Curious question: Why such long processing timelines?

[digitalfruits18]

I am just curious. Wondering why there are such long processing times for PR and SC applications? What are they actually checking? I find it hard to believe that it takes more than a few months for them to do background checks. Won't there be an algo for all of this? Especially with all the advances made in data and AI.

[Pantsgrenadier]

Because there are hundred thousands of application every year, and only a handful of officers doing the job?

Regarding your last point, are you ok with AI approve or reject your application, or influence the decision of the processing officer? Because I definitely wont. I mean it’s alrdy bad enough that Singapore dont have a transparent point system for PR, but the AI stuff sound even more shady.

[NYY1]

It's unlikely due to a massive number of applications and only a few officers.

ICA both approves and rejects applications "quickly" (~6 months or even quicker for some groups). At the same time, both approvals and rejections come in the 18-24 month timeframe.

If the length of time was simply due to a backlog, I don't think we would see all of these outcomes.