GSM8 wrote:Preparing for an upcoming change of employer under EP, I had a few logistical type questions:
1. Is one allowed to cancel old company EP on their last day of work there, and commence new company's EP on the same day (same trip to MOM actually)? Would such an action be construed as being employed by 2 companies on the same day, and therefore disallowed under EP rules? HR person from current company says it is allowed, and while new company doesn't know if it is allowed, they are open to doing it if it is allowed. Would anyone on the forum know?
2. In the event that it is not allowed, does it mean that one has to make 2 trips to MOM, first trip to return old EP card and get 30-day SVP, and second one to get new EP card? Actually, what I meant to ask is whether one needs to go down to MOM on the last day of work to turn in old EP card and apply for SVP or do we get a few days window period to do that?
I have travel till the last 2 days with old company and will likely be traveling the first week with the new company, hence getting into the weeds on the details. Appreciate any information.
Separate topic, if one starts work at the new company the day after stopping work at the old company, is health coverage considered continuous assuming each company provides coverage strictly for the period of employment? (just taking precautions because coverage gap can possibly lead to pre-existing condition disputes later, not that I actually have one that I know of)
1. You can only have one EP but you can have many IPAs at one period of time. Having said that, your scenario #1 is allowed. While you're still holding your EP of the current company, the new company can proceed to apply for IPA. You can have IPA approved for that one while still working with your current company. When your current company terminates your EP on your last day, you will be issued a default 30-day SVP. I can imagine you being able to have it terminated on Monday (last day). Then head to MOM with your IPA for the new company on Tuesday to finish the formality. You can already commence work on Tuesday itself or Wednesday after that as IPA normally (unless explicitly stated otherwise) allows the holder to commence work while waiting for that shiny green card (which takes three working days to complete after your MOM formalities).
2. Health insurance sponsored by companies is not continuous even if it is by the same insurance company. Plus, it normally requires the employee to work with the company for 6 months or so before being eligible for the benefits. So if you have a gap between your two employments, and you're paranoid, better take up something of your own to help with your peace of mind. But it won't work that way if you take up own health insurance just to cover that gap - it only makes sense if it is something you already owned aside from the one sponsored by company.
3. Terminated EP card is retained by the employer for their own procedures with MOM, and the terminated employee is then issued with that 30-day SVP in return by employer. Employee doesn't have to surrender terminated EP card to MOM himself unless MOM requires him to do so.
