ICA, referring to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore, provides services for citizens, permanent residents and foreign visitors. In order to prevent people from gathering in the offices and improve efficiency, the authority launched an appointment system that requires people to make a reservation before visiting an ICA office. That is to say, walk-in applicants are no longer allowed. In this passage, we are going to talk about when you should make an ICA appointment, and how to schedule it and cancel it.
When Should You Make an ICA e-Appointment?
ICA registers birth and citizenship, and issues passports, visas, exit and other traveling documents to Singaporean residents and foreign visitors. You have to book an appointment in the following conditions.
Citizens
- Register for citizenship
- Collect ID card
- Collect ICA passport
- Register for a 15-year-old National Registration Identity Card (NRIC)
- Register for birth
Permanent Residents
- Complete formalities for successful applicants
- Reinstate permanent residency (PR)
- Apply for a Certificate of Identity (CI)
- Collect IC
Visitors
- Apply for e-IAC
- Apply for a long-term visit pass
- Complete long-term visit pass formalities
- Complete students’ pass formalities
- Report to VSC appointments
- Collect long-term pass card
How to Make an ICA Appointment?
The appointment is done online. Here is a step-by-step guide for ICA passport appointments.
- Visit ICA portal.
- Choose “Collection of Passport” for service.
- Choose “For Self” and enter the FIN number and e-appointment ID which can be found on the ICA in-principle approval letter.
- Choose the preferred day and time. You will see different colors of marks on the calendar. Yellow for the current appointments, green for available dates, gray for full appointment dates, pink for non-working dates, and white for dates not eligible or not released for booking. Time slots are available during ICA opening hours, like 8:15 am to 4:15 pm.
- Now you have finished the booking. Just visit the ICA office in person on time.
How to Reschedule or Cancel an ICA Appointment?
There are times when you choose the wrong date or time slot or when you are unable to attend the appointment. According to the ICA, you are supposed to change or cancel your booking in advance in case you are blacklisted.
After booking, you will receive a notice in “Notifications” which indicates the details of your appointment and instructions on changing an appointment. You can also go to “e-Services > e-Appointment to change or cancel it. The change can be done at least 3 days before the appointment date. Please note that you can only make 2 changes at most on the condition that there are enough slots.
How to Check the Status of Online Application
After submitting applications, you have to wait for weeks to months to receive the final results according to the services you choose. Aimlessly waiting can be depressing. Fortunately, ICA launched an ICA check status system to check the application status online. All you need to do is visit the ICA portal and choose services, such as passport, identity card, Singapore citizenship, permanent residence, entry permits, visas, passes, etc. Then log in to your Singpass account and learn about whether your application is being processed, approved or delivered.
Benefits of e-Appointment System
ICA e-Appointment was launched due to the following reasons.
✅ To better manage service centers
There are 3 service centers of ICA in Singapore, including the Citizen Services Centre, Permanent Resident Services Centre and Visitor Services Centre. Visiting the wrong offices can not only stop you from getting the service but also waste your time. By directing people to different centers through prior online appointments, applicants can get exact services. Moreover, the authorities can learn about the demands of different groups, thus adjusting their services in time.
✅ To reduce waiting time
In the past, people used to go to the service center, wait in line and guess when they can meet the officer. Sometimes you might have to wait for hours during peak seasons and in busy centers. What’s worse, it is not your turn even at closing time. Now, things have changed. If you have registered at the e-appointment system, you just need to show up at the scheduled time and will be given priority over walk-in applicants.
✅ Reduce the risk of gathering
Applicants might gather in the ICA building without booking. ICA staff might have to deal with a lot of things at the same time, such as controlling the crowd, answering overwhelming inquiries, accepting application forms and so forth. It will not only reduce efficiency in processing applications but also add to security issues. With the introduction of online appointments, ICA can properly arrange the flow of customers throughout the day.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to make an appointment for ICA passport renewal?
A: No, unless you collect the passport. The renewal application can be done online or by post.
Q: Should I book a slot for ICA passport collection?
A: Yes. You should book an appointment online or through the eAPPT@ICA mobile app before picking up passports at the post office.
Q: What if I am late for my ICA appointment?
A: You must wait for a longer time because punctual applicants are given priority. Therefore, please attend your appointment on time in case of missing the services.
Q: When are ICA opening hours?
A: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm from Mondays to Fridays and you are not allowed to enter after 4.30 pm. You are not allowed to enter from 8.00 am to 1.00 pm on Saturdays after 12.30 pm. Services are not available on Sundays and public holidays.
Summary
After reading this passage, you will find that an ICA appointment is required in many cases whether you are a Singapore citizen, permanent resident or foreign visitor, which aims to manage the number of applicants, reduce waiting time and improve efficiency. The appointment should be done online and doesn’t charge any fees. If you can’t attend the appointment, remember to change or cancel it 3 days in advance. We hope this guide can help you get the desired services as soon as possible.
Dolores Xiao