How long will my work pass (EP, S-Pass, WP) application take page 25 - Singapore forum

beppi · 2018-04-10T11:41:40+02:00

There have been numerous discussions and questions recently about the time needed to process a work pass application. For the benefit of those inquirers - and to avoid multiple threads about the same topic - I would like to explain the process in detail here: First, let me say that MoM does not disclose their actual internal processes, so the following is based on circumstantial evidence and observations by some users here (mainly Surya and me), plus what other users post about their own application process and results - so please come back here and post yours, to improve the information available on this site. Furthermore, MoM is a law unto itself - and has the right to do whatever they want, including deviating from their own rules and publications. It is their game, their court and their ball. If you don't like this, don't apply! That said, the following are guidelines that apply in most (but not all) cases. In addition, it is the status as of now (Apr.2018) and things can and do change. 1. A Singapore work pass can only be applied for by a Singapore-registered employer willing to hire you. They must submit the offer letter (accepted by you) and full job and salary details. They cannot apply before this is settled. 2. The employer has to cover all work pass application fees (and if they engage an agent to help with the formalities, also the agent's fees - Please note that an agent alone CANNOT apply for a Singapore work pass!). They are not allowed to charge the job seeker for it. Thus all Singapore work passes are free of charge for the job seeker! 3. On submission of an application, MoM first performs a rough check if the application can be entered into the process. The submission will be rejected if - the application is not complete (e.g. missing documents or information), or - the job seeker already has another work pass application running 4. If this check is positive, the application is entered into the system. This means a FIN number is issued (and the employer informed of this) or an existing FIN of the job seeker re-used and the application entered into the EPOnline system with status "pending". It may take a week or so until this is done. 5. Next, the officer in charge will check whether the employer is allowed and able to hire foreigners: - Is the industry strategically allowed to hire foreigners (e.g. due to a lack of local workforce)? - Is the company banned or had problems with foreign employees in the past? - Do they have a viable business model and can pay the offered salary? - Does the employer have space for you in their foreigner quota (S-Pass and WP only)? - Was the job posted on the jobs bank for two weeks, with no suitable local applying? During this stage, MoM may ask for additional documents from the company, and process will resume only on their submission. If MoM then decides negatively, the application is rejected without further checks. This stage may take 1 - 3 weeks, depending on the workload of the officer in charge. 6. After this, your personal credentials are checked: - Are your submitted certificates recognised and correct? MoM may (at their discretion) engage external agencies (e.g. in your home country and elsewhere) for the verifications, which by itself takes 2 - 12 weeks (the timing is out of MoM's control) and can be seen by your EPOnline status changed to "pending input from vetting agencies". - Is your background (education and work experience) suitable for the job offered? (Note: It is basically impossible to get a work pass without experience in a similar job.) - Is there a strategic interest (and benefits) for Singapore to have you working here? - And, last but not least, is the offered salary within the market norms for this job in Singapore? You will be rejected if you earn too little or too much! Again, additional documents and information may be requested during this stage (e.g. a justification why the employer wants to hire you and no other candidate). If not, this may take 1 - 3 weeks. 7. If all these checks are positive, MoM will approve your application, inform the employer of this and send an IPA (In Principle Approval) letter to them. The IPA is your visa to enter Singapore, so you should travel within its validity (usually a month). In exceptional circumstances, the IPA validity can be extended by up to a month (the employer must apply for this). If the IPA expires and you didn't travel yet, you lost your chance to work on this job! 8. After your arrival, a health check is required in most cases. This is mentioned in the IPA. 9. Then MoM will issue the actual work pass (usually on the spot or within a day) and you can start work. From submission to start of work, you should realistically plan for at least two months, but this can be shorter or longer depending on many factors nobody can foresee. Some additional notes: - MoM rarely discloses any rejection reasons, but sometimes the wording in the rejection letter gives a hint. E.g. "This candidate is not eligible for a work pass, please look for another candidate" means you have no chance of getting any work pass at all, often due to misconduct in the past (MoM has a very long memory and good databases!). - A rejection can be appealed against by the employer. For this to be successful, additional information must be included that alleviate the rejection reason. If the reason is not known, it may help for the employer to arrange a personal meeting with the officer in charge. You may come along to such a meeting. - If the appeal also has been rejected, the decision is final and you cannot work on this job in Singapore. - An appeal process can take as long or longer than the original application. - In some, rare cases where the employer has very strong reasons for you to start work before the application process is completed, they can request a temporary work pass from MoM. - In all other cases, there is nothing you can do to accelerate the process. MoM takes as long as Mom takes - and all you can do is wait. There is no point asking on this forum how long it will take (nobody here knows!), or complaining about it. - You or the employer can, however, at any time cancel the application for any reason. This of course ends your attempt to work in Singapore. Good luck! (Yes, al lot depends on this, too!)

How long will my work pass (EP, S-Pass, WP) application take

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beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert08 June 2020 14:59:04

#961

15352

Happygirl123: Please read existing forum discussions about the same topic before posing such a question.
In short: Only one ongoing application is allowed at any time, so the first company would have to cancel theirs before the second one can apply.
Are you in Singapore right now and your job in an essential service? Otherwise your chances are low at the moment.

Sapphire17 Active member

Member since 05 March 2020

Sapphire17Active member09 June 2020 01:16:28

#962

Happygirl123

Are you sure they appeal it? (Pending on their status?)

AmaNTU New member

Member since 19 May 2020

AmaNTUNew member12 June 2020 04:43:56

#963

Ep approved .

Applied - 14/04
Appealed - 20/04
Approved - 12/06

I am currently in Singapore on a Student pass . Good luck to everyone!

LittleFlower96 New member

Member since 09 April 2020

LittleFlower96New member12 June 2020 06:23:09

#964

Gratz to you聽

thena001 Member

Member since 11 May 2020

thena001Member12 June 2020 07:53:21

#965

congratulations...!!!

Ceeeee New member

Member since 18 May 2020

CeeeeeNew member14 June 2020 16:14:02

#966

AmaNTU wrote:
Ep approved .

Applied - 14/04
Appealed - 20/04
Approved - 12/06

I am currently in Singapore on a Student pass . Good luck to everyone!

Hi AmaNTU,
Congratulations! May I ask if you submitted any documents from school to boost the chance of EP approval? I鈥檓 also on Student Pass and I only submit a Student Status Letter to MoM since I have not received my degree certificate yet.
By the way, are you going to serve the 3-year bond? My employer did ask me so I think they may include that information in the application, I鈥檓 not sure if it helps given that I did not officially graduated.
Thanks in advance!

hyhyhy New member

Member since 15 June 2020

hyhyhyNew member15 June 2020 08:37:40

#967

EP Application

Applied - 20/04
Rejected - 11/05
Appealed - 16/05

MOM came back and requested for education details. Has anyone received this request? Why did MOM ask for education details when I have specified my tertiary education in the application form (local university)?

Does this mean that the result will be out soon? Thanks.

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert15 June 2020 12:32:27

#968

15352

Hyhyhy: Yes, this is quite common. It means nothing more (or less) than that someone looked at your application.

Lizzy_lizzy Member

Member since 17 April 2020

Lizzy_lizzyMember15 June 2020 13:17:20

#969

hyhyhy wrote:
EP Application

Applied - 20/04
Rejected - 11/05
Appealed - 16/05

MOM came back and requested for education details. Has anyone received this request? Why did MOM ask for education details when I have specified my tertiary education in the application form (local university)?

Does this mean that the result will be out soon? Thanks.

I鈥檝e also been requested for education details and proof of verification because I鈥檝e lost my degree certificate and submitted only a declaration released by my University. I聽 Have received proof of verification from RMI in less than 10 days, submitted all docs to MOM and after 1 week my EP application has been rejected. Rejection due to COvID issue. I cannot tell you if the results will be out soon, nobody knows ... especially during this period..

AmaNTU New member

Member since 19 May 2020

AmaNTUNew member15 June 2020 14:10:29

#970

Ceeeee wrote:
AmaNTU wrote:
Ep approved .

Applied - 14/04
Appealed - 20/04
Approved - 12/06

I am currently in Singapore on a Student pass . Good luck to everyone!

Hi AmaNTU,
Congratulations! May I ask if you submitted any documents from school to boost the chance of EP approval? I鈥檓 also on Student Pass and I only submit a Student Status Letter to MoM since I have not received my degree certificate yet.
By the way, are you going to serve the 3-year bond? My employer did ask me so I think they may include that information in the application, I鈥檓 not sure if it helps given that I did not officially graduated.
Thanks in advance!

Hi, I do not have to serve any bond. i suggest you try to get the bond information from the school, i feel it might help. At NTU, this document is known as eligibility for EP or something, check with your school admin, they would know. I did not submit this document from school as it is only available to those students who have to serve a bond. I haven't completed my graduation, will finish in July. Hope this helps.

timothy90 New member

Member since 04 June 2020

timothy90New member16 June 2020 02:10:01

#971

Ceeeee wrote:
AmaNTU wrote:
Ep approved .

Applied - 14/04
Appealed - 20/04
Approved - 12/06

I am currently in Singapore on a Student pass . Good luck to everyone!

Hi AmaNTU,
Congratulations! May I ask if you submitted any documents from school to boost the chance of EP approval? I鈥檓 also on Student Pass and I only submit a Student Status Letter to MoM since I have not received my degree certificate yet.
By the way, are you going to serve the 3-year bond? My employer did ask me so I think they may include that information in the application, I鈥檓 not sure if it helps given that I did not officially graduated.
Thanks in advance!

Hi Ceeee, if you are NTU student and under MOE bond, there is a "letter of eligibility for Employment Pass" which can be used聽 to support you in EP application. You can request NTU for such a letter. This could serve as a strong supporting document for your application.

timothy90 New member

Member since 04 June 2020

timothy90New member16 June 2020 02:12:32

#972

Just an update to everyone about my case

EP submitted: 11/05/2020
EP rejected: 07/06/2020 (due to job-positing date too close to date of application)
EP resubmitted (new submission): 08/06/2020
EP approved: 16/06/2020

Good luck to everyone waiting!

Ceeeee New member

Member since 18 May 2020

CeeeeeNew member16 June 2020 03:53:27

#973

Hi AmaNTU and timothy90,
Thank you so much for the reply. I did contact my school for a letter like that (it鈥檚 call EP recommendation letter in my school) but since the final results were not out yet at that time, they said they could not give me such letter. My employer have applied EP for me anw, now I鈥檓 just waiting. If anything bad happens and I need to resubmit documents again, I would try to get that letter. Really appreciate your help!

My timeline:
19/5: EP submitted
28/5: MoM requests document to prove that I鈥檓 currently in Singapore. Status was still pending
1/6: Additional document submitted
16/6: Still pending

Will keep posting the update here. Thank you guys!

forthebetter New member

Member since 02 September 2019

forthebetterNew member16 June 2020 11:37:12

#974

Hi all! Can I ask for info/ option/ reassuring words?

So, I got retrenched due to this pandemic. I鈥檓 currently in Singapore on STVP (expired early July) 鈥� But I have to leave Singapore soon to my home country due to personal matters. At the same time. I鈥檓 in the middle of interviewing for new job but the process is just slow; seems like impossible to get new job soon before my STVP expired (not including the visa Application time- so most likely I have to be force out of SG anyway).

My question is 鈥� has anyone have the situation like this especially now (post CB)?

You: Already have FIN record, currently job-seeking in SG but not physically in SG, get your EP applied 鈥� What鈥檚 the current situation? Is it still impossible to get approved? Or will it be slightly bit more possible since you already worked in SG previously? OR it doesn鈥檛 matter? Please PM me if you have similar case.

And Beppi please don鈥檛 be mad, and hope you understand the situation. Sorry for my wrecked English, currently stressed out, hence my desperate-sounding post. I need some reassuring.

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert16 June 2020 12:31:10

#975

15352

forthebetter wrote:
And Beppi please don鈥檛 be mad, and hope you understand the situation. Sorry for my wrecked English, currently stressed out, hence my desperate-sounding post. I need some reassuring.

I am not mad - on the contrary: I can understand your worries and I do not envy anyone looking for a job right now.
Good luck!

forthebetter New member

Member since 02 September 2019

forthebetterNew member16 June 2020 12:42:19

#976

sorry I'm not assuming you're envy or not, I used to post on the forum and you replied quick and in an angry tone so I just want to say that first; sorry again.

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert16 June 2020 13:13:26

#977

15352

forthebetter wrote:
sorry I'm not assuming you're envy or not, I used to post on the forum and you replied quick and in an angry tone so I just want to say that first; sorry again.

Sorry - it was not meant as angry, just annoyed that people post always the same questions here (and don't bother to read if the answer is already available elsewhere). That way it gets boring being a forum volunteer.
But your post of today was a new topic. Unfortunately I don't know how to help you, other than wishing good luck!

baby_one New member

Member since 31 May 2017

baby_oneNew member17 June 2020 03:56:31

#978

Hi everyone,

My timeline is:

8/6: S Pass applied
17/6: S Pass approved

I am currently in Singapore, change to new job

hyhyhy New member

Member since 15 June 2020

hyhyhyNew member17 June 2020 07:17:49

#979

Hi everyone,

I am currently in Singapore and appealing an EP application that was rejected. I have recently found out from my parents that I was actually a Singapore Permanent Resident when I was very young (7-10 years old), but my parents did not renew it. I have been living in Singapore on Student Pass since I was 13 years old. Would that negatively affect my EP and subsequently my PR application in Singapore?

Appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance.

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert17 June 2020 07:37:10

#980

15352

Hyhyhy: Having given up a PR is usually seen as negative - especially if theimpression is thatit was done to avoid NS. But in your case, at such a young age, I guess (but do not know for sure) that they will put the blame not on you but your parents.

thena001 Member

Member since 11 May 2020

thena001Member17 June 2020 09:35:24

#981

Hi all,

My agent told me yesterday they put a complain to MOM about my EP processing process( 05/05/2020 till my EP in pending state ) . They also told me now MOM have to give result withing one week. iS this possible ? anyone have this kind of experience?

hyhyhy New member

Member since 15 June 2020

hyhyhyNew member17 June 2020 10:41:48

#982

I think EP processing is taking longer than usual recently too. My application + appeal has taken about 2 months and still pending. I wonder if this is a norm? It's taking so long that I am afraid my employer would decide to hire someone else because they need someone to fill the position urgently and the offer letter was only valid up to today..

Do you mean MoM has to give a result within one week for everyone or only for you because your agent has put a complaint?

thena001 Member

Member since 11 May 2020

thena001Member17 June 2020 12:33:18

#983

I don't know. that is why i am asking. if聽 others also have same problem then MOM have nothing to do. But when i notice in this forum, there are many people got there EP approved within one month.

baby_one New member

Member since 31 May 2017

baby_oneNew member17 June 2020 13:11:36

#984

I still personally believe that MOM takes 3 weeks to process pass for most cases.

anilchoudhary84 Member

Member since 13 February 2018

anilchoudhary84Member19 June 2020 04:50:26

#985

Guys since SG has announced border opening,聽 have you applied for special permission to enter ? I am having IPA and just wish to know if anyone got approval who's outside of SG. Thanks

skyx3 Member

Member since 20 June 2020

skyx3Member20 June 2020 11:43:18

#986

I鈥檓 not the one applying for an EP, but my girlfriend鈥檚 new company applied on 10th June 2020. Got the approval on 20th June 2020. She is currently not in Singapore.

GuestPoster292 Guest

GuestPoster292Guest20 June 2020 12:21:46

#987

214245

skyx3 wrote:
I鈥檓 not the one applying for an EP, but my girlfriend鈥檚 new company applied on 10th June 2020. Got the approval on 20th June 2020. She is currently not in Singapore.

Hi, able to share what industry your girlfriend is in ?
Is she also holding EP when applying for EP in new company ?

Thanks

skyx3 Member

Member since 20 June 2020

skyx3Member20 June 2020 23:26:19

#988

Sorry I can鈥檛 be more specific but it鈥檚 non-essential and no she is currently working in another country

LAW_97 Member

Member since 21 June 2020

LAW_97Member21 June 2020 14:17:26

#989

Hi, I applied my EP on 08/06 and it got approved on 21/06.

GuestPoster292 Guest

GuestPoster292Guest21 June 2020 15:02:09

#990

214245

LAW_97 wrote:
Hi, I applied my EP on 08/06 and it got approved on 21/06.

When you applied for EP, are u in sg ? Also what industry is it??

LAW_97 Member

Member since 21 June 2020

LAW_97Member22 June 2020 00:52:31

#991

Hi, yes I am in Singapore, switching jobs. My industry is education.

LittleFlower96 New member

Member since 09 April 2020

LittleFlower96New member22 June 2020 05:01:33

#992

hi All,
S pass approved
timeline: 31March 2020 Submit Application
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 8 April 2020 Rejected ( reason: covid 19) but employer didn't聽聽attach education cert.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 14 April2020 Appealed using education certificate
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 22 June 2020 Approved

it took more than 2 months for an appeal. Don't give up!

hyhyhy New member

Member since 15 June 2020

hyhyhyNew member22 June 2020 06:33:43

#993

the appeal took pretty long! May I ask if you are currently in Singapore?

LittleFlower96 New member

Member since 09 April 2020

LittleFlower96New member22 June 2020 06:56:24

#994

yes, i am in Singapore. It was very exhausting and frustrated for me. but don't give up and believe in yourself.

thena001 Member

Member since 11 May 2020

thena001Member22 June 2020 09:24:49

#995

Hi All,
EP approved.
Sector : IT
Applied: 01 May 2020
Rejected and Appealed: 05 May 2020 (rejected reason: covid 19)
MOM informed that they need more time to review( 3 week)聽 :聽 25 May 2020
Approved : 22 June 2020

GuestPoster292 Guest

GuestPoster292Guest22 June 2020 10:06:46

#996

214245

thena001 wrote:
Hi All,
EP approved.
Sector : IT
Applied: 01 May 2020
Rejected and Appealed: 05 May 2020 (rejected reason: covid 19)
MOM informed that they need more time to review( 3 week)聽 :聽 25 May 2020
Approved : 22 June 2020

u're in sg now ? or outside sg ??

LittleFlower96 New member

Member since 09 April 2020

LittleFlower96New member22 June 2020 10:14:03

#997

gratz to you!

Sapphire17 Active member

Member since 05 March 2020

Sapphire17Active member22 June 2020 13:04:12

#998

Hi just want to ask, why is it always rejected at first? Mom didn鈥檛 check in ICA if the applicant is still in Singapore or not?
Because i think it鈥檚 a waste of time waiting for a result but then again it will be automatically rejected at first and then appeal if still in SG (speaking for those in social pass only)

thena001 Member

Member since 11 May 2020

thena001Member22 June 2020 14:22:05

#999

Yes i am in singapore.
Thank you LittleFlower96.

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert22 June 2020 14:50:35

#1000

15352

Sapphire17 wrote:
Hi just want to ask, why is it always rejected at first? Mom didn鈥檛 check in ICA if the applicant is still in Singapore or not?

Perhaps because MoM wants it that way.
Yes, it is a waste of time (for you, not for MoM), but what can you do?
It is their ball and their court, so you better play by their rules!

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