Applying for Citizenship - eSC vs In-person at ICA?

[amarettoSour]

Hey guys,

Does it matter whether I apply via eSC or In person in ICA? in the eSC web form, they seem to be asking more details (mainly in the Employment section where they asked for Company's Paid Up capita and annual turnover for past 3 years).

I have decided I will be applying for Singapore Citizenship next year and just doing my research early. Feeling quite nostalgic as this forum has seen me from my very first EP application, to PR and now hopefully citizenship.

My profile:
30, female, single
PR since February 2014
Race: Indonesian Chinese (though my IC says just Chinese)
Salary: 75,000+
Education: Bachelors of Science from a recognized university in the states
Years in Singapore: 6 years
Profession: Web Designer

Thanks

[sundaymorningstaple]

I wasn't aware that you could still apply in person, initially. And yeah, it's been a while and we've watched virtually every step of the way. Sounds like you've assimilated rather well.

Remember, they are only asking for 4 numbers. If they want more than that they will ask for it or just go to ACRA & IRAS to see the taxes and other details/shareholdings, etc.

[amarettoSour]

oh! so eSC is the only way to apply these days? got confused bc at this page you can still download the regular form, so I thought it was one or the other.. also the page referred to eSC as "additional mode of application"
http://www.ica.gov.sg/e_services_overvi ... pageid=295

The form looks the same as eSC aside of the employment numbers above
http://www.ica.gov.sg/data/resources/do ... m_SCRA.pdf

[sundaymorningstaple]

I just said I wasn't aware of it. I didn't mean you couldn't do it. I just figured it was like everything else connected with IRAS, MOM & ICA. Seems the only way is eSomething. If it has both choose your poison. Probably manual submission would be better if you are needing to make a point. Good Luck.

[Sp1d3rMan]

fill up the application form, prepare all documents, walk in ICA level 6, take queue number under first submission, officer will assess your eligibility, once you eligible to apply, they will give you interview date, i overheard just now when i was there, earlier appointment date April 2016.

[mystic_river]

Woah. My parents applied last year for SC by walk in. Like you said, take queue number and they call you up, they check your documents and tell you if you are eligible. If you are, you wait for a while and they interview on the day itself. The interview is basically cross checking your documents and and stuff. Wasn't aware that the interview date can be so late.

[imroot]

fill up the application form, prepare all documents, walk in ICA level 6, take queue number under first submission, officer will assess your eligibility, once you eligible to apply, they will give you interview date, i overheard just now when i was there, earlier appointment date April 2016.

I applied 6 months ago and it was a walk-in. Reached at 8 am. The first officer checked the form (for a minute or so) and asked me & wife to come back at 12. At 12, we were asked to go to a counter where another officer did a thorough check of the forms and other documents (that was the interview, no real interview questions asked). We were then asked to go to a third counter to make the payment and that was it. Now waiting for the outcome.
However I did notice some of the other applicants ahead of us were asked to come back on a later date for interview. So I guess it is on a case to case basis.

[rachies]

Hi imroot,
Thanks for sharing! May I know if you've gotten the outcome? 6mths is quite long isn't it?
Thanks!

[sundaymorningstaple]

Actually, 6 months is quite short, the average in recent years has been 12 to 18 with 24 months not unheard of either.

It's the best way I can think of to prevent people just getting SC so as to be able to buy an HDB flat and then flip if after 5 years and avoided the additional taxes loaded on the front end.

[imroot]

Actually, 6 months is quite short, the average in recent years has been 12 to 18 with 24 months not unheard of either.

Agree. Our PR took exactly 12 months...Though I was told 9 months, I would be very lucky to get a response before 12-14 months.

Also I have updated ICA twice, first my wife's change of salary and later mine. I don't know if that would kinda delay the process because now additional information needs to be verified. Anyways I have submitted the application and there is nothing I can do to speed up the process. So waiting

[rachies]

The process seems to get longer and longer..i had a couple of friends who applied a few years ago and got it in 5 mths. I shall be patient then. Thanks alot!

[Sp1d3rMan]

Application PR/ Citizenship increase significantly perhaps. too many factor will cause the application date from 9 to 12 or 12-18 Months waiting period.

[amarettoSour]

OK, I did it. applied via eSC just now. Seems like the process has changed slightly.

Anyway, the form is way shorter than PR application. Once completed, you get prompted to pay $100 and book an interview date, which is when I would be bringing my supporting documents it seems.

The earliest interview date I can find is July 19. Wish me luck!

[sundaymorningstaple]

Wahlao, We've watched you land on these shores, take a battering in the beginning, and now you are applying for SC! All in 6 and a half years! Wishing you all the best. You go girl!

[amarettoSour]

After 1.5 years of wait, I got my citizenship!!!

PR issued on Feb 5, 2014
Citizenship Application submitted on Feb 10, 2016
Citizenship Interview July 19, 2016
Citizenship IPA came on June 15, 2017

Now i just have to do the whole SG citizenship journey before the real approval

Thanks guys for all your help!