Singapore Expats

I was notified by the employer that my EP has been approved by the MOM. I was told my start date; however, I was also advised to arrive in Singapore a few days earlier in order to me to perform my medical examination, which is required to obtain the work pass. So my question are as follows:

1. Do I need the work pass in order to begin work?

2. What does the medical examination test?

Also, another question related to entering Singapore. Do I need to obtain any sort of visa stamp on my passport to enter the country?

as far as i know, you should report to EPSC within the first 2 weeks of your employment and you should already have your medical result ready to submit by then. so just plan ahead and make sure you can report to EPSC on time..

medical check up took maybe 2 hours for me and the result was available within 3-4 business days. i got mine done at raffles hospital right across Bugis MRT and they were good!

the medical check up for me consist of blood work for HIV, regular check up (blood pressure, chest exam, etc) and a chest X-ray for TB. make sure to bring your in principal approval letter (your company should be able to provide you with one) and the medical report form that your doctor needs to sign.

whether you need visa or not depends on the country you come from.

Thanks for the response. It really helps. I do have a follow up questions though. Do you know if I need the work pass to be able to rent?

depends on your agent / landlord.. for me, they were fine with me just showing my IPA at the time of rent, but she does ask me for a copy of my EP card when i got it.

What is an IPA?

IPA = In Principle Approval

This is what you will get from your employer. You can show it to immigration when you arrive. Will smooth the way. You will also need it when you go to have your medical done, etc.

sms

yup... basically when you are here and before you get your actual EP card, just bring you IPA and passport everywhere. I opened a bank account and rented my room with it. I was told I couldn't sign up for a post-paid cellphone plan until I got my EP card though, so I didn't try until I did (got a prepaid for 2 weeks instead) but.. who know?