Getting PR in Singapore is harder today than it was in years gone by. But why? VAIBHAV JOSHI, founder of Epica Immigration, specialises in the process, and he says it’s because the government has reduced annual PR approvals, while the number of people eligible to file an application has increased by 50 percent. We sat down with him to hear more about his journey and how he helps with PR applications and Singapore citizenship.
Tell us about yourself and your journey to Singapore.
Once upon a time, I too was a foreigner, just like all the individuals trying to do their permanent resident (PR) application or apply for citizenship in Singapore today. My educational background is in professional accountancy and law. This specialisation is particularly relevant to the immigration sector.
In 2001, I moved to Singapore with my job. Over the following years, I got my PR approval and, eventually, citizenship. Later, I transitioned into an entrepreneurial role, founding Epica Immigration. Now I assist foreigners like myself in their PR applications and getting citizenship.
What immigration services do you provide?
We primarily specialise in assisting individuals with PR approvals and Singapore citizenship applications. As immigration approval rates are low, more people are turning to professional consultants for assistance. And that’s where we come in! We also help individuals apply for personalised employment passes (PEP) and the new ONE Pass, which was introduced in 2023.
PR application is no walk in the park. How do you support and inform your clients?
When a client approaches us, we start by thoroughly assessing their profile to determine the likelihood of approval. Sometimes, it becomes evident they may not have a strong chance. In such cases, we provide honest advice and save them the cost of engaging us.
For clients who proceed, our experts carefully analyse their profiles, identifying strengths and weaknesses. We suggest additional activities to improve their chances and prepare a cover letter on their behalf. This letter emphasises their strong points and provides justifications or clarifications for any weak points. We also recommend supplementary documents to attach to the application.
This process also includes verifying forms and documents to ensure everything is accurate and complete. Once the PR application is ready, we submit it to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Typically, our work takes between three and six weeks.
How do you assess a client’s chances of getting PR approval, and what are the success rates?
We evaluate their educational and work backgrounds, the sector they work in, their family members, length of stay in Singapore, and salary levels. Based on these factors, we assess the likelihood of obtaining PR. The process is somewhat similar but slightly different for citizenship.
We don’t provide a single-figure success rate because our clients come from diverse backgrounds and social statuses. One client may be working as a forklift driver, while another may hold a high-level position in a foreign investment bank. These two profiles are not directly comparable. However, after assessing each client’s profile, we identify strategies that can significantly improve their chances.
What are your fees?
We offer competitive pricing. Our PR application packages range from $1,200 for a single applicant to $1,400 for a family. Citizenship application packages range from $1,600 (single) to $1,800 (family). As far as I’m aware, none of our competitors can match our pricing while maintaining the quality of service we provide.
What do you enjoy about your work?
We love helping people settle more permanently in Singapore. Knowing that we make a positive impact on their lives by successfully navigating the immigration and checkpoint process is incredibly rewarding.
Find out more by calling 6950 1000 or visit epicaimmigration.com.sg.
This article on applying for PR and Singapore citizenship first appeared in the January 2023 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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