Changing Jobs (EP) while PR application is ongoing

[sg_xpt]

Hi, I would like to ask a question regarding change of jobs during PR application.

My PR application is currently pending (applied in Aug 2022 - 7 months ago). I have a job offer from another company which I am seriously considering at the moment, but I am worried it might affect the PR application.

From what I read, one must be continuously employed (i.e. holding an EP) during the entire PR application period. If I have an IPA letter for the EP with my new employer, and have my old EP cancelled on my last day of work in my previous company, will the gap between the cancellation of the old EP and the activation of the new EP be problematic? What if, let's say, I take a 1-2 weeks gap in-between the jobs?

During that period, technically I would be on STVP from the old, cancelled EP and would not be on EP until the new one is issued on my first day of work.

How does ICA normally see this?

[Ignorant1]

Hi, I would like to ask a question regarding change of jobs during PR application.

My PR application is currently pending (applied in Aug 2022 - 7 months ago). I have a job offer from another company which I am seriously considering at the moment, but I am worried it might affect the PR application.

From what I read, one must be continuously employed (i.e. holding an EP) during the entire PR application period. If I have an IPA letter for the EP with my new employer, and have my old EP cancelled on my last day of work in my previous company, will the gap between the cancellation of the old EP and the activation of the new EP be problematic? What if, let's say, I take a 1-2 weeks gap in-between the jobs?

During that period, technically I would be on STVP from the old, cancelled EP and would not be on EP until the new one is issued on my first day of work.

How does ICA normally see this?

It’s fairly common . You are not doing a visa run. You have a valid visa all the time that lets you stay in Singapore.

Once you join your new job , email ICA about the change in your circumstances . They will tell you next steps, which would be updated annex 4a etc

You can actually take a break , go on holiday for 2-3 weeks too ( I recommend that ) .

[sg_xpt]

Hi, sorry for the late response.

My question is more of a "gap" between the jobs and not about being lawfully present in Singapore.

From what I read in this forum, one must always be employed when applying PR for EP holders and the application might be rejected upon unemployment. Even though there are some that clearly says you can change jobs during PR application, I could not find any answer as to how long of a gap is allowed between the jobs.

Maybe I should rephrase my question to be: "How long of a gap is allowed in-between jobs during an ongoing PR application?" I am planning to take a 2-3 weeks break in between.

Also, if during that period, I go overseas (after EP is cancelled) and return to Singapore (and issued a social visit pass), would ICA view that as a period of unemployment and cancels my PR application? Since I am technically visiting as a "tourist" and I am worried it might affect the application if I go overseas during that period of job transition.

That is the point of my question.

To give more context on my situation:
My current employment will end (meaning EP is cancelled by current company) around end of June (I will only submit my resignation upon new EP approval (application is ongoing, offer letter already signed), which is expected at end of May, and trigger a 1-month notice period), and I plan to go overseas for 2 weeks before starting my new job on the 10th of July.

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Ignorant1]

Shouldn’t be a problem.. my wife traveled on EP IPA between her jobs . We got our Pr approved none the less.
Important thing is to inform once you join work on first day and let them tell you what they need .

[MOCHS]

Then you cross your fingers the PR result doesn’t get released so soon ‘cos formalities have to be completed within a certain amount of time and it better not coincide with your unemployment/leave. Now that travel restrictions are lifted, I don’t think they would extend the AIP for formalities.

[Shps6432]

Hello, I applied PR in Oct 2022. Left my previous company on 20 Mar 2023 after serving notice and joined my new company on 27 Mar 2023.

My new company applied E Pass and approved before I officially joined. So the process was wait for E Pass to approve then sign offer letter then serve notice. While I was holding IPA, I travelled for a short trip. However, it took some time for me to clear customs in and out at Changi. Just need to explain that new fin card hasn't issued yet and show the IPA letter.

Im not too sure about how long the gap must be... As long as the status is still pending, still got chance? I just submitted the required documents yesterday (May 2023) because my HR need to wait for 1 complete month to sign the documents.

See if I got any update..

[sg_xpt]

Then you cross your fingers the PR result doesn’t get released so soon ‘cos formalities have to be completed within a certain amount of time and it better not coincide with your unemployment/leave. Now that travel restrictions are lifted, I don’t think they would extend the AIP for formalities.

I might get in a situation you described, but let me give an update…

1. Last official working day with current company is 30 June 2023 (they will cancel the EP on 30 June).
2. First day with new company is 10 July 2023 (1-week gap).
3. Upload button documents missing since yesterday night (29/5/2023), meaning that I should be expecting a result (approval/rejection) within a few weeks based on what I have read in this forum.

My question is, if I do indeed receive an approval before 30 June 2023 (still holding EP with current employer), would it still be possible to complete the formalities even though that EP is going to be cancelled (with IRAS IR21 form submitted)?

Thank you!

[colecules]

Then you cross your fingers the PR result doesn’t get released so soon ‘cos formalities have to be completed within a certain amount of time and it better not coincide with your unemployment/leave. Now that travel restrictions are lifted, I don’t think they would extend the AIP for formalities.

I might get in a situation you described, but let me give an update…

1. Last official working day with current company is 30 June 2023 (they will cancel the EP on 30 June).
2. First day with new company is 10 July 2023 (1-week gap).
3. Upload button documents missing since yesterday night (29/5/2023), meaning that I should be expecting a result (approval/rejection) within a few weeks based on what I have read in this forum.

My question is, if I do indeed receive an approval before 30 June 2023 (still holding EP with current employer), would it still be possible to complete the formalities even though that EP is going to be cancelled (with IRAS IR21 form submitted)?

Thank you!

just curious bro. when did u apply your pr? applied mine july 2022 and upload button disappeared on 26 may 2022.


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[sg_xpt]

Hi everyone, my PR application has been approved.

However, I'd like to seek advise on when to complete the formalities.

1. My last day with current company is 7 July 2023 (Friday).

2. My first day with new company is 10 July 2023 (Monday).

My IPA is dated 8 June 2023 and is valid for two months.

Would it be possible or advisable to complete the PR formalities before the conclusion of my current employment or wait until I start work with new company and submit a new Annex A form when completing the formalities?

Thank you.

[Ignorant1]

Hi everyone, my PR application has been approved.

However, I'd like to seek advise on when to complete the formalities.

1. My last day with current company is 7 July 2023 (Friday).

2. My first day with new company is 10 July 2023 (Monday).

My IPA is dated 8 June 2023 and is valid for two months.

Would it be possible or advisable to complete the PR formalities before the conclusion of my current employment or wait until I start work with new company and submit a new Annex A form when completing the formalities?

Thank you.

Congrats
Shouldn’t be a problem . You need your new employer to fill in the 152 form .
I don’t think annex a is needed now .
Better to email ica and the let them know about the changes and quote your ipa number .
Don’t worry too much about it. maybe check with your new employer if the cpf comes from existing package or you get on top

[sg_xpt]

Hi everyone, my PR application has been approved.

However, I'd like to seek advise on when to complete the formalities.

1. My last day with current company is 7 July 2023 (Friday).

2. My first day with new company is 10 July 2023 (Monday).

My IPA is dated 8 June 2023 and is valid for two months.

Would it be possible or advisable to complete the PR formalities before the conclusion of my current employment or wait until I start work with new company and submit a new Annex A form when completing the formalities?

Thank you.

Congrats
Shouldn’t be a problem . You need your new employer to fill in the 152 form .
I don’t think annex a is needed now .
Better to email ica and the let them know about the changes and quote your ipa number .
Don’t worry too much about it. maybe check with your new employer if the cpf comes from existing package or you get on top

Thanks!

Just a question though, is it possible to complete the formalities before I move to the new company?

[Ignorant1]

Yes. I did it within 12 days. Assuming your Hr is prompt with the form( took me a day to arrange) and you have other documents at hand , you can take next week appointment.

ICA will verify everything on the spot and issue you REP ( which is all you need ) . Card and call you can get in 4-5 days