Does receiving an IPA (in-principle approval) mean my Singapore PR is approved?
- Abigail D.
- Jun 15
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 17
If you’ve received an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter for your Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) application — congratulations. It’s a major milestone in the PR process. But does it mean you're fully approved?
Let’s break it down.
✅ What Is In-Principle Approval (IPA)?
The Singapore PR IPA (or in-principle approval letter) is issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) when your PR application has been provisionally accepted. It means ICA has reviewed your documents, verified your eligibility, and is prepared to grant you PR, provided you fulfill final conditions.
Think of it as a conditional approval, not a final stamp.
🧾 What’s Inside the IPA Letter?
Your IPA letter typically includes:
Your personal details
The approval conditions (e.g. medical check-up, document verification)
A validity period (usually 2 months)
Instructions on next steps (e.g. uploading final documents, booking appointments)
⚠️ So… Is PR Guaranteed After IPA?
Not quite.
Here’s what still needs to happen after IPA is issued:
Step | Description |
1. Complete Medical Exam (if required) | Typically for Employment Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass holders |
2. Submit final documents | ICA may request updated or additional documents |
3. Attend appointment at ICA | For identity verification, thumbprinting, and final submission |
4. Receive formal PR status & NRIC | Only after these steps is PR officially granted |
🔍 Important: Failure to meet any condition in the IPA may result in the approval being revoked. IPA does not mean you can assume PR status or begin PR benefits.
📅 What Is the IPA Validity Period?
The IPA letter is usually valid for 2 months from the date of issuance. If you do not complete the required steps within this time, your IPA will lapse, and your approval may be voided.
🧠 What Happens If You Miss the IPA Deadline?
If you let the IPA expire:
You lose the approval
You may have to reapply from scratch
That’s why it’s critical to act immediately once you receive it.
📌 TL;DR: Does IPA Mean PR Is Approved?
No — not fully.
It means your application is conditionally approved, pending final formalities.
To become a Singapore PR officially, you must:
Complete the required steps listed in the IPA
Attend your ICA appointment
Receive formal PR confirmation and NRIC
💬 Need Help Navigating the IPA Stage?
This is one of the most time-sensitive and error-prone parts of the PR process. If you want to make sure you don’t miss a step or get stuck due to missing documents or unclear instructions, we can help.
👉 Book a consultation with our team here:
We’ll guide you through every stage — right up to collecting your NRIC.