Tourist Visa Application (Singapore)

[jlee12345]

I submitted my application online on July 12th (26 calendar days ago) and still have not heard back as of today.

Are online applications slower to be processed or is it the same as applying in person? Has anyone who submitted an application on this date heard back regarding a decision?

Is there anything I can do to speed up the process? I have emailed them multiple times to try to get a status check.

This is deeply disconcerting as I had booked my flight for tomorrow night thinking it would be sufficient time and will now have to cancel it and face a hefty penalty charge. Furthermore, without a guaranteed date of when I will hear back, I can't even reschedule my flight for a later date.

Any pointers, advice or information would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Jalex23]

I submitted my application online on July 12th (26 calendar days ago) and still have not heard back as of today.

Seems this is still on normal processing times. It is expected.

Are online applications slower to be processed or is it the same as applying in person? Has anyone who submitted an application on this date heard back regarding a decision?

It is the same.

Is there anything I can do to speed up the process? I have emailed them multiple times to try to get a status check.

No. It is expected that any inquiries about an application under normal processing times will be ignored.

Be patient.

 

[bellaluna]

Any pointers, advice or information would be greatly appreciated!

Don't book flights to Canada without having a valid visa on hand, and apply for a TRV 3 months before your intended travel, because posted processing times are averages and are subject to change. Hindsight is 20/20, but wish you had come to this forum well before you booked and applied. They process visas according to the necessary amount of time it takes, without considering the applicant's travel dates or booked flights.

A more helpful tip: some airlines may waive rebooking or cancellation fees if you prove a visa is still under process (and yours can pass the average processing time) or has been rejected, and you ask nicely. It certainly depends on the fare class rules and the airline's policy, but you can try.

 

[jlee12345]

Thank you both! Unfortunately, I had booked my flights because one of the supporting documents they requested was to show a return flight and booking a round trip was much cheaper than booking a one way ticket. Hindsight is really 20/20

I had thought my case would be easier to process given I had previously held Canadian visas for studying and working so they should already have me on file.

I'll try what I can and will wait to hear back - fingers crossed!

 

[bellaluna]

Thank you both! Unfortunately, I had booked my flights because one of the supporting documents they requested was to show a return flight and booking a round trip was much cheaper than booking a one way ticket. Hindsight is really 20/20

Hmm, yeah, the document checklist doesn't make it clear, but the return ticket is only a suggestion, not a requirement. That is weird your file is taking long now, but I've heard a lot of backlog with PR applications with the Singapore VO.
Also, if the airline gives you a hard time on fees, you can try to negotiate to convert it to miles/points...make it clear that your visa is still in process, and you did kind of apply well in advance...your TRV history can also work in your favor there.