Processing time for Singapore citizenship

[ronold]

Hi,

I know this thread runs the risk of turning into an entirely different discussion on why one should or should not take up singapore citizenship, but hope it doesnt, as we have had plenty of those already.

The fact is i have applied about 8 months back, and am curious to know from people who applied, how long it took. but when i called them to check they said it could take longer or shorter and it depended totally on the case in question. So that was that !!

So i had no option but to turn to this b0ard and get some anecdotal evidence, to get an estimate of long it really took. If you could just post how long it took you to get the result (accept/deny), that would be great. I am sure others will also appreciate your response.

thanks
Ronold

[Vulcanl]

Ronold,

I saw this on the way to work this morning...hope it helps you,

Todayonline.com
Longer wait, harder to get PR or citizenship
by Esther Ng 05:55 AM May 19, 2010
SINGAPORE - Applications for permanent residency or Singapore citizenship may take a longer time to be processed, or they may not even be approved, under "more stringent" rules introduced in the last quarter of last year, said Senior Minister of State (Law and Home Affairs) Ho Peng Kee.

He was responding in Parliament to MP Ellen Lee (Sembawang GRC), who had asked for an update on the number of applications, and whether the rejections were in response to strong sentiments of Singaporeans who feel there were too many foreigners here.

In the 12-month period between April last year and March this year, 46,300 applicants for permanent residency were approved, while 19,300 applications for citizenship were given the green light.

The figures for the whole of 2008 were 79,200 and 20,400 respectively.

With the more stringent requirements, said Associate Professor Ho: "There would be applicants who may not meet our new criteria and who no longer qualify for PR or citizenship." Others "may take a longer time" as "residency requirements have been stretched out in the new framework".

Singaporeans or PRs whose foreign dependants do not yet qualify can apply for long-term visit passes to remain here, he noted.

Singaporeans can sponsor family members such as foreign parents, spouses and children for long-term stay, but not other relatives.

Where a Singaporean family has no other immediate local options available to, say, care for a newborn, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority may - on a case-by-case basis - allow a foreign spouse's mother, for example, to extend her stay here.

Between April last year and March this year, 70,300 applications for long-term visit passes were received, and 56,300 were successful.

As for foreign spouses of Singaporeans, the ICA processed an annual average of 15,400 long term visit passes and 9,900 PR applications from them between 2005 and 2009. Of these, 2,200 and 4,500 respectively were successful.

The key consideration, said Assoc Prof Ho, is whether the Singaporean can support his or her foreign spouse financially. Esther Ng

[ronold]

Hi

     Thanks for your reply.


Ronold

[I'm_confused]

Why the heck would anyone want to give up their own citizenship to become a citizen of this place.

But then, I can't understand why anyone would want to be a PR either.

[Vulcanl]

Because for a LOT of people (especially in this region) Singapore is a desirable place to be!

[I'm_confused]

Because for a LOT of people (especially in this region) Singapore is a desirable place to be!

because they can't cut it (on a permanent basis) back home ?

[Not Confused]

Because the standard of living is higher here than just about every other country in the region, thats why.

[not confused either]

Because the standard of living is higher here than just about every other country in the region, thats why.

You are obviously well travelled. Keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better.

[same plate]

I've applied for citizenship as well and I'm on the 9th month with no news.  Yes, I've also called and they told me it's under processing and may take 1yr+ which sucks.

I applied under the economic scheme which means it's under my own merits as an employee so I'm really not sure what the delay is about.  I just want to know yes or no at this point.

And yes, the benefits of being a citizen here far outweighs my own citizenship for the information of those questioning my decision to apply.  To each his/her own.

[Same_Boat]

Hey,
     I am also applied 9 months before. Will it take more than 1 year also?. I called last month. they said it is under processing. . So They want to make so much of delay. Say yes or not that is good right. Really sucks! 

[re-think]

well if you don't like it... go home. Better off in the long term anyway.

Any person who can foresake their own citizenship for this, well, it speaks volumes about you anyway huh ?

Losers !

[savsav]

"Any person who can foresake their own citizenship for this, well, it speaks volumes about you anyway huh ?

Losers !"

World-famous, multimillionaire Actor Jet Li and Actress Gong Li gave up their citizenship for Singaporean citizenship.

Are they losers too?

[redacted]

They are either incredibly smart or have really smart accountants. How much money would they save? Heaps.

How many days a year do they actually live here though?

[closer]

I applied back in April 07 in response to an invitation letter from ICA. Got the approval in October. Six months used to be the norm, but it seems that there are vetting apps more these days...

[To closer]

Honest question here. What is your original nationality, please?