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EI Article Series

PR Application Online – Process Overview

PR Application Online: Introduction

Applicants who are working in Singapore and plan to apply for permanent residency (PR) will at some point think about applying to Singapore PR. However, they are often clueless about how to proceed.

Since 2018, ICA has shifted the process of applying for PR completely online. For some applicants, this is a daunting task. They are often confused about the steps and the activities of filing a PR Application online.

As a result, we have created this short article to provide you with an overview of the steps you need to follow to apply for Singapore PR online. For each subsection presented below, we have a detailed guide on our website that explains in detail the steps you need to follow. This guide provides you with an overview of the complete step-by-step process of filing PR Application online in Singapore.

PR Application Online: Introduction

PR Application Online Step 1: Are you Eligible?

If you wish to apply for permanent residency in Singapore, you must first determine whether you are eligible. There are five different schemes under which the application can be filed:

PTS (Professional, Technical, and Skilled Workers) Scheme

It is the most common route for obtaining Singapore PR for foreign professionals working in Singapore. Nearly 90% of people who receive Singapore PR do so through the Professionals/Technical Personnel & Skilled Worker scheme.

To qualify for this scheme you must be working on an employment pass, entrepass, S pass or any other higher pass. Family members can also be added in the PR application online.

Family-Sponsored Scheme

It is possible for a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident (PR) to marry a foreigner or have a child born overseas who is a foreigner.

The principal applicant (Who is a PR or Citizen) can sponsor his or her spouse or children under to obtain a PR status under the family sponsorship scheme.

Foreign Students Scheme

In order to qualify for Singapore PR, foreign students who study in Singapore must have resided in Singapore for at least two years and passed at least one national exam (such as PSLE or N' / O' / A' levels), or be enrolled in an integrated program.

Foreign Artistic Talent scheme (For Arts)

ForArts Scheme applicants must meet the following requirements: 1) be educated/trained in their field; 2) possess relevant professional experience in performing arts, visual arts, literary arts, design, and media, as well as outstanding achievements. Contributed significantly to Singapore's arts and culture scene, including leadership roles at the local level; 4) plan to participate in arts and cultural activities in the future.

Global Investor Programme Scheme (GIP Scheme)

For investors who wish to apply for permanent residency status for themselves and their families, Singapore's Global Investor Programme (GIP) is the preferred option. Due to its status as Asia's business epicenter, Singapore has received numerous awards for being one of the best places to live, work, and play in the world.

Due to this, many high net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are interested in getting Singapore permanent residency (PR). The GIP program is designed specifically for these individuals. Such individuals can apply to Singapore PR under the GIP scheme.

In order to determine whether you qualify for one of these programs, you must check its detailed requirements.

PR Application Online: PR schemes

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PR Application online Step 2: Do you want to apply for PR?

The next step is to decide whether you want to apply for PR. A PR status in Singapore has many advantages as well as some disadvantages. Therefore, the majority of people will choose to become a PR. The advantages and disadvantages of permanent residency status in Singapore are listed below. However, you may have specific reasons; you may not want to apply.

Advantages of acquiring Singapore PR Status

It is possible to enjoy a number of benefits once you become a Singapore PR. Singapore PRs have no visa restrictions; they are free to live, work, and integrate in society just like Singapore citizens. You also get priority placement for your children in public schools, and you receive medical and housing benefits. Visa-free travel, family proximity, and career flexibility are also huge advantages. As a PR, you will also be entitled to various tax relief schemes. You will also be on the path to becoming a full-fledged Singapore citizen after you become a PR.

Disadvantages of acquiring Singapore PR Status

From a neutral or unbiased point of view, renunciating your PR status will have disadvantages. Although there are not many disadvantages, they are all subjective. It is difficult for you to regain permanent residency if you abandon your Singapore permanent residency. Singapore has a lean population, so thousands of talents are attracted to gain PR status here. The other disadvantage of your PR status is that all your healthy male children will be required to serve in the Singapore National Services once they reach the required age.

PR Application online Step 2: Do you want to apply for PR?

PR Application Online Step 3: Compile Documents

In order to apply for PR, you need to compile all the required documents once you know you qualify. Since this topic has already been covered in great detail in another article on our website. We will not go into considerable detail here, but these are the general documents (scanned copies) that you will need to prepare for the PR application. This article focuses on the PTS documents since most people apply under the PR-PTS scheme.

PR Application Requirements: Documents required for each person included in your application

  • Scan copy of valid Passport
  • Scanned Copy of National Identity Cards (If applicable)
  • Scanned copy of the Employment Pass or S Pass
  • Scanned copy of the Birth Certificate
  • Official Marriage Certificate
  • Scanned Copies of Educational Certificates & Transcripts
  • One digital Passport-sized color Photograph in white background

Additional documents required for the main applicant

  • IRAS Consent Form – Appendix 1 (PR-PTS)
  • Current Employer's letter
  • Payslips in the last 6 Months 6 months prior to the e-Submission date
  • Annex A to Form 4A
  • Form submission declaration form
PR Application Online Step 3: Documents Required

Why Take Risks?

Engage us to assist you with your application. Our prices are reasonable, and the quality is top-class. Our packages cover everything.

  • Hassle-Free – Guidance at All Stages
  • Error Free – Professionally Vetted
  • Impressive Document pack
  • Complete Document Check
  • Detailed Form Check
  • Impressive Cover Letter
  • Improved Score
  • Improved Chances of Approval
Epica_Pricing.png

Epica Immigration Pricing Image

PR Application Online Step 4: Fill up the Form

In order to submit an application to ICA, you will need to compile all the necessary documents and complete the application form.

You can access the Singapore PR Application form by logging into the ICA website --> Pass holder --> Apply PR section. Once you have logged in, you will be presented with the following option.

PR Application Online Step 4: Fill up the Form

PDF Option vs. Direct Entry

If you wish, you can download the Singapore PR Application Form 4A as a PDF document, complete all the details in that document and then upload that document for further processing. It is also possible to fill in the details directly in the ICA system. However, the PDF method is the best way to go.

In order to apply for Singapore PR, you must provide quite a bit of information. You will need to prepare details that may span over 10-12 pages if you are applying with family and have an extensive work history. Since this is a large amount of material, it is not recommended to enter it directly into the system. It is best to fill in these details in a PDF and upload it instead.

PR Application Online Step 4: Option

PR Application Online Step 5: Lodge the application

When you have completed the PDF and are ready to start the filing process, you will need to use the "Upload form" option to upload your completed file to the e-PR system. Once you upload the form, the ICA e-PR system will extract all the details from the form and present it to you for confirmation.

What happens next?

The ICA system will ask you to confirm all the details after you upload form 4A. Here you will confirm whether the details of each person are correct. These details are extracted from the PDF form you have uploaded.

Uploading the document copies

Your next step will be to upload the required copies of the documents one by one. The ICA e-PR system determines which documents must be uploaded based on the information you provide in your PR application form. The average family of four uploads approximately 50 scanned copies of documents.

Payment

Upon uploading your documents, you will have to pay a fee of 100 SGD per person included in your application.

PR Application Online Step 5: Lodge the application

PR Application Online Step 6: Wait for the results

Once you have completed all the above steps, you have completed the process. The average waiting time is between 6 months and 15 months.

ICA should be notified immediately if your profile undergoes any significant changes during this period.

PR Application Online Step 6: Wait for the results

PR Application Online: Summary

We hope you have got a clear overview of the process of filing a PR application online. To assist with your application, you should also consider using a consultancy company like Epica Immigration. The PR approval rates are low; therefore, many people are taking assistance from consultancy firms to prepare their cases.