EP application and Tuberculosis (TB)

[Pinkhat]

Hi everyone! I have something to ask for advice.

- I got a job offer in Singapore (probably need to move there by April).
- My concern is that I was diagnosed with TB in early December but now I’m not carrying any infection (sputum test and lung x-ray is now clear).
- However, I still have to take my medication for another 4 months (until early June) to complete the whole 6 months course.
- I received a letter from a local doctor confirming on the report and my condition.

I understand that I have to undergo the medical exam and I obvious won’t hide this fact. I just wonder if there will be any issue with my EP application?

Appreciate if anyone is able to advise or share your experience with me.

Thank you in advance!

[3dots]

I only know one person who found TB during her EP medical checkup process. During that time (10 years ago) she could obtained her EP and got treatment in Singapore. However after 2 years of EP, she couldn't renew her EP while all her colleagues could renew it. I am not sure if it would be the same for you though.

[MOCHS]

There were a couple of posters in the past 2 years also with similar dilemma as you. They never returned to the forum to update what happened. So, we also don’t know either. It would be good if you can update as well.

The thing is, for medical check up, there will be a chest X-ray to check for TB. I’m not sure if they would be able to see traces of past TB infection on the X-Ray though you mentioned your recent X-Ray is clear.

Just try and let us know the outcome.

[luckycricket]

You should not worry too much. Bring all your medical documents and take them with you when you go for EP medical exam. If the GP will not be convinced then he will refer you to TBCU at TTS hospital. At TBCU, they will perform the same test (Chest x-ray, skin test and sputum test) and if you don't have active TB then they will issue the certificate. Please note that this whole process is very time-consuming (getting appointment at TBCU. It will be done by GP's clinic on your behalf; and then 2 weeks for sputum test results) so go to local GP soon after arriving in Singapore as you will have only one month to finish this whole process. In addition to time, if they refer you to TBCU, it will also cost additional ~S$ 500 to $ $2000/- (depending on number of chest x-rays + test and consultation fee) which your company might not reimburse you.

[nelyanne]

First thing, medical checkup is not always required for the EP holders

[Lisafuller]

Hi everyone! I have something to ask for advice.

- I got a job offer in Singapore (probably need to move there by April).
- My concern is that I was diagnosed with TB in early December but now I’m not carrying any infection (sputum test and lung x-ray is now clear).
- However, I still have to take my medication for another 4 months (until early June) to complete the whole 6 months course.
- I received a letter from a local doctor confirming on the report and my condition.

I understand that I have to undergo the medical exam and I obvious won’t hide this fact. I just wonder if there will be any issue with my EP application?

Appreciate if anyone is able to advise or share your experience with me.

Thank you in advance!

No harm trying, I doubt your condition will impact your application. There is even a TB centre in the Novena area, where I’m sure you could get treated while you were here.

[Lisafuller]

First thing, medical checkup is not always required for the EP holders

True. Checkup requirements vary depending on the demands of the job. Assuming it’s an office job a medical checkup may not be required at all.

[Lisafuller]

I only know one person who found TB during her EP medical checkup process. During that time (10 years ago) she could obtained her EP and got treatment in Singapore. However after 2 years of EP, she couldn't renew her EP while all her colleagues could renew it. I am not sure if it would be the same for you though.

Were there any other changes to her profile? I’d like to think they wouldn’t turn her away purely because of her condition.

[3dots]

I only know one person who found TB during her EP medical checkup process. During that time (10 years ago) she could obtained her EP and got treatment in Singapore. However after 2 years of EP, she couldn't renew her EP while all her colleagues could renew it. I am not sure if it would be the same for you though.

Were there any other changes to her profile? I’d like to think they wouldn’t turn her away purely because of her condition.

Not at all at that moment.

[Lisafuller]

Hmm, in that case with all other factors being constant it’s difficult see the reason for rejection being anything else. Although at the end of the day, you really never know, the best you can do is guess.