Processing Time to Get Work Visa for Singapore If You have Offer Letter

How much time does Singapore Immigration Authorities take to issue the Work Visa once you have the offer letter from Singapore employer?

Singapore has become Southeast Asia’s perfect business and trade centre, partially because of its innovative immigration policies designed to attract experienced business people and working professionals from around the world.

If your company has deployed you to Singapore for work, you may be eligible for several work-passes, including the Singapore Employment Pass (EP). You should know everything about qualifying for and applying for an EP. 

Work Visa in Singapore

In Singapore, a PMET (Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians) work visa can not be applied directly. It must be applied through the company that is hiring you. Hence looking for a job is essential. 

The employer can apply for a work visa (either S-Pass or E-Pass) on your behalf after you accept the job offer based on your educational qualification, work experience, salary offered. 

Processing time takes one to two weeks, and you will then know your status. Approved visas will have a deadline or expiry date, and must be renewed annually.

Employment Pass in Singapore

An Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa issued by the Ministry of Manpower of Singapore to professional foreign employees, owners of Singaporean companies and other executives. 

The work visa allows you to live and work in Singapore as well as travel within and outside the country without having to apply for a visa for entry. A Pass for Employment is usually valid for 1-2 years and can be renewed afterwards. Possessing an EP also facilitates your application for permanent residence (PR) in Singapore.

How to Qualify for the Work Visa?

Young graduates usually draw S$3,600 per month, minimum fixed salary. 

More experienced candidates might need to qualify for higher salaries and work in an administrative, managerial or specialist position. In such cases, having a tertiary degree from a prestigious university is helpful. An excellent professional job background and a high salary will make up for lack of education.

Documents Required for the Work Visa

You can check with the Singapore Government’s official website to find out what paperwork is needed for various types of work visas. However, the primary documents required are as mentioned below.

• An EP Form 8 submission, duly endorsed by a Singapore employing firm.
• A copy of your updated curriculum vitae, relevant educational certificates.
• References/testimonials from previous employers.
• A passport-size photograph taken within the last three months.
• A copy of your passport’s personal details page.
• A copy of Singapore Employing company’s business profile.
• A detailed description of your job duties. 
• A detailed description of the Singapore hiring company’s operations or goods.

Processing Time for Work Visa

• Work visa processing time for professionals is faster when applications are submitted online- four-fifth (80%) of the total online applications are processed within seven working days. Manual requests usually take up to six weeks to process.
• S Pass processing time when applying online is seven working days, and five weeks when applying in person.
• Work permit processing time is 1-7 business days.
• Work visa processing times for trainees and students range from seven working days to five weeks.
• Training Work Permit may be approved for temporary approval upon the online application within one working day.

Visa Fees and Visa Renewal

• The fees to be charged for the issuance of a Singapore Work Visa or Work Pass are as of now $ 60. Although $ 30 must be paid at the time the application is submitted, the remaining $ 30 must be paid when the authorities grant the work pass or permit to the applicant.
• Validity for almost all work visas may be extended except for Personalized Employment Pass, Work Permit for Malaysian Nannies, Work Permit for Foreign Performers, and Work Visas for Trainees and Students.

As a few changes in rules and fee might happen, therefore, for the latest information related to Singapore visa fees and visa renewal, you should check and go through Singapore Government’s official website or contact the nearest embassy located at your place.

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Shobha Vats

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