Singapore PR Application Processing Time
A month-by-month breakdown of what happens after you submit your Singapore PR application. Current ICA timelines, factors that affect speed, and what to do while you wait.
Month-by-Month Timeline
ICA states that PR applications are processed within 6 to 12 months. In practice, the timeline varies based on your profile, documentation completeness, and current application volumes. Here is what to expect at each stage.
Month 1
Submission & Acknowledgement
Your application is submitted through the ICA e-PR portal. You receive an acknowledgement email with your application reference number within 1–2 business days. ICA begins preliminary screening to ensure all required documents are present.
Months 2–3
Initial Review & Document Requests
ICA conducts an initial review of your application. During this period, you may receive requests for additional documents or clarification. Responding promptly (within 2 weeks) is critical — delays in providing requested documents can extend processing by months.
Months 3–6
Detailed Assessment
ICA performs a thorough assessment of your profile including background checks, verification of employment and educational credentials, and evaluation against their eligibility criteria. This is typically the longest phase.
Months 6–9
Decision Phase
Most straightforward applications receive a decision during this window. EP holders in high-demand sectors with complete documentation often receive their In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter at this stage.
Months 9–12
Extended Processing
More complex cases — including family applications, S Pass holders, and applicants from countries requiring extended security clearance — may take up to 12 months. If you haven’t heard back by month 10, it does not necessarily mean rejection.
Beyond 12 months
Exceptional Cases
A small percentage of applications take 12–18 months. This is usually due to complex background checks, additional verification requirements, or high application volumes. You can check your status through the ICA e-PR portal at any time.
Factors That Affect Processing Speed
Submitting a complete application with all required documents eliminates the back-and-forth that adds months to processing time.
Applicants in technology, financial services, biomedical sciences, and other priority sectors tend to be processed faster.
Applicants who clearly meet ICA’s published criteria (salary, education, experience) are processed more efficiently.
Responding to ICA’s document requests within 2 weeks keeps your application moving. Delays of 30+ days can significantly extend processing.
Applications that include spouse and children require additional verification and typically take 2–3 months longer than individual applications.
Applicants from certain countries may undergo extended security clearance processes, adding 2–4 months to the standard timeline.
ICA experiences higher application volumes in January–March and September–November. Applications submitted during off-peak months (April–August) may be processed faster.
Processing Time FAQs
Yes, you can check your application status through ICA’s e-PR portal using your application reference number and the FIN of the main applicant. The portal shows whether your application is “pending”, “approved”, or “rejected”. However, it does not show which stage your application is at within the pending status.
Applications pending beyond 12 months are not uncommon and do not indicate rejection. You can write to ICA’s PR Services Centre to enquire about your application status. Our agency clients can use our direct channel to ICA for status updates. In some cases, ICA may request updated documents (e.g., latest payslips) if a significant time has passed since submission.
Changing jobs while your PR application is pending does not automatically disqualify you, but you must notify ICA of the change. You’ll need to submit an updated employment letter, new work pass details, and recent payslips from your new employer. A job change to a higher-paying role in a priority sector may actually strengthen your pending application.
Yes, you can travel in and out of Singapore as usual while your application is pending. However, ensure your work pass remains valid throughout the processing period. If your work pass expires before you receive a PR decision, you may need to renew it to maintain your legal status in Singapore.
Don\u2019t Leave Your PR Application to Chance
A complete, well-prepared application processes faster. Our team ensures every detail is right before submission.