Entrepass - Processing time

StamfordBridge · Post by **StamfordBridge** » Wed, 19 Sep 2007 4:43 pm

Hello,

I would be grateful for an opinion.

I submitted an Entrepass application over 6 weeks ago. After a week, I received an acknowledgement stating that the processing would take about 3 weeks.

It has now been more than double that period and the status of the application is still 'under review'.

My business is a trading company that will be engaged in wholesale and internet retail. I have operated a similar business for 3 years back home, good academic qualifications, have already set up a Private Limited company here with a local co-director and a paid-up capital of $50,000. This was all backed up with good testimonials and a solid business plan showing a healthy financial projection.

I understand that both the MOM and SPRING need to review applications and my accountant who is highly experienced tells me that she is still confident that the outcome will be positive due to my credentials, but then I am about to enter week 7 now and God knows how much longer.. is this still normal ?

Any opinion will be appreciated... Thank you.

ukdesigner · Post by **ukdesigner** » Wed, 19 Sep 2007 5:29 pm

application times vary. I believe that a panel will look at your application and I suppose if they have had an influx of entrepass applications and so on it might take a little longer than normal.

Are you actually in Singapore or are you still in your home country? If you are here you might want to pop down to MOM and 'politely' ask for an update. Sorry to put that in commas but some people can be quite rude and forget that they need them to get their pass.

I put an application in a few months ago and it didn't take that long. They might be seeking advice from an external source (I don't know if they actually do that or not) or maybe they don't understand something and have put it to one side for the moment. I would suggest either arranging an appointment or ringing them up.

Post by **Strong Eagle** » Wed, 19 Sep 2007 7:16 pm

What UKDesigner said... it is good if you can pay them a visit. Or, in the alternative, you could review your submission and send additional supporting documentation... might move them off dead center.

I presume you have read this thread about the Entrepass application?

Cheers.

http://singaporeexpats.com/forum/ftopic38927.html

StamfordBridge · Post by **StamfordBridge** » Wed, 19 Sep 2007 7:20 pm

Thanks ukdesigner.

As you said, I could never be sure of the reason. It could be anything.

I'm actually in Singapore and pop down to the MOM every couple of weeks to extend my Social Pass while I'm waiting for the outcome. I ask the officers there every time if they have any details but they don't seem to know anything other than what the computer tells them.

Perhaps best is just to wait.

You did very well with yours, though. Only a week ! Hope you're doing good business already.

Thanks again.

ukdesigner · Post by **ukdesigner** » Wed, 19 Sep 2007 7:28 pm

I would suggest actually ringing them to arrange a direct meeting 1 to 1. As you'll find out here people who service the desk etc don't want to take any responsibility in case they are wrong. Therefore if you actually arrange a meeting to discuss the current situation with your case you'll at least walk away with a conclusive answer.

Hopefully you have an extra copy of your business plan etc. I would take that with you just in case. Be prepared for anything and everything. It might be something so stupid (which it is in most cases) that they don't understand which can be rectified by a personal visit and a 1-2-1 chat.

I haven't gone after business here yet, and am lucky enough to have clients back in the UK. Watch this space though. I'm gong to be gong all out soon for local business but need to sort out brochures, literature and all that kind of stuff. AND when it comes to doing my own work I'm 10 times more critical than when I do a clients!!!

Good luck and keep us posted!

StamfordBridge · Post by **StamfordBridge** » Wed, 19 Sep 2007 7:31 pm

Thanks Strong Eagle.

Yes, your notes were invaluable when I was preparing for the application.

Perhaps I'll try to look beyond the ordinary officers at the MOM this time in case I can get more info.

Cheers.

StamfordBridge · Post by **StamfordBridge** » Mon, 01 Oct 2007 8:57 pm

Well, I gave the advice of the posters here a try.

Trying to arrange a meeting or getting further info from the MOM did not work. They took my phone number and told me the officer in charge would get in touch with me but I never heard from them.

I reviewed my application and decided to submit some more supporting documents.

4 days later which was the end of the 7th week, the MOM replied finally replied and the application was approved.

Perhaps I was a bit too impatient. I guess a lot more happens in the background sometimes than we can tell.

Special thanks to both UKDesigner (whose confidence I admire) and knowledgeable Strong Eagle. Time to get cracking with work now.

Cheers.

Post by **Strong Eagle** » Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:09 pm

StamfordBridge wrote:Well, I gave the advice of the posters here a try.

Trying to arrange a meeting or getting further info from the MOM did not work. They took my phone number and told me the officer in charge would get in touch with me but I never heard from them.

I reviewed my application and decided to submit some more supporting documents.

4 days later which was the end of the 7th week, the MOM replied finally replied and the application was approved.

Perhaps I was a bit too impatient. I guess a lot more happens in the background sometimes than we can tell.

Special thanks to both UKDesigner (whose confidence I admire) and knowledgeable Strong Eagle. Time to get cracking with work now.

Cheers.

Congrats to you, and best of luck in your new venture.

rockar · Post by **rockar** » Thu, 13 Dec 2007 3:26 am

How long will it take for the approval? what is the minimum and maximum?

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