The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will stop using paper forms for all its 15 services by 2020, which will support Singapore's Smart Nation goals.

The 15 services include applying for a passports, student passes, birth and death certificates, permanent residency and citizenship.

According to their press release on Dec. 20,  the ICA aims to achieve 100% online applications for these services by 2020.

Services accessible online

The ICA has already brought these services into the MyICA portal which can be accessed via one's Singpass.

However, there are exceptional cases, like the renouncement of citizenship, where applicants may not be able to complete the process entirely online if it involves processes like a physical interview.

Assistance provided

While 88% of more than 5.5 million applications were already submitted online in 2017, ICA "is mindful" that there may be members of the public who are unfamiliar with applying online.

To help first-time users of MyICA,  video guides will be uploaded to ICA's website and Facebook page.

In the case where applicants who do not have access to the Internet or require assistance in applying for an NRIC and Passport, there will be an eLobby situated at ICA Building where applicants can make use of self-service kiosks.

ICA Service Ambassadors will also be on hand to help such applicants.

For those unable to make a trip down to ICA for medical reasons, special arrangements can be made for services to take place at the applicant's residence, for example.

Top image via ICA's Facebook page