting entrepreneurs and foreign companies and their employees establish their roots in Singapore.
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