An employment pass is a type of work visa that allows foreign professionals to work in Singapore. It is one of the most sought-after work permits in the world, as it offers many benefits such as high salary, low tax rate, and access to a vibrant and multicultural city.
However, getting an employment pass is not easy. The Singapore government has strict criteria and requirements for applicants, and the process can be complex and time-consuming. Many applicants make common mistakes that can jeopardize their chances of getting approved.
Here are some of the common mistakes to avoid when applying for an employment pass in Singapore:
Not meeting the minimum salary requirement.
The minimum salary for an employment pass is S$5,000 per month, and higher for older and more experienced applicants. If your salary is below this threshold, you will not qualify for an employment pass. You should negotiate with your employer to offer you a competitive salary that meets the requirement.
Not having relevant qualifications and experience.
The employment pass is designed for foreign professionals who have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and relevant work experience in their field. If you do not have these qualifications and experience, you will have a lower chance of getting approved. You should ensure that your resume and supporting documents highlight your education and work history clearly and accurately.
Not submitting complete and correct documents.
The employment pass application requires various documents such as passport, educational certificates, employment contract, and company profile. If you fail to submit all the required documents, or if you submit documents that are incomplete, incorrect, or outdated, your application will be delayed or rejected. You should check the list of documents carefully and prepare them in advance. You should also ensure that your documents are translated into English if they are in another language.
Not applying through a reliable agency.
The employment pass application can be done online through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website, or through an authorized agency. If you choose to apply through an agency, you should make sure that the agency is reliable and reputable. Some agencies may charge exorbitant fees, provide false information, or submit fraudulent documents on your behalf. These can result in your application being rejected or revoked. You should do your research and choose an agency that has a good track record and reputation.
Not following up on your application status.
The employment pass application can take up to eight weeks to process, depending on the complexity of your case. During this period, you should monitor your application status regularly and respond to any queries or requests from MOM promptly. If you do not follow up on your application status, you may miss important updates or deadlines that can affect your approval. You should also keep in touch with your employer and agency (if applicable) and inform them of any changes or developments in your application.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when an EP Gets rejected?
When an Employment Pass (EP) application gets rejected in Singapore, the applicant and their prospective employer will receive a rejection letter from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) detailing the reasons for the rejection. The employer can reapply for an EP, but they must address the issues outlined in the rejection letter and provide additional information that can support the application.
Is it difficult to get an EP in Singapore?
The difficulty of getting an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore depends on various factors such as the applicant’s qualifications, work experience, job role, and the employer’s reputation and financial stability.Generally, the Singapore government aims to attract foreign talent to fill skill gaps in the economy, and therefore, they have a relatively open policy for EP applications. However, to ensure that the EP system remains fair and competitive, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has set strict eligibility criteria and qualifying requirements for EP applicants
What is the success rate of Singapore EP?
The success rate for EP applications can vary depending on various factors such as the qualifications and experience of the applicant, the job role and industry, and the financial stability and reputation of the employer.
How long does it take to get an EP approved in Singapore?
Generally, MOM takes about three to 8 weeks to process an EP application. However, in some cases, it may take longer than 8 weeks, especially if there are issues with the application that need further clarification or if additional documents are required.
What is the minimum salary for EP?
Earning a salary of at least $5,000, which is benchmarked against the top one-third of the local professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMET) salaries by age.
