Help/Advise: What Kind of Visa?

[aNt_]

Hi everyone,

I've just been looking around the various foreign office websites and I'm getting alittle confused as to what exactly is the right kind of visa I require. :$

Instead of bothering the Singapore High Commission I thought I'd come and ask a community first as generally they can be alot more helpful to "newbies".

Let me explain my situation - I'm a 24 yr old guy from England with a full British passport, who's currently employed in the UK, I've visited Singapore 5 times in the last 2 or 3 years, but never going over the standard 30 days allowance, really love the place and have made some good friends which I'd like to stay with for a longer period of time and therefore seeking an extended stay, ideally 3 to 6 months (non working) - basically to see how I get on and go from there..

Does anyone have any advice or know where I should start?

Would really appreciate anyone taking the time to reply

Cheers everyone!

[Asian_Geekette]

Try applying for the EPEC (Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate).

Check this out:
http://www.contactsingapore.org.sg/movi ... bity.shtml

According to the website above:
"With an EPEC, you will also be granted up to 12 months Social Visit Pass (SVP) to allow you sufficient time to look for a job in Singapore."


Good luck!

[aNt_]

Thanks for your reply,

Yeah the EPEC sounds like it might be the one I need, however it says you need professional qualifications, does this mean you have to have a degree?

It also mentions a "The EPEC is issued on a one-time basis and is strictly non-renewable." any idea if that means once the 12 months is up your out and you cant get another? :$

Think I'll contact some officials now I know alittle more about the different types of visas!

Thanks for your help

[Asian_Geekette]

Here's the link from the MoM:

http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal ... ility.html

Yes, once the one year is up, you can't get another. So you have to make sure that you get a job in that one year time frame.

I'm not sure how MoM defines professional qualifications. But Singapore is very degree-oriented. Unless you have very very special skills which Singapore needs, I believe you need a degree from a recognized university.

Good luck!

[aNt_]

Hmm yeah, I don't actually have a degree but I have alot of technical experience in my field.

I've been working as a web developer for almost 5 years now, I've also been made a co-director of the company I work for during that time, I guess I'll have to just wait and see. I can always go get a degree, as they didn't even do degrees in my field when I left college.