EP Application 2021 unusual case

1. That the company is exempt for jobs bank posting does NOT mean it doesn't need to prefer local candidates. In fact, there is no way to avoid this legal requirement - but the transfer option might lower the barriers. In any case, a convincing justification should be submitted with the application.
2. You should always be honest in dealing with MoM. If you remove this degree now, it will cause problems later (when they find out, or you want to mention it in your next application). But yes, they will probably ask for a verification (through a vetting agency they choose).
Another aspect: Your salary must be in line with market rates (did you already check the SAT tool?) - does your company's Singapore office have enough turnover and profitability to pay that? (If not yet, then in the business plan they need to submit with your application.) With two Master degrees and work experience, I guess this would be somewhere around S$8-10k/month.
Also, if there is no employee yet, the business plan must show how many and which jobs for locals will be created in due course.
The process is likely to take 2 - 3 months in your case. But since you cannot travel to Singapore due to COVID restrictions, there is no need to hurry!

Thanks Beppi.

If I may, a small investment from your side (think it is roughly 200-300 SGD), could do the trick with regards to your masters degree. Engage a verification agency on your own (from the 4 outlined by MoM) right away. Get the verification done in parallel and for all you know, it may just be 2-3 weeks utmost before you get the verification done. Use that time to post the job, get your application ready, apply with all legitimate info/ credentials.

Strongly discourage you to conceal information, SG is a great country to live in, you intend to start a new chapter in your professional life, don’t extend false info or conceal info on your candidacy.

Good luck.

Thank you Beppi and Shekhz.

Appreciate your advice!

Yes, I tried the SAT, and I qualify for the EP. I probably should consider an option with the verification.

Do you believe, that if before the EP application, I already become a Director of the company, it will be an advantage and an additional justification, and can be considered by MoM?

or will this not really help?

If you become the director before the EP, the company can outline in the cover letter your (company’s) realistic growth plans in Singapore, the jobs you would possibly create and that sure is a bonus. Strengthens your application, I’d reckon.

Why are you picking all the complicated if this then that option. Why not the clean and simple above board option that assures a known outcome. I cannot understand you not doing following
> Get a pre-emptive education verification done
> Post on the job bank unless you have a legally backed locus standi not to do so. Your Lawyer should be able to show you the exact law

broadly below four criteria to any successful EP application either you positively meet them or have written down in law requirement not to meet them
  i. That your education degree is above board/ genuine
ii. That your salary is above limit for EP and commensurate (within correct range) with (a) position (b) experience
iii That your company has meet the criteria for advertising in local job portal for at least 14 days and can prove that no local candidate exists
iv. You Company meets any quota requirement

Thanks everyone for help!

I would definetly like the process to be clear and smooth. The difficylty occured because agents were coming back several time with different comments which turned to be misleading and contradicting to each other.

Evgeniya K wrote:

Thanks everyone for help!

I would definetly like the process to be clear and smooth. The difficylty occured because agents were coming back several time with different comments which turned to be misleading and contradicting to each other.

Good luck and keep us posted on the approval, would help this forum.