Singapore Expats

Hi there, my friend and i are all set to come to Singapore in July, however, we still dont have EPEC (the Employment Pass Eligibility) although we did apply for that last May. Does it really take this long to be processed and is it really important when finding a job in Singapore? Do you know their basis of giving you one? Thanks.

There is no such thing as an Employment Pass Eligibility.

When you find a job, the company (and you) apply for an employment pass for that job. If approved you get an 'approval in principle' letter which lets you into the country and can be used until you pick up your EP.

Process is get a job then get an EP.

Hi,

I think Allen is talking about this:

"An Employment Pass Eligibility certificate will be issued to foreign professionals who hold acceptable degrees, professional qualifications or specialist skills and who would like to have a longer stay in order to seek employment in Singapore. With this certificate, foreign professionals can apply for a 6-month social visit pass to allow them sufficient time to look for a job in Singapore. The EPE certificate is issued on a one time basis and is non-renewable.

Foreign professionals with an EPE certificate will be issued with an employment pass by Work Pass Department upon securing a job in Singapore.

Foreign professionals should apply for an EPE certificate only when they are ready to come to Singapore. They will still need to apply for a relevant visa to enter Singapore (if a visa is required) even if they hold a valid EPE certificate. "

Hey Allen,

I'm not sure about when in May you applied for your EPE but they state it normally takes 21 days. It is not unheard for the Singapore Government to take longer if they are busy but don’t worry about it to much. The truth is you don’t need a EPE to work here and it has little to do with getting a visa (if you need one) or a short term social visit pass but it will extend them to 6 months.

I also believe it will make getting an EP a little easier when you apply for one. I think the reason the have an EPE is to help people know what their chances of getting an EP are before the person moves to Singapore.

Anyway good luck with your EPE, in the end your EP and I hope you have fun while you’re in Singapore.

Cheers
Michael

Hi Allen, you didn't say where you are coming from. If it is the US or UK you don't need a visa. Once you get here you will have a 3 month social pass. spend that time looking for a job and when you get one you will apply for your EP. If it takes longer, you only need to take a morning or afternoon trip across the border into Malaysia, and on your way back into Singapore you will be given another 90 days. It took me 6 months to find a job here and another 6 months between that first one and the second one. good luck

brianw50 wrote:Hi Allen, you didn't say where you are coming from. If it is the US or UK you don't need a visa. Once you get here you will have a 3 month social pass. spend that time looking for a job and when you get one you will apply for your EP. If it takes longer, you only need to take a morning or afternoon trip across the border into Malaysia, and on your way back into Singapore you will be given another 90 days. It took me 6 months to find a job here and another 6 months between that first one and the second one. good luck

Hey thanks for your message !
Glad to see that it's possible to find a job when staying a few months in Singapore !