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

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!)

Last activity 22 November 2024 by avinashjha

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beppiGermany - Singapore Expert02 September 2020 11:39:33

#1161

15297

SacShe: Congratulations and thanks a lot for your informative post!
We need more people who share their knowledge on this forum, so you are very welcome to stay around and contribute further.
Have a great time in Singapore!

SacSheMember02 September 2020 12:55:25

#1162

Thanks Beppi!

spr07Member03 September 2020 02:48:50

#1163

My EP renewal is pending from 3 weeks, employer is going to contact MOM today. Anyone facing similar delay for renewals?

EP Renewal applied on 13th Aug
Pending status from day 1.

SacSheMember04 September 2020 03:40:29

#1164

3 weeks is still a reasonable period considering current situation but there is no harm in initiating a follow up with MOM

VinviniNew member04 September 2020 21:04:56

#1165

Hi Beppi and thread members

I have seen Beppi answering few concerns from quote a couple of years.Please answer my concern below

S Pass Renewal Applied - 12th August

Rejected - 30th August

Yet to make an appeal as Current Employer agency says we are checking with MOM on the reason for rejection.

SAT says eligible for S pass.

Finding very difficult how to proceed. How long will MOM take to provide the reason for rejection.

Any idea on any usual rejection reason because of parliament discussions going on right now.

Appreciate your feedback om this

Thank you

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert04 September 2020 21:54:24

#1166

15297

Vinvini wrote:
SAT says eligible for S pass.

As you can read in the first post of this thread, this does not mean you will get an S-Pass (or any other visa).

Vinvini wrote:
How long will MOM take to provide the reason for rejection.

There is no guideline for the time needed - it depends on your employer's skills in dealing with them. In many cases, no further information is given.

Vinvini wrote:
Any idea on any usual rejection reason because of parliament discussions going on right now.

Due to the current economic situation, work pass criteria (published and unpublished) are continuously tightened. And it seems all applications for job-seekers currently not in Singapore are still summarily rejected.

TostithoNew member08 September 2020 07:25:39

#1167

Regarding the new Job-Seekers being rejected. Does this mean that there is a zero to none chance of getting a new EP anywhere soon?

Applying this week from the Netherlands to be transferred from our Dutch office to local Singapore office to build a new team in Singapore for the local market. (IT business).

Self assessment tool says I am eligible for EP but I don’t think that does say much right?

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert08 September 2020 08:49:27

#1168

15297

Tostitho: Transfers to Singapore within international companies are treated differently and have a much higher chance of approval. Your company should, in the application toMoM, explain their plans in Singapore and how you will create jobs for locals!

TostithoNew member08 September 2020 09:04:26

#1169

Thank you Beppie! This is really helpful, I will tell HR to specify the needs why I need to come over to train a team etc.

Lets hope it Goes fast:)

pringles739Member08 September 2020 12:54:54

#1170

what are the chances for SP to EP if you're in singapore now? anyone has any success during this time? just applied last week.

Sapphire17Active member09 September 2020 06:11:42

#1171

Hi anyone tried extending special pass via ex employer from august up to now?

Prijin27Member11 September 2020 07:21:25

#1172

Are there any changes in EP Application processing time due to covid?

icronaNew member11 September 2020 07:34:56

#1173

Just want to share my EP timeline
EP changing job, currently staying in SG

Application Date: 24/08/2020
Status:
1. 24/08/2020: Pending
2. 25/08/2020: We need inputs from other agencies to process this application. In most instances, the outcome will be available in 4 weeks' time. Some cases may take longer
3.10/09/2020: Approved

Good luck guys!

Sapphire17Active member14 September 2020 23:56:26

#1174

Hi rachelle tan, how did you extend ur stay? Ica or mom?

MY92New member15 September 2020 13:24:56

#1175

Hi what industry are you in?

alanlovestravelMember16 September 2020 02:05:21

#1176

Sorry to hear that... May I ask you what industry r u in?

Gelique21New member16 September 2020 23:18:28

#1177

Rachelle do you provide air ticket to your ex employer to extend your stvp? Thank you.

kubernetesMember17 September 2020 07:39:54

#1178

rachelletan3006 wrote:
https://form.gov.sg/#!/5f1803c2adf7da00122fc34e pls refer to attached and get ex employer to do the extension

is this your 1st or 2nd extension already?

if so, how fast did MOM grant your extension?

bronze32New member18 September 2020 06:50:37

#1179

Hi All,
Appreciate your advice on my situation. I am an EP holder and my EP expires first week of December. My employer aims to apply for renewal. In the meantime, I have accepted another job offer (salary slightly higher than the current one)) but they can only apply for EP after Sept 24 i.e. 14 days of job posting on govt portal. I am worried if the new EP application takes longer than 4 weeks and I also lose the opportunity to apply for renewal. In your experience, is it safe to apply for reneal exactly 3 weeks before expiry or do we need sufficient time for that. I am just worried I may be taking a huge risk with a new EP application just before the current one expires. Is it s safe timeline?
EP expires on 1 Dec and new EP will be applied by end of next week.
current salary package around 9.3k and new offer is 10k. Age 34. I want to switch jobs because the new one is more challenging as it is a different sector. I don't know if MOM wants to see a big pay hike when ppl when ppl switch jobs.
Appreciate your advice on this matter.
Thank you!

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert18 September 2020 07:10:28

#1180

15297

A pass reewal should be applied for at least a month before expiry.
You have to decide for yourself which risks you are willing to take. Only doing nothing (and staying where you are now) is risk-free.

spr07Member21 September 2020 02:08:21

#1181

EP renewal status update, after 40 days waiting

13/08/2020 - EP Renewal applied Pending status from day 1
05/09/2020 - MoM asked for renewed contract and job description
09/09/2020 - Additional documents submitted

My current EP is going to expire on 13/10/2020 in 3 weeks time, I may need to get an STVP along with family if I don't get approval this week or next week.

MY92New member24 September 2020 06:57:32

#1182

Thanks those who answered my questions here.
To update:
Currently working in SG
New EP applied on 10/6/20
While have been waited for 100days
It was withdrawn due to covid and unemployment rate in SG.
It’s very disappointing but nothing can be done.
Will consider to go back to home country soon.

LadyOtaconMember24 September 2020 09:02:06

#1183

Sorry to hear that. Who withdrew your application? Was it Mom or your company? Thanks and good luck!

RebeccaHolmMember24 September 2020 20:35:34

#1184

I was in the same situation, I was offered a new job wich I took. Big mistake!
The new company started applying in july, the plan was that i should start in the company in august, and it was rejected so many times. The HR tried again and again but everytime MOM gave a new reason to reject. Now I'm on visit-pass but have to leave the country soon. I should never have said yes to the new job. If you want to stay in SG then now is a very bad time to change job.

Chloe0818Member25 September 2020 05:20:17

#1185

New EP application. Stay in Singapore with short term visit pass. Quite lucky. From March till now extend several times through ICA.

Apply : 14 Sept
Approve: 25 Sept

Don’t give up. All the best.

TostithoNew member27 September 2020 00:11:08

#1186

New EP pass currently not living in SG but in Netherlands

Applied for EP pass: 15/09/2020
EP pass approval : 26/09/2020

At least the online status is approved, this is official then isn’t it?

Now hope I can get entry approval!

VinviniNew member06 October 2020 13:24:55

#1187

Hi All,

Sharing my experience for all readers.

12 Aug - Applied for Renewal
30 Aug - Rejected

Seems an issue with agency

15 Sep - Applied with different agency ,new applications
6 Oct - Approved

Pass type S pass
Employer applied through different agency

Currently residing in Singapore

Conditions now have become very tight and many aspects are taken into consideration. This site is very helpful

Also upon observation trend of approval seems as below

Timeliness:

Salary above 10k - with 7 days

Other Salary - 7th , 14th , and 21st day.

All the best to all who are waiting.

VinviniNew member06 October 2020 13:25:24

#1188

Currently in SG

benoit_lhMember07 October 2020 20:22:59

#1189

Hi all,

I have read the post above but did not find answers to my question.

For this reason of rejection : Your application is not successful. If your candidate is currently in Singapore, you may wish to appeal for our consideration. Otherwise, you may wish to apply again when the additional safe distancing measures are lifed

Anyone know what does "when the additional safe distancing measures are lifted" mean exactly? Can we consider this is when Singapore will enter in Phase 3? Or vaccine?

Thanks for your help!

LadyOtaconMember09 October 2020 08:41:54

#1190

benoit_lh wrote:
Hi all,

I have read the post above but did not find answers to my question.

For this reason of rejection : Your application is not successful. If your candidate is currently in Singapore, you may wish to appeal for our consideration. Otherwise, you may wish to apply again when the additional safe distancing measures are lifed

Anyone know what does "when the additional safe distancing measures are lifted" mean exactly? Can we consider this is when Singapore will enter in Phase 3? Or vaccine?

Thanks for your help!

I had the same rejection reason. Although this isn't the official reason of what it means, my HR manager thinks that it does pertain to the Phase 3 of Singapore or once there's an effective vaccine released.

For me, they will only appeal once either of the two reasons above happen.

benoit_lhMember09 October 2020 08:58:25

#1191

Yes agree with you
I think you can not appeal when you are not in Singapore, only apply again.

benoit_lhMember09 October 2020 12:05:07

#1192

Hi all
Before applying, the employer has to do a 1 month mandatory job posting. Would like to know if you know the website where it has to be published? To see the job offer

Cheers!

LadyOtaconMember09 October 2020 17:19:37

#1193

benoit_lh wrote:
Yes agree with you
I think you can not appeal when you are not in Singapore, only apply again.

That's right. You have higher chances of being approved if you're there, else they're likely to just reject you again.

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert09 October 2020 19:58:45

#1194

15297

Benoit: www.mycareersfuture.gov.sg

benoit_lhMember09 October 2020 20:13:24

#1195

Thanks Beppi.
I have seen this website and I have not found the offer looked for that's why I was asking if another one was there.

benoit_lhMember10 October 2020 08:28:16

#1196

I have found the offer finally...because published by an agency and not my employer straight away

spr07Member12 October 2020 03:17:40

#1197

EP renewal rejected after 2 months of waiting, employer is going to appeal today. I got very strange rejection reason.

13/08/2020 - EP Renewal applied Pending status from day 1
05/09/2020 - MoM asked for renewed contract and job description
09/09/2020 - Additional documents submitted
07/10/2020 - Submitted for 1 month STVP and temp extension as existing EP expiring on 13/10
08/10/2020 - 1 month STVP with work pass temp extension approved till 12/11
09/10/2020 - Rejected. Reason: Client Company should apply for EP as employee working for Client Company. I work for Client A under Agency A payroll, Agency A applied for my renewal.

Looks like I'm the lucky pick, I'm already on 1 month STVP with EP temporary extension.

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert12 October 2020 06:44:42

#1198

15297

SPR07:
This could be the start of a (long overdue, in my opinion) push against convoluted employment situations!
Basically, what MoM said is “Approval only possible if he/she is employed by the company he/she works for, not a third party agent.”
Thanks for reporting this here!

vpulumatNew member15 October 2020 04:41:11

#1199

Hi Icrona,

In your case, was there any query raised by MOM?

or it was in the pending state for one month without any query and approved after 4 weeks?

Could you please clarify me same as my EP application(without any query raised by MOM) will enter the 4th week on the coming Monday, so want to know your exact experience

Thanks

andybarrMember15 October 2020 08:37:00

#1200

Time Frame:

Applied: 8 July 2020
Rejected: 9 July 2020
Appealed: 11 July 2020
My employer already gave up and told me that he cant wait too long : 31 August 2020
Approved: 18 September 2020

Actually He forgotten to cancel my application already LOL, he called me and told me that my pass has been approved. He still hired me anyway LOL. After 8 months of being jobless. Still lucky because I have my S-Pass now.

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