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!)

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beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert25 March 2022 06:44:40

#1601

15380

Muthukk: I am not sure if that will be an outright rejection reason, but they will probably at least ask questions (and this might slow doen the process).
If you want to be safe, get the wrong document corrected!

Marzipan007 Member

Member since 11 October 2018

Marzipan007Member26 March 2022 15:44:52

#1602

My s pass is due for renewal in July.

CBS Score is 1835, CC Rating.

Monthly credit card payments are always on time and in full but I’ve applied different cards with banks due to the miles game so most likely the reason for the lower score. I’ve cleared a personal loan recently and cancelled some cards.

Is anyone on a similar situation?

Will this affect my renewal and should be worried?

I work for a financial institution. Thanks

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert26 March 2022 16:40:48

#1603

15380

Marzipan: Unless you defaulted on any loan or card, such ratings have no effect whatsoever on your S-Pass renewal chances.

Marzipan007 Member

Member since 11 October 2018

Marzipan007Member26 March 2022 18:34:57

#1604

No default, never late on payments. Thanks beppi as always

Guest45096834 Guest

Guest45096834Guest06 May 2022 11:29:48

#1605

214245

Submitted April

mattlim76 New member

Member since 10 May 2022

mattlim76New member10 May 2022 13:53:55

#1606

Hope all is well with everyone.

My S-pass application was submitted on April 19 2022 with a rejection last week. No reason was provided by MOM but I found that I made a mistake in stating my present and previous job monthly salary. Could that be a reason for the rejection pls?

HR has resubmitted another application (with the wrong salary again ) but they told me it wont have any effect on the application's chances. The most important thing is the salary they are offering on my new contract. Only change HR made was from internal transfer to new hire.

Would someone be able to know or guess the reason for my rejection? If this is the wrong forum, I do apologize in advance.

Thank you.

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert10 May 2022 14:09:01

#1607

15380

Mattlim: Difference between previous and new salary can play a role - if you are already working in Singapore (foreign ones less so, because normally not comparable).

But a change from "new hire" to "internal transfer" is crucial - the latter is approved much more easily!

mattlim76 New member

Member since 10 May 2022

mattlim76New member10 May 2022 14:17:49

#1608

@beppi

Firstly, thanks for your reply

I'm a Canadian presently working in Canada. No sg experience sadly. They said its their compensation that matters most in terms of chances, not my current and previous job. Its for an Account Mgr position if it helps.

They changed from internal transfer to new hire tho. Based on ur knowledge or guess, do u think that will help?

Again, thanks for your reply. Wish you and all a good night.

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert10 May 2022 18:49:56

#1609

15380

They changed from internal transfer to new hire tho. Based on ur knowledge or guess, do u think that will help?

I answered that already, didn't I?

mattlim76 New member

Member since 10 May 2022

mattlim76New member10 May 2022 23:25:11

#1610

They changed from internal transfer to new hire tho. Based on ur knowledge or guess, do u think that will help?
I answered that already, didn't I?
- @beppi

Sorry my bad, I asked only because they are doing it the opposite way (transfer to new hire).

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert11 May 2022 06:18:00

#1611

15380

That is the right thing to do if you are not an internal transfer - but is reduces your chances.

Make sure you have a Plan B!

mattlim76 New member

Member since 10 May 2022

mattlim76New member11 May 2022 10:31:02

#1612

@beppi

Technically it is an internal transfer as the plan was to go from my current canadian office to singapore one.

My worry was that the error on my current and previous job salary history screwed up my chances

. I stupidly declared a pay cheques salary over the full mth but hr said my chances wont be affected..

My plan b would be to remain in canada sadly. Sigh. A million thanks again for ur help.

@SmsT New member

Member since 16 June 2022

@SmsTNew member16 June 2022 07:32:15

#1613

Hey Guys,

I saw your messages and I also want to share.

My new company offer double salary and applied Epass today.

I am scared of salary gap.

Hope to go well~....

daniel2488 Active member

Member since 25 May 2021

daniel2488Active member17 June 2022 14:19:39

#1614

Hello all,

I'm currently an EP holder in Singapore. My EP application was submitted last week by my new employer. My current job needs me to serve 2 months notice from the day I submit my resignation letter. I'm thinking to submit resignation only when I know I got my EP approved. Is it wrong if I submit my resignation before I know the result of my EP application? What if my EP application takes months? I'm worried my new job will turn me down cuz of pass issues, because it's really a good job with many benefits and I got 28% salary increase from my current pay. So, i don't wanna miss that opportunity.

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert17 June 2022 15:27:52

#1615

15380

Daniel: You are right that the lower risk (but longer) path is to resign only after your new EP is approved.

EP16 Member

Member since 20 June 2022

EP16Member20 June 2022 11:57:08

#1616

Hi All,

I try to check in the forum but seems like i dont have the same scenario.

My company asked me to submit the following documents to be sent to MOM. I submitted my updated Resume, previous company job offer and final back pay.

I started to join my previous company last June 2021, however, I had severe Covid last August, 2021 and need to file a one month medical leave so my company decided to just rehire me and join new hires on October 2021.

Then i resigned last March 2022 to look for better opportunities.

The duration i included in my resume was June 2021- March 2022 because it’s just the same company and same role and just had 1 month medical leave.

However, I realized the final pay slip i sent to them stated that the duration of my employment was

from October 2021- March 2022 only and my previous employer didnt include the duration from June 2021- August 2021.

But luckily, I submitted also my job offer which states I really started joining the company last June, 2021.

Will this affect my application since it looked like there are discrepancies on dates? Or should I stop over thinking? Hehe. Thank you all for your advice. 🙏🏼

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert20 June 2022 12:31:46

#1617

15380

EP16: If the discrepancy is explained (as you did above), I don't tink there will be a negative impact. But if you did not explain it, expect at least questions from MoM (and a delay in processing).

EP16 Member

Member since 20 June 2022

EP16Member20 June 2022 12:42:43

#1618

EP16: If the discrepancy is explained (as you did above), I don't tink there will be a negative impact. But if you did not explain it, expect at least questions from MoM (and a delay in processing).
- @beppi

Thank you beppi for the quick response. 😊

I explained the situation to my employer earlier if they can update the documents I sent as I have requested an updated COE to my previous employer however, my employer told me that they already applied my EP last June 16 and submitted my documents. They also assured me to not worry about the dates.

I have been reading a lot of scenarios here and I’m really worried about the dates since MOM has a strict background check. Will that be fine? Thank you. 🙏🏼

daniel2488 Active member

Member since 25 May 2021

daniel2488Active member21 June 2022 23:55:16

#1619

I have just got my EP approved. It took exactly 2 weeks.

Guest45096834 Guest

Guest45096834Guest10 July 2022 15:30:18

#1620

214245

@beppi

Hr said they submitted EP application for me on the evening of 4 july 2022 . (last Monday)

I had rejected one time Spass application before that for another company.

Now I checked my EP application on MOM website after 3 day.

I am not seeing "Pending" status for me.

Still showing " Invalid" for previous Spass Application.

I hope to see Pending Status before coming Tuesday ( because Coming Monday will be Public Holiday in Singapore so they may be not update my EP status)

Thanks for your time.

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert10 July 2022 16:13:56

#1621

15380

Superman: It will show up in the EPOnline system when the processing officer has time to enter it. That is not necessarily coming Tuesday. (Why do you think you need it then?)

If it does not show up after two weeks or so, the employer should contact MoM to find out what went wrong.

Guest45096834 Guest

Guest45096834Guest10 July 2022 16:23:17

#1622

214245

@beppi Thanks for your Reply and valuable information.

I just anxious that I just rejected for S pass before this EP application.

Now I am good...

Duc Do91 New member

Member since 25 July 2022

Duc Do91New member25 July 2022 18:44:54

#1623

Hi all.

@beppi

I am recently graduated in CS major from a University in Vietnam and haven't got the certificate yet. I read from MoM that I can get a letter from school instead.

I just want to confirm is it possible to use a letter from school?

My fixed basic salary is 6600 sgd with no experience (excluding internships). Is the possibility to get the EP high?

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert25 July 2022 19:26:10

#1624

15380

Duc Do: Do you have any reason to doubt the information on the MoM website?

EP without work experience is possible if you have other things to offer (e.g. niche skills that are rare but in demand here) to make up for it.

Htoo Lay Member

Member since 03 August 2022

Htoo LayMember03 August 2022 00:10:35

#1625

Hi ,

My interview was on 19th July and company said they submitted my pass application at 20th july . I checked my application status if it becomes pending or not but i only found " no records ". So that it means my application hasn't submitted yet or maybe it is pending and can't check coz of error or something ?

I believe in me Member

Member since 02 August 2022

I believe in meMember03 August 2022 05:22:30

#1626

@Htoo Lay

You should be able to check the status with your FIN or Passport number. If it shows No record found, you might contact your employer to confirm if they submitted it.

Guest45096834 Guest

Guest45096834Guest07 August 2022 18:37:38

#1627

214245

I have observed, discrepancy in educational period in IPA letter.

I have done 3 year diploma from 2004-2007 but in IPA its mentioned 2004-2008

How it will correct, Do I need to go through fresh approval process, Please suggest.

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert07 August 2022 19:49:16

#1628

15380

Sam1239: Your employer should contact MoM to correct the error. Hopefully it is just a mistyping by MoM (and not a wrong submission by the company) - in whch case there will be no problem.

Arje21 Member

Member since 20 July 2022

Arje21Member08 August 2022 00:43:06

#1629

@sam1239 Please reach out to your HR, and he/she will send the amendment request to MOM. Same issue with my application as well. My HR sent an amendment request and my application is back to pending now.

Guest45096834 Guest

Guest45096834Guest11 August 2022 06:47:33

#1630

214245

Rate my chances of getting an EP.

Nationality: Malaysian

Race: Chinese, 26 years old Female

Education background:

1. NTU BEng in Mech Eng (Class of 2022, Part Time)

2. NYP Diploma (Class of 2016, Full Time)

Salary: 3.3k

Occupation: Project Engineer in Oil & Gas Industry

I have worked in this company for 2 years. Overall, I have accumulated a total working experience in the local Engineering industry for 6 years.

I did an SAT test and the result came back that I am eligible for both EP and SP. However, my company is small (~4 staffs), hence we do not have quota in SP.

If we apply EP by solely declaring my Diploma qualification, will I get the EP approved?

I heard it is easier for Malaysian Chinese to get EP.

Thank you all.

*Regarding why I am not able to have SP/EP after I graduated from Polytechnic, that is because employers claim that they have no quota/my qualifications are too low for those. Hopefully this time round, it is my turn for these high tier passes and PR.

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert11 August 2022 06:58:00

#1631

15380

It is impossible to get an EP without degree - and you must always declare all certificates you have.

If the SAT says you are eligible for EP, then that is true based on the (limited) factors the system considers.

The EP threshold for non-Malaysians is a minimum of S$4500/month. If you are o.k. with earning less than others, then go for it!

Guest45096834 Guest

Guest45096834Guest11 August 2022 10:16:14

#1632

214245

3 years diploma(Polytechnic) is considered for Singapore EP, I know many people who got EP(Including me).

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert11 August 2022 14:20:46

#1633

15380

You must still give complete and true information, otherwise you will be rejected. And especially certificates from Singapore, you CANNOT hide them!

k3v00 New member

Member since 26 August 2022

k3v00New member26 August 2022 10:58:27

#1634

My SPass journey

03 June 22 : applied by employer
19 June 22 : Request for additional information whether I ever studied and work in SG

21 June 22 : Rejected without reasons

21 June 22 : Re-Appeal

30 June 22 : Pending Status. 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

01 Aug 22 : MOM request for additional info from employer

26 Aug 22 : As today, still on pending

Condition:

1. I never work and study in SG

2. I am Indonesian

3. Work under IT department as professional

4. SG last visit was 10 yrs ago

5. Single name (no middle and last name) and my name is very general

6. Employer's quota is available. Since the company hires Singaporean mostly and I am special case

Based on case, it is just my speculation. I thought it was due to my single name. I am thinking to change my name. Some of my friends which already move to SG told me that it will make the process more difficult. I need everyone advises or maybe someone ever experienced like I do right now?

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert26 August 2022 13:28:09

#1635

15380

I heard of similar cases, where Indonesians with only a single name had ptoblems with formalities in Singapore (and elsewhere).

Guest45096834 Guest

Guest45096834Guest29 August 2022 05:32:33

#1636

214245

@beppi EP approved. Took 3 working days, not including 2 days of weekends. Cheers.

jas12378 Member

Member since 31 August 2022

jas12378Member31 August 2022 04:47:32

#1637

Hi All

How to check DP application status, it is similar portal where we check EP status?

Applied DP on 29th Aug, Status is showing as "No record found. Records older than 6 months are not shown"

what is current DP approval time in last few month.

Shekhz Singapore Expert

Member since 31 March 2021

ShekhzSingapore Expert31 August 2022 06:49:33

#1638

964

@jas12378

please check with the employer, usually DPs take less than 3 weeks (as stated by MoM), but approvals usually come in less than a week.

abhilashothers Member

Member since 25 August 2022

abhilashothersMember31 August 2022 09:29:54

#1639

EP "pending" for more than a month. Applied on July 28 and no further documents has been requested. I was told by new company HR that there are other 2 applicants who are in a similar situation as mine. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert31 August 2022 11:14:13

#1640

15380

Abhila: Could be anything. Just be patient - unless you prefer a speedy rejection, then cancel the application outright!

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